An agency operating across Kent says that it recently let 26 properties in one month without conducting any physical viewings.
Oakwood Homes used livestreaming platform, Gavl, to conduct all lettings viewings when it would normally carry out up to 20 viewings per property pre-pandemic.
“Gavl has transformed our lettings business – we will not be returning to the old way,” said Andrew Dickinson, managing director of Oakwood Homes.
Virtual property viewings during the latest lockdown have kept the housing market relatively active amid the Covid-19 crisis.
“Carrying out livestream viewings drastically reduces the number of physical viewings required per property and as shown by Oakwood Homes, they can eliminate the need for them altogether in many circumstances,” said Joel Smith, CEO of Gavl.
“With lockdown in England set to last until at least March 8 and some sort of social distancing rules set to remain in place for a long time, agents need an efficient and effective way of carrying out digital viewings so people can continue to move home with confidence,” Smith added.
Comments (7)
I think most have missed the point. Of course we meet tenants prior to move in and of course our due diligence is paramount. But there are new ways to do just that with technology and to not embrace this will leave many behind.
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I wouldn’t employ a letting agent that doesn’t actually physically meet future tenants. Online viewings should be used as the first point of interest but physical viewings are the best way to find the best tenants. Any reputable agent would say the same and it’s what we get paid to do for the landlord.
I agree with you and that is where they will come unstuck with the competition doing it right. Would you buy a car without first inspecting it yourself from the glossy ad? Same principle applies to where a tenant wants to live 24/7. The list is long of issues arising after the tenancy has been signed for agent, landlord and tenant when the “I didn’t know, realise or told” is thrown up after no physical visit. If you rent with no physical viewing you must be a desperate tenant and we all know what that leads to. Wide open for the agent to be litigated as you are party to a legal binding contract between parties and no manner of disclaimer will be protect you in court. A means to a temporary situation but does not absolve you from doing the job right still. Will2 is also correct, that nose is what sorts the amateurs out and is real referencing.
The saying goes “Just because you can do, doesn’t mean you should”.
Glad I read this advertisement. I will be sticking to the old ways thank you – it is so so important to meet prospective tenants as you often get a gut reaction ( a bit like th epolice with their “coppers nose”) and sense if they are likely to be decent.
Hope his PI is up to date and covered all the bases with duty of care. Letting a property is more than going through the paper process to get a Let. They are supposed to be working for the landlord. The story suggests they didn’t meet the tenants and good agents know what that can lead to.
As for never going back to the old way, really!
Nice Advert for Gavl….