People spending more time on property websites

Recent research, commissioned by Rightmove, has shown that people are spending nearly an hour each month on property search websites.

The research, completed by independent online traffic auditor comScore, analysed the property sites most used by the best estate agents in the UK.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study showed that Rightmove was the most popular site, averaging unique visits of 53 minutes per user. The other three major sites, scored significantly lower though, with Findaproperty seeing an average of 21 minutes, Primelocation 16 minutes and Zoopla just four minutes.

It shows that both buyers and sellers are using the sites to research properties prior to contacting local estate agents directly. Furthermore, it shows the importance of using an agent who markets property well, and appeals to the widest audience.

Completing other research is also essential though, such as checking the independent advice that members of meetmyagent.co.uk offer. Our members provide essential guidance for those looking to sell or let, ensuring they get a quality of service which can be relied upon.

By taking a look at what people are saying, delivers far more information than property listing sites can provide. However, checking these out too is also important, and lets you see just how properties are marketed, how photos are used and how descriptions are put together.

They also offer invaluable advice as to where asking prices should be set, so that informed decisions can be made for setting your own values.

All in all, the research shows that vendors and buyers are becoming more savvy about the property market. And that can only be a good thing for the industry and the customers. However, it also shows that vendors have to work harder, and ensure they find estate agents prepared to work harder, with people becoming more and more knowledgeable about the industry.