PropTech goes mainstream as Which? backs technology to sell homes

In a sign of how technology has become a mainstream part of the house sales process. the consumer group Which? has started giving advice to the public on how PropTech can help them sell their home.

In a blog on the group’s website, Which? says the recent changes in regulations for Open Banking are to some extent being mirrored in estate agency with the increased use of a range of technology advances.

“The good news is that this tech is cheap so it can be used for any property, not just millionaires’ mansions. Ask your estate agent if you think it could help” urges Which?

It cites the ability to ‘virtually dress’ photographs of properties on sale through services like that offered by Doctor Photo, by showcasing a home’s potential through the adding of furniture or, conversely, the decluttering of a room that actually has clutter in it - so long as such photographic sleight of hand remains within legal boundaries on accuracy.

Which? also mentions last year’s sale of a home after its vendor hosted a Facebook Live viewing; the group also credits Haart for using a system called Flink to create Facebook, Instagram and Twitter adverts that change who they’re targeting in real time based on how (and whether) users interact with the ads. 

Drone footage is also suggested for sellers, and says this is becoming increasingly affordable for ‘ordinary’ sellers and not just those at the high end. 

There is also praise for virtual tour platforms like EyeSpy360. “Offering a virtual tour can help ensure you only get serious potential buyers through your door. Using a VR headset or exploring interactive video footage on their screen, a buyer can peek into every corner of your house, getting a far more accurate idea of flow and proportion than they would through photos alone” suggests Which?

The consumer body’s blog also canters through the use of Bitcoin and mentions the ViewMyChain platform which enables sellers and buyers to view what’s happening at each stage of your property chain. 

The blog also quotes Estate Agent Today contributor James Dearsley, who runs PropTechConsult, saying: “Artificial intelligence will interpret what it knows about you and show you properties that suit your requirements. It will know where you live, and perhaps what you like about the property, and suggest similar areas that fit with your current situation.”

You can read the blog here.