New review site launches for properties for sale

There may be the germ of an idea here – a review site of properties for sale.

ReviewMyPad is being marketed to consumers as “What the estate agent isn’t telling you”.

Launched only this week – so there is very little on the site – the idea is that people who have actually looked round a property can leave their own views, photos and videos, for example, on traffic noise, whether ‘backing on to fields’ means it actually overlooks a solar farm, and whether the neighbours own a pack of snarling pit bull terriers.

The site claims to be the first to allow prospective home buyers to share their thoughts not only on properties but also on agents.

Obviously, this kind of thing could be very useful played with a straight bat.

But cynics might think that if a buyer felt especially competitive it could prove a good tactic to post up some thoroughly off-putting (and not particularly true) comments.  

“Terrible smell from the septic tank”, “Looks like a car-breaker’s yard in the front garden two doors up”, and “Hope it wasn’t true what the neighbour said about the murder” all spring to mind.

The site also allows neighbours and sellers to leave reviews and post photos. Hmm. A lot would depend on the neighbours – and the sellers. We are probably not talking Property Misdescriptions Act here.

The site is the brainchild of Victoria Ufondu, who says she has had frustrating experiences trying to move home, and is obviously a lot less devious than the rest of us.

She said: “As consumers, we like to read reviews on everything from films, household appliances and cars to hotels, restaurants and holiday destinations, so why not approach house-hunting in the same way?

“It is the most significant single purchase any of us are likely to make, and a huge financial commitment, so surely anything that takes away some of the mystery and makes your decision easier is a good thing.

“We’ve all read the ‘doom and gloom’ headlines about the housing market, but ReviewMyPad takes a more upbeat and positive approach to buying and selling homes, and encourages people to add their own reviews and comments, good and bad, about areas they have lived in or properties they’ve viewed, to help other buyers and vendors make up their minds.

“The site is all about promoting ‘positive property energy’ and keeping the market moving, by helping people make more informed decisions about where they want live.”

The site offers free registration, and members can leave reviews about areas, towns and properties they’ve visited and viewed, as well as agents they have dealt with.

We’re sure you’ll let us know what you think.

ReviewMyPad.co.uk