Following our story on Friday that Rightmove was quietly rolling out virtual viewings across its mobile phone apps, the portal has revealed more details about how agents can show properties to prospective tenants and renters via all its platforms.
The portal says it decided to fast track changes to its website and mobile apps after hearing from a number of agents that they were using virtual and video tours to help generate more interest in their current listings during the Coronavirus crisis, whether through professional tours or tours on a mobile phone that agents rushed to create before the lockdown.
Rightmove’s new feature lets agents tick a box in Rightmove Plus on each of their listings that include a virtual tour or video.
This then adds a call-out ‘Online Viewing’ box both in our search results and on property details. A call out box on instant alerts will follow, the portal says.
Data feed
Agents who upload their properties through software can use Rightmove Plus to add the call-out box, which will not affect any other changes that are made through the data feed.
“At a time when physical viewings are impossible, we hope that calling out this feature on listings will help increase engagement and let agents that have this capability show their vendors and landlords that they’re being pro-active,” says Rightmove’s Agency Director David Anderson.
“Whilst it’s not going to lead to more transactions during lockdown, it could line up applicants to help kickstart physical viewings as soon as the restrictions are eased.”
If agents have a Virtual Tour or video they want to add to a property listing they can follow this guide on the Rightmove hub:
https://hub.rightmove.co.uk/how-to-share-a-virtual-tour-or-video-on-your-rightmove-listing/
Rightmove is also in the process of rolling out an update to its mobile apps to introduce virtual tours and to add further functionality for video. Read our story about it here.
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