Zoopla says its new digital ‘guide’ programme has been a tremendous success and is evidence that the portal’s investment in new products is paying off for agents and consumers.

‘Zooploma’ is an advice guide for first-time buyers; some 176,000 have signed up since the initiative launched on Boxing Day. 

The Zooploma is a series of 30 emails over 10 weeks with subjects such as 21 steps to buying a home; How to save for a deposit; Leasehold and freehold explained; Things to do before applying for a mortgage; and 2020 hotspots for first-time buyers

The portal says it plans to follow the success of the first-time buyer Zooploma with other guides for prospective home buyers and tenants; the second Zooploma, set to launch in the coming weeks, will focus on the rental market. 

Zooploma guides also give well-known brands the opportunity to advertise relevant products for each specific audience, such as mortgage calculators or listings for new build homes

“First-time buyers are a significant proportion of the market, accounting for almost 40 per cent of all property transactions.

Understanding their challenges and helping to support and guide them through the process is central to our ethos. These consumers are a crucial business driver for agents and therefore a key priority here at Zoopla as we look to further support agents and drive quality leads to them” explains Adam Knight, the portal’s head of CRM.

“The success of the new Zooploma is testament to our continued innovation and investment into new products. It’s fantastic to see such high levels of demand and engagement among first-time buyers. We look forward to continuing to develop new and innovative ways to help agents and home hunters alike.”