A new survey has confirmed that the large majority of people who visit property websites have absolutely no intention of buying.
An average of 63% Britons admit they are simply window shopping, with the proportion being 74% in Sheffield, 72% in London and 70% in Newcastle.
The study uncovered 2.6m self-confessed property addicts who browse at least once a day.
Snooping is also a motive for going online, with 38% wanting to check the price someone else has paid for their home.
Other motives include: checking on local prices; researching areas to live; interior design inspiration; and checking the value of their own home.
The research was done by insurer Direct Line.
Its head of home insurance, Katie Lomas, said: “Property sites are a source of information and inspiration and browsing these sites has become something of a past-time for millions of people.
“The flip side of this trend is that those who list on these sites exhibit their homes and belongings to millions of strangers every day.”
She said that estate agents should be careful about pictures of properties online.
In particular, they should avoid images showing expensive possessions or personal information.
She also warned that any home owner selling a property that would be advertised online should have fully comprehensive home insurance.
Comments (4)
In other news bears go to the toilet in the woods.
My wife buys the local paper and always looks at the property for sale. Sometimes she tells me one of our neighbours is selling up.
We’re not moving but my wife has an excellent idea of how much our house is worth based on looking at the local paper.
I like the local paper cos I can use it for the log burner.
Difference?
Well you cant burn computers in your log burner, can you ?
Rightmove did research which showed that 58% of their visitors are ‘dreamers’ – ie they are looking at what they might want to buy, but not now.
However, the article has it wrong. Everybody is a buyer or seller. It’s just a matter of timing. That’s why it is good to have listings and brand awareness on the portals.
Well it would certainly be a better HIP than the original!