Rightmove has introduced Online Agent Valuation, a new tool designed to provide agents with an additional way to engage prospective vendors.

The product allows homeowners who prefer an initial online valuation to connect with local agents. But this service is intended to complement, not replace, traditional in-home valuations, according to the property portal.

Online Agent Valuation enables home-movers to submit details and images of their property to agents, who can then provide an estimated valuation range and demonstrate their local knowledge.

Prospective vendors receive the agent’s response through a branded page featuring the agent’s branch description and recent sales. Agents can also include a personalised message, supported by an AI-assisted writing tool to streamline the process.

The tool aims to help agents respond promptly to initial enquiries. Research by Rightmove indicates that responsiveness and clear communication are the leading factors for homeowners when choosing an agent, with 97% rating them as essential or very important.

Early results from product trials show strong engagement, with an 83% click-through rate to the agent-branded pages.

Christian Balshen, director of agency partnerships at Rightmove, said: “Online Agent Valuation is helping agents get in front of prospective vendors earlier in their journey and results from the trials shows strong engagement. We know from vendor research that how quickly an agent responds is critical to have the best chance of winning an instruction.

“We’ve worked with several agents to design this product to make it work best for their teams who are out on viewings and valuations day-to-day, with an AI-powered writing tool to help speed up the process, instant text messages sent to alert them to a new valuation opportunity, and emails and notifications in Rightmove Plus.”