A significant number of property viewings were still conducted virtually last month, even though estate agents have been able to resume in-person viewings since the mid-May, new figures show.
Viewing numbers in October were up 6.5% compared to September, the highest level of viewings in any single month this year, with a third of viewings conducted virtually, according to the figures published by Andrews Property Group.
David Westgate, group chief executive, Andrews Property Group, commented: “The distraction of rising Covid-19 cases, regional lockdowns and the government announcing a second lockdown, didn’t dissuade buyers last month keen to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday.
“Buyer activity remained at healthy levels in October, and with the government announcing that the property market can remain open during November, buyer levels should remain strong this month.”
The number of virtual viewings is likely to increase this month, with the country in lockdown once again, despite the fact that in-person viewings, valuations and surveys are currently able to take place in line with Covid-secure guidelines. This is partly because the government has advised that initial viewings are done virtually wherever possible.
Westgate added: “We would normally expect to see market activity slowing during November as we head into December and the Christmas break. But this year is likely to be different.
“I can’t see activity dropping noticeably when we come out of lockdown on December 2nd. If anything we could see activity pick up as focussed buyers and sellers take the small window of opportunity before Christmas to agree sales and purchases, particularly with the Brexit transition period coming to an end on 31st December.
“Buyers will also be fully aware that transactions, from an offer being accepted through to completion, are taking longer than normal and they won’t want to miss out on the stamp duty saving. The motivation to get it done will be high.
“There’s still a great deal of uncertainty ahead of us, but the housing market is resilient. And this week’s vaccine announcement by Pfizer should give buyers and sellers, who may have been sitting on the fence waiting for more positive news, the reassurance and confidence to take the next step.”
Cant see how this works tbf. Vendors will moan they have had no viewings and won’t believe the stats.
I wouldn’t take an offer from anyone who didn’t view the property to avoid cancellation rates flying up.
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Virtual viewings are working very well for agents. They are educating the sellers and landlord that they only need 1 or 2 people through their doors and showing them how this is adding. This is to complement agents as you are able to add in more properties to show and clients can build a better rapport up so you know what they are really looking for and not just taking an order over the phone.
Virtual viewings conducted with the best platform also enables you to showcase your marketing to those who are looking to move but not sure what is out there and sellers don’t want anyone who isn’t in a position to buyers through the door.
There are so many ways that a virtual viewing platform that powers all of your marketing does work. It’s not taking anything away but increasing business. The market and times have changed and demand for virtual viewing is increasing.
Its how you adapt and use it to how you can see the business grow.
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