Manchester-based estate and letting agency Ascend Properties claims it has secured lettings deals with clients in China, Kuwait, Canada and Ireland, using the FaceTime app to conduct viewings.

Ascend uses the Apple video call app to secure lets on properties across the UK to global clients who cannot attend viewings in person. 

Ascend says one such client is a social worker, Celeste Corrigan, who viewed a flat in Manchester from her home almost 400 miles away in Ireland. She needed to relocate for work but due to existing commitments and irregular working hours, was unable to view properties in the conventional way. 

Corrigan describes the experience as “surreal and slightly hilarious.” 

Ascend now offers FaceTime viewing as an option on the majority of properties it advertises.