We all know that most house hunters simply do not have the time, let alone the inclination, to trawl around properties and estate agents day in, day out, which is why they plump for the convenience of searching online across a wide spectrum of property listings on the main portals. 

Consequently, agents now have little alternative but to list properties on the major portals, which partly explains why new data, released today, shows that Zoopla now has more than 19,500 branches and new homes sites listed – the highest level for three years.

According to the data, over 2,400 branches have joined Zoopla since lockdown began in March last year.

Zoopla says the growth comes amid a turbocharged property market with lockdown, combined with the extended stamp duty holiday, fuelling record demand. Buyer demand on the property portal increased by almost a quarter –  24% – in the week that followed the announcement, while demand overall is now running  at 80% higher than the same period in the previous four years.

Andy Marshall, Zoopla’s chief commercial officer, commented: “As we mark just over a year in since the first lockdown began, we’re delighted that during this time over 2,400 new customers have chosen to partner with Zoopla. Our recently launched Vision sets Zoopla’s intention to be the ecosystem of choice amongst agents and we look forward to welcoming many more in the coming months.

“Our investment in improving our product offering is also paying dividends for agents, with listings that offer virtual viewings selling and letting 12% faster than those without, resulting in a 6% increase in leads. With more exciting launches coming soon, we’re looking forward to bringing the agent community with us on our journey to re-imagine the property market.”