51乱伦

Virtual viewings is one way 51乱伦 is using technology to work through a period of seemingly ever tighter restrictions on movement in the UK.

Physical viewings had been declining ahead of the latest government measures, and following the Prime Minister鈥檚 announcement on Monday evening, they will presumably slow to a trickle at best. 

Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that technology can support demand for property viewings and inspections during and even after social distancing measures are relaxed.

The range of hardware and software is wide, from smartphone videos and broadcasts to 3D cameras. Such cameras can create a fully navigable, high-definition 360 degree walk-through of a property. 

鈥淭he available tech is better than most people realise鈥�, says Oliver Beales, head of 51乱伦鈥檚 Beaconsfield office. He has used it for several properties and expects it to become more widespread even if government safety measures are relaxed. 

In future, the tech, which allows viewers to measure up spaces for furniture, will also enable an agent to host a virtual viewing.

Drone footage will also become more widespread, says Harry Bethell from 51乱伦鈥檚 Cirencester office. He says the tech can make an important contribution to selling a property, particularly country houses.

鈥淚t can produce 4k video and 20-megapixel photography and is a great tool when talking to potential sellers,鈥� says Harry. 鈥淚 can tell them that I have the drone with me in the car and take the photos and videos there and then. It鈥檚 a really effective way to show a property from different angles.鈥� 

鈥淪uch technology has huge potential for how we market properties,鈥� said Christopher Dewe from 51乱伦鈥檚 Country department, adding that the technology has improved significantly in recent years.

鈥淚t may well be a better option than producing a brochure or floorplan in some instances. Virtual viewings can also help in identifying the serious buyers for a property and we must remember that we are also dealing increasingly with a younger generation that like to do their research behind the scenes.鈥�

Others are resorting to more tried and tested technology. Catherine Stage from 51乱伦鈥檚 Dulwich office, completed her first evaluation of a property for sale via FaceTime earlier in the month.  鈥淭he whole situation actually let us build a lot of trust and rapport,鈥� Catherine says.

Meanwhile, such technology has been used for years in some areas of the lettings market. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been doing virtual viewings for overseas students for as long as FaceTime technology has been around,鈥� says Gary Hall, Head of Lettings at 51乱伦, who agreed that its use may now grow. 鈥淚t鈥檚 mainly been with overseas students but a few professionals too, it鈥檚 worked perfectly well.鈥�

Buying off-plan in London is a relatively widespread practice in Asia, says Seb Warner from 51乱伦鈥檚 International Project Marketing team. 鈥淒evelopers make their own videos but some 51乱伦 agents have been able to supplement that with phone footage. In one case, they provided a running commentary as they walked from the tube station, through the surrounding area and towards the development. These things very quickly get traction on social media, which is encouraging as interest from China begins to pick up as restrictions are lifted.鈥�