New homebuyers embrace technology as they continue their search online

We have seen many reports over recent weeks about the growing number of potential homebuyers, who are now turning to technology to enable them to continue with their search for a new home – despite the current circumstances.

In fact, not only do the latest Zoopla figures show there has been no mass withdrawal of homes from the property market as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but the portal has reportedly seen a 215% increase in virtual viewings of new-build properties on its site (as of 13th April), suggesting they are a big hit with potential buyers.

Helen Todd, Director, Stubbings Property Marketing, said: “The new build sector in particular has been embracing the various technologies available to them for some time now, with many offering virtual tours and providing an instant/live chat features on their websites as standard. Facebook pages and Instagram accounts are also becoming commonplace, allowing developers to really showcase the homes they have on offer, as well as the personality of the company.”

Helen Todd, adds: “We always encourage our clients to produce a virtual tour or a show home and/or wider development video as part of the marketing mix. For many potential customers, this is what captures their interest and brings a development to life – particularly if a scheme is initially launching off-plan. For many of our clients we also run their Facebook pages and/or Instagram accounts – providing further channels to reach out to would-be-homebuyers, while delivering a more personal and less formal interface, where customers often come to ask questions or show interest in a given scheme.

“While we are in a very unfamiliar place right now, we are still experiencing traffic to our various development websites and we continue to receive incoming calls and enquiries – showing that there is still interest out there. We would encourage all developers to make sure they have all the imagery and video content that they have available on their schemes visible and easily accessible via their website and their social channels – to ensure they capitalise on the appetite for this type of content.”

You can view all of the homes we are currently marketing for sale in the Homes for Sale section on our website. You will also find below links to the virtual tours available for our various clients’ developments.

Daedalus Village, Lee-on-the-Solent: Click here

Vanburgh Court, Slough: Click here

Hertfordshire House, St Albans: Click here

Harefield Place, Ickenham: Click here

Claybourne Gardens, Ottershaw: Click here

Marsham House, Gerrards Cross:
Development video - click here
One bedroom show apartment virtual tour - click here
Two bedroom show apartment virtual tour - click here