Virtual property viewings are increasingly helping movers find their perfect home – particularly with the current coronavirus lockdown restrictions in place.

The housing market remains open and in-person viewings are still permitted across the UK, but Government advice on home moving in England states: ‘Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever possible.’

Buyers and renters can take a peek behind a property’s front door from the comfort of their laptop, phone or tablet – whether that’s through an interactive 3D tour, a pre-recorded video or a live walk-through conducted by the vendor, or the agent if the property is empty.

 

Video viewings

Although you’re not physically in the room, there are lots of ways you can gauge a property’s condition from a video viewing. Virtual tours also offer different aspects of the property including:

 

– The age of the kitchen and bathroom  

– Visible cracks in the walls or ceiling, and signs of damp

– If the property has been recently painted as this could be covering up underlying issues

– Whether there is storage space, especially in the kitchen and bedrooms

– The view from the windows

– Condition of the windows and whether they are single or double-glazed. 

You can also glean details such as whether the décor suits your taste and the lightness of a room, though you won’t necessarily know what time of year a video was taken or what the weather was like outside.

 

3D virtual tours

The advantage of an interactive 3D tour over a video viewing is that you can get inside every room and space of the house. A 3D tour will allow you to see every aspect of the property, the good and bad. If an agent is glossing over certain rooms or missing out parts of the property there is probably a reason why, even if it is just for the aesthetics.

There are also a number of measuring tools available through most 3D tour software, so you can make a decision if that new sofa is going to fit without the hassle of further viewings.

 

Follow up with a live video viewing

If a video or 3D tour has whetted your appetite, you could follow up with the estate agent and ask for a livestream guided tour, which could be with the vendor or the agent themselves if the property is empty. That can be arranged through technology such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Zoom, for example. 

The great advantage of a live video tour is the option to ask further questions like you would in person. 

Such as what the local schools are like, local amenities and the neighbourhood. It’s also a great opportunity to ask the vendor further in-depth house questions such as what may need replacing or could be due an upgrade, ie. the boiler.

You can also direct the agent or vendor to show you different elements of the property, such as the view from a desk or from a kitchen sink, and the outside space.

 

How do virtual viewings compare to in-person viewings?

Virtual viewings shouldn’t be relied upon as a substitute for in-person viewings but have a valuable role to play in the current restrictive climate. Property-seekers should also follow government guidelines at any physical viewings, which include social distancing and wearing a mask. 

A virtual viewing can help you form a shortlist, rule a property out or give you a springboard for more research. Many movers will still want to physically view the property if they can, but stresses weighing up the risks in the current climate. We would also advise on getting a full survey before committing to a purchase.

It’s also worth checking the rules around moving home in the different parts of the UK during the Covid-19 outbreak.

To view all of our virtual tours please contact a member of our team on 020 8189 6333.