Virtual viewings increase as movement restricted
Technology is playing an increasingly important role for estate agents while social distancing measures remain in place
3 minutes to read
Virtual viewings is one way Knight Frank 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’s 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.
See an example here.
“The available tech is better than most people realise”, says Oliver Beales, head of Knight Frank’s 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 Knight Frank’s Cirencester office. He says the tech can make an important contribution to selling a property, particularly country houses.
“It can produce 4k video and 20-megapixel photography and is a great tool when talking to potential sellers,” says Harry. “I can tell them that I have the drone with me in the car and take the photos and videos there and then. It’s a really effective way to show a property from different angles.”
See an example here.
“Such technology has huge potential for how we market properties,” said Christopher Dewe from Knight Frank’s Country department, adding that the technology has improved significantly in recent years.
“It 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.”
Others are resorting to more tried and tested technology. Catherine Stage from Knight Frank’s Dulwich office, completed her first evaluation of a property for sale via FaceTime earlier in the month. “The whole situation actually let us build a lot of trust and rapport,” Catherine says.
Meanwhile, such technology has been used for years in some areas of the lettings market. “We’ve been doing virtual viewings for overseas students for as long as FaceTime technology has been around,” says Gary Hall, Head of Lettings at Knight Frank, who agreed that its use may now grow. “It’s mainly been with overseas students but a few professionals too, it’s worked perfectly well.”
Buying off-plan in London is a relatively widespread practice in Asia, says Seb Warner from Knight Frank’s International Project Marketing team. “Developers make their own videos but some Knight Frank 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.”