Rightmove Introduces Online Booking for Rental Viewings

Rightmove has introduced a tool for its lettings agent customers which lets prospective renters book property viewings via the portal. The new tool named ‘Viewings Manager’ has already undergone testing with select agents and is now available to all Rightmove’s rental customers as part of their membership.

Designed to eliminate no-shows and timewasters, the new Rightmove functionality gives users suggested viewing slots and asks them to fill in a simple affordability questionnaire that works through tech company Van Mildert which Rightmove purchased last year. The agent then confirms the time with the user via the platform with Rightmove sending reminders to the user before the scheduled viewing. The user can cancel the appointment at the click of a button rather than having to call the lettings agent.

There are currently around 200 agencies using the tool with one reporting a 50% reductions in no-show viewers. Elsewhere, comments on LinkedIn and below the line on estate agent press in the UK have been less complimentary citing what they see as Rightmove’s desire to move in on agents’ turf.