We thought that it couldn't happen again but on Saturday Borris Johnson announced that England would be entering a one month lockdown from Thursday the 5th November. But this time it's not as bad as it seems, most businesses by now have adapted to a world with Covid-19 and can still operate.
That includes the housing market and you can still search for and move house during the pandemic as long as Covid guidelines are followed. To be compliant with these guidelines initial viewings should be done virtually wherever possible.
Where possible, you should use virtual viewings before visiting properties in person in order to minimise public health risks. If any member of either the household being viewed, or the household undertaking a viewing is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should be delayed.
GOV.UK
So what is the best way to conduct a virtual tour?
Here are our top 3.
Interactive 3D scan
Good
- The buyer gets a complete view of the property.
- The buyer can view the property at any time as many times as they like.
- The user can take measurements. For example to see if current furniture or appliances will fit in their new home.
- Share it with friends and family.
Bad
- It's hard to hide areas you may not want the buyer to see. But they are going to see these in a physical viewing anyway.
Video call
Good
- You can give a personal touch and answer any questions the buyer may have there and then.
- It's not too different to a normal viewing.
Bad
- Agents have to visit the property every time to make a video call.
- Limited availability, the buyer can only watch the tour live at a convenient time.
- Can’t share it with friends and family once the call is over.
Pre-recorded video
Good
- You can be selective about the parts of the property you want to show off.
- Buyers can view the video as many time as many times as they like.
- Share it with friends and family.
Bad
- It’s not flexible, once the video is made that's it.
- May not show much more than good photographs.
Conclusion
It’s clear to us that although the different methods of tours all work, an interactive 3D scan has the most advantages and gives the buyer a more complete picture of the property they are looking to purchse.