With Covid-19 still having a significant impact on the world, the property sector, like all other sectors, has had to make changes to accommodate best practice. Whilst the UK housing market remains open, the popularity of virtual viewings, at least initially, has grown considerably.
Whilst a physical, in-person viewing is going to be necessary at some point, a virtual viewing can be very useful in the early stages and can save you a lot of wasted time. You might even uncover a hidden gem that might otherwise not have made the cut for a speculative in-person appointment to view.
There is the ‘live walkaround’ where an agent or homeowner literally walks around the home, videoing and talking as they go. This can be done easily on Zoom, What’s App, Skype or Messenger these days if you own a smartphone. The big advantage to the live viewing is that you can still ask questions whilst viewing and even ask for that extra door to be opened which on a pre-recorded viewing might not be possible.
The pre-recorded viewing might incorporate 3D video or stills, enabling you to take more time looking, in detail, at everything and anything. From a seller’s perspective, a pre-recorded or 3D viewing offers them the ability to really up the production values, improve the lighting and tidy-up the kids things, offering the property in its best light, literally. Some 3D viewings even have measuring tools which can help you decide if that wardrobe will fit in the second bedroom!
Aerial Shots & Video might be reserved for larger properties due to cost, but where they are offered, an aerial shot can be really useful for checking out the neighbourhood, local transport links and amenities. It also helps you check out the neighbour’s garden for old bicycles and unkempt lawns!
Remember to ask specific questions either during the live viewing or after your initial 3D inspection. Make notes so that you don’t forget. And remember, be specific. ‘How old is the kitchen?’ or ‘when was the boiler installed’? Require specific answers.
Finally, remember that whilst you are viewing virtually, you can always check out Google Maps and Google Earth and check similar house prices on any of the main online property websites like RightMove or Zoopla.
Data shows landlords could miss out on green mortgages due to expired energy performance certificates.
Buying a house is a big deal, and where you are planning to buy will make a difference financially. In this short blog, we look at the most affordable and most expensive areas and how much you need to be earning to buy in there.
10 days ago
Equity release is a type of mortgage that allows homeowners 55 and over to access money from their property's equity without having to leave their home. This is done by securing a loan against the house which is usually repaid by selling the property when the borrower passes away or has to move into long-term care.
11 days ago
It’s important to ask questions about the property you are interested in before taking that step to make an offer. A little probing can make all the difference between buying your dream house or something that requires a lot of work.
14 days ago
There are millions of homeowners over the age of 60 who are likely to release money from their homes to pay for their lifestyle during retirement giving those who are 'asset rich but cash poor' a way to live out their retirement the way they wish.
21 days ago
The average age of a first-time buyer in the UK is two years older than 10 years ago. This is understandable with managing the cost-of-living and challenges within the economy such as high interest rates making it difficult to get onto the property ladder.
23 days ago
Skipton Building Society launches ‘Delayed Start’ mortgage meaning first time buyers won’t be required to make repayments for the first three months.
According to a survey by Skipton, first time buyers who bought their home in the last five years found that in the first three months of living there, they were spending upwards of £30,000.
28 days ago
If you have recently moved into a property with a garden that requires a little TLC, or you’d like to get on top of your current green space, check out our tips.