The Positives and Pitfalls of Property Portals

Property Portals can be useful, but only when used in the right way.

Property Portals are most people’s first stop with regards to a new property search. They promise multiple agents with multiple properties. They offer a non-engaging way for you to browse some flats, check out the market and think about what, where and how you can live. For this they are great. I suggest you ‘browse’ and narrow down a list of 10 properties you like the look of, then contact the relevant agents. It is at this point you should NOT go back to using a portal . . . . and this is why:

The properties listed on a portal are usually produced from a feed between the Portal and the Agents’ websites, this means that you do not get the ‘freshest’ properties and it also means that 40%, maybe more, of the stock on the portal has gone already. Once dealing with an agent, you will get constant updates from them on currently suitable stock for you. By going back to the portal, you will see things that you like with other agents, you will call them, they will get you on a viewing, only to tell you upon arrival that flat is gone but they ‘have some similar things.’ By this point the flat you liked with your original agent will be gone!

My advice is to:
Use a portal to shortlist properties you like
Deal with these agents
View all the properties that these agents have
Take your favourite as soon as possible.

Alternatively contact Notting Hill Properties and we will deal with the WHOLE process for you.