OnTheMarket launches ‘first of its kind’ accessibility search feature

Property seekers can now search for a home through OnTheMarket based on “accessible features.”

The portal has introduced a new “accessible features” search filter to its website for properties to buy or rent.

It is believed to be a first for a portal to offer this type of search facility.

The new filter takes into account homes that have characteristics required by individuals with mobility needs such as ramp access, wide doorways, wet-rooms, wheelchair accessible parking, lift access as well as a list of several more features which will continue to be expanded.

Properties that meet these requirements now display a new accessible features icon on the search results and property details pages, making suitable properties instantly clear to searchers.

In addition to being present on listings, the icon is clickable and names the features that qualify the property as accessible when pressed.  

During the development of the new filter, OnTheMarket worked with Guy Harris, founder of AccessiblePRS, a property consultancy that specialises in accessibility in the rental sector.

Harris, who was formerly an estate agent, founded AccessiblePRS in 2020 to promote access and inclusion within the property sector.

It launched the Accessible Letting Scheme in December 2021 to support agents in understanding how to provide clear online information on accessibility features in listings.

Jason Tebb, chief executive Officer of OnTheMarket.com, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the latest additions we’ve brought to our site.

“In particular, we’re really pleased to be leading developments in the way consumers with access needs search for property. 

“Our goal to listen, innovate and deliver applies not only to our agent customers but to our consumers too, so making property searches as easy and inclusive as possible is really important to us.

“I’d also like to thank Guy for his invaluable input during the development process of our accessible features filter and this first phase of our accessibility strategy.” 

Guy Harris, founder of AccessiblePRS, added: “I’m delighted to be working with OnTheMarket, as they proactively make changes towards levelling the playing field for property searchers with accessible housing needs.

"Their first phase of access and inclusion updates is a clever use of technology as a steppingstone towards increasing focus within the industry and making the property search process more inclusive.”