At Fraser Reeves, we have seen many changes in the property market. The past year and a half has been particularly trying in all aspects of life, and the way homes are bought and sold has changed considerably.

This can be seen in the impact on physical property viewings.

Many buyers are hesitant about visiting homes and of course, homeowners are wary about allowing people into their property. This has led to physical viewings dropping while online viewings take on greater importance.

This is something we have seen with our clients, and it is also seen across the country.

Have you struggled to arrange a property viewing?

U-See Homes asked buyers about failing to arrange a viewing before the home was sold, and these are the findings:

• 51% of buyers said they experienced homes being sold before they made it to the viewing stage

• 33% of respondents said this happened with at least one quarter of their scheduled viewing

• 9% said they couldn’t view the property for around a quarter and half of their scheduled appointments

• 9% said they couldn’t view the property on at least half of their scheduled appointments

Properties are selling at a fast rate

U-See Homes also asked buyers if they saw a property once but then didn’t manage to arrange a second viewing because the house was sold. These were the findings:

• 38% of buyers said this was the case

• 15% of respondents said it happened at least a quarter of the time before they arranged a second viewing

• 48% of UK buyers said they would be happy to submit an offer after an initial viewing in person with a second viewing conducted virtually

• 36% said a virtual tour would have helped them avoid unnecessary viewings

• 16% of respondents said they would submit an offer on a property liked after a virtual viewing, and without having seen it in person

Simon Dempsey, head of marketing for U-See Homes, commented: “Homes are selling like hotcakes in the current market and if you’re lucky enough to reach the offers stage, the chances are you’ll have some tough competition from a number of other eager buyers. For over half of homebuyers, the initial task of getting a foot in the door is proving too large an obstacle and many are finding the properties they have scheduled to view are flying off the shelf before they’ve even had a chance to view them.”

Simon continued by saying; “Virtual viewings can be a vital resource in overcoming this current property market pitfall, allowing you to get a very good idea of a home before viewing, or as a follow up to an initial viewing to reconfirm your feelings. Doing so allows you to at least remove the need for an unnecessary additional viewing in person and if you do want to make an offer, it can mean getting in ahead of the rest.”

Simon concluded by saying; “Of course, while virtual viewings can streamline the process, you need to make it to that all-important physical viewing first which is also proving a tough ask. That said, 16% of buyers would be prepared to submit an offer without seeing the home in person first - and even we’re a little surprised by that.”

As local agents in Newton-le-Willows, we are keen to support vendors, buyers and landlords in the area as best we can. We offer an extensive range of services, aimed at helping you make your next move with confidence.

If you would like to arrange a property valuation, or discuss your property options, please call Fraser Reeves on 01925 222555.