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TODAY'S OTHER NEWS

Rental app reveals ‘a seismic shift in rental behaviour’

Outdoor space and bike storage are among some of the most important things that prospective renters are currently looking for when searching for a property to rent online, new research reveals. 

Data from more than 700,000 users of property rental app Movebubble shows the growing appetite for properties with a garden, with searches up 193% since mid-March, while interest in terraces has also leapt 204%. 

The video-first rental app also reports a surge in a demand for properties with bike storage - up 1,500%. 

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Aidan Rushby, CEO of Movebubble, said: “We have noticed a seismic shift in rental behaviour, with a readiness to adopt new ways of moving by using mobile and video technology.

“Since the lockdown came into effect, not only have we seen behaviour rapidly adapting to video viewings – but we can also see a pattern of desires coming to light in the search for a new home."

Movebubble launched its Home Walkthroughs feature on the app - a property video viewing function which reduces in-person contact by removing the need to view a property physically.

Since the launch of Home Walkthroughs, the online platform  has seen over 12,000 renters search the virtual video viewings platform, and following the government reopening the housing market, the video-first rental platform is tracking a day by day increase of 20% of people using Home Walkthroughs to find their next rental property.

Rushby added: “In the wake of Coronavirus, life as we know it has permanently changed and social distancing is set to become a longstanding aspect in our society. 

“As we evolve and adapt to new ways of working and living, video viewings will become the new norm, paving the way to solve many of the problems around physical viewings."

“In fact, we predict that by 2025, physical property viewings in the rental market will become a thing of the past – with all viewings taking place virtually via smartphone.

“With our Home Walkthroughs function, we are looking to empower the renter - enabling them to confidently virtually view as many properties as they’d like, all from the safety and security of their current home.

“Our app allows renters to virtually step through different rooms in the property and view a series of short 15 - 45 sec video clips that are designed to connect with the consumer and offer a fully unfiltered viewing – with zero human contact.”

Lockdown has given us plenty of time in our homes. Movebubble reveals the Top 25 property features the nation believe contribute to happiness and wellbeing

   

1

Natural Light

2

Outdoor Space (balcony/yard/garden)

3

Comfortable/cosy sofa

4

Decluttered rooms

5

Plants

6

Quality mattress

7

Large windows

8

Plenty of storage space

9

Neighbourhood

10

Large bed

11

Sunset view

12

Neighbours

13

A well designed or new kitchen

14

Art on the walls

15

A well designed or new bathroom

16

Black out blinds

17

Modern decor

18

Quality fixtures and fittings

19

Open plan living

20

A separate office space

21

Comfortable dining chairs

22

Onsite Gym

23

A large dining table

24

Patio Doors/Bifold doors

25

High ceilings

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