The growing importance of virtual tours for properties to let and for sale during the pandemic shows little sign of easing, despite the relaxation of Covid restrictions.

That’s the verdict from a survey of some 1,000 people seeking homes to rent or buy, commissioned by software advice consultancy Capterra.

It says 47 per cent of property seekers have completed a digital property tour prior to buying or renting a home – with some 19 per cent apparently actually committing to their chosen property on the basis of the virtual tour alone. 

The survey, covering other PropTech elements of the industry, revealed that some 75 per cent or more of home hunters start their search on the major portals, with only eight per cent primarily using an agent’s website, and seven per cent preferring a physical visit to a branch.

Perhaps surprisingly, just four per cent felt social media was the inspiration for their viewing of a property or visit to an agent.

“We have seen a shift in purchase behaviour during the pandemic as consumers have adapted to post-pandemic lifestyle changes,” says Sukanya Awasthi, content analyst at Capterra.

“We also found that house hunters are now embracing technology such as virtual tours for reasons of convenience. Sixty eight per cent of respondents said one of the main benefits of virtual tours is that it allows them to view a house at any time.

“As PropTech innovations evolve, we can expect them to continue to play an important role in the home buying and renting processes.”