Adoption of virtual tours among estate agents remains low but new data suggests they could boost sales.

Industry analysis shows just 4% of listings are being marketed with the option to have a virtual tour.

The research, looking at Rightmove and Zoopla listings on 18 May, also found that 59% of all homes listed on the market with a virtual tour have already had an offer made on them or are showing as sold subject to contract. 

The analysis by virtual tour provider Giraffe360, highlighted the parts of the country where demand is higher for this technology.

Middlesbrough is home to the highest availability of virtual tour property listings, where 21% of all listed properties were being marketed with the help of the technology. 

In Liverpool, virtual tours account for 20% of all properties, and they’re also popular in Belfast (19%), Huddersfield (19%), Leicester (18%), Manchester (17%), and Glasgow (15%). 

Virtual tours also account for 10% or more of current market listings in Swansea (14%), Edinburgh (14%), Sheffield (14%), Birmingham (12%), Northampton (10%), Newcastle (10%), and Nottingham (10%).

Mikus Opelts, chief executive of Giraffe360, said: “Virtual tours are a powerful marketing tool that bridge the gap between the limited insight available from an initial property listing and the physical viewing itself. 

“They can dramatically streamline the viewing process as potential buyers can really get a good feel of the property and if it’s right for them, before embarking on a viewing in person. 

“Hardly surprising then, that homes with a virtual viewing within their online listing are in high demand, but despite this, adoption by the property sector remains low.

“As technology has advanced, the quality, ease and affordability of implementing virtual viewings has also improved and with home sellers now expectant of the very best exposure for their home, there’s no excuse for agents not to offer these additional services as part and parcel of their proposition.”

Via @EstateAgentToday