New software helps agents list unsold properties on short-let sites

The short let management company Lavanda - backed by Harry Hill, former chief of Rightmove and Countrywide - has launched software which it claims allows local estate agents a chance to make money out of homes on the market and waiting to find buyers. 

The PropTech company says properties using the software - and these can include homes on the rental market awaiting long-term tenants as well as properties stuck on the sales market - will be listed on short-let platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com, HomeAway, and Expedia. 

Lavanda recently raised £1.5m in funding from investors including Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco, Kenny Bruce, co-founder of PurpleBricks, and Harry Hill.

It claims to be speaking to several players in the London market, with plans to roll out the software nationally next year. 

The full suite of Lavanda services include furnishing services for currently-unfurnished properties, tenant vetting, hotel-style housekeeping, meet and greet and concierge services. 

“Our mission is to unlock value by bridging the gap between the residential property industry and the rapidly evolving super short-term rental market. Much to the frustration of vendors, the recent slow sales market has led to swathes of prime property sitting empty. This has not only resulted in vendors suffering a significant loss of income, but not facilitating a quick sale can also damage the agent’s reputation with their client” claims Guy Westlake, Lavanda’s chief executive.