Virtual Viewings: The new world of home viewings

Since the overseas housing market reopened after the first lockdown last year, the appetite to move has been remarkable. This is due in no small part to people reassessing investment/ housing priorities as a result of Covid-19, as well as the current stamp duty holiday. As we enter a new year and a new lockdown, demand remains strong, the overseas investment market remains open and once again virtual viewings, giving buyers an important head start in their search for the next home investment. Our experience has shown that virtual viewing can work very well, generating offers and sales, and there’s no doubt it’s here to stay as an essential house-hunting tool as non-essential travel is restricted.

How does a virtual viewing work?

There are various ways to view a property virtually. It could be via a Matterport virtual tour based on a floorplan which allows for a 3D visualisation of the space. Or it might simply be a matter of watching a short video taken before lockdown. We’ve found the best way to attract buyer interest is by providing a live video conference call. Set up by the agent using a tool such as WhatsApp, Facetime or Zoom, this enables the seller to take the buyer on a bespoke, real-time video tour of their home while the agent directs the action, pointing out all the key features and answering any questions along the way. This can be really engaging and enjoyable, and a practice run-through with your agent can help banish any pre-filming nerves. Failing that, the seller can take a short video clip and email it to their agent who will pass it on to interested buyers and talk them through what they are seeing. This lacks the interactive nature and immediacy of a live viewing, but can still be helpful.