Property listings - Ensure you're not missing any information

Having complete property listings is incredibly important as it's the first point of call for potential buyers to see the property, whilst also showing your vendor that you have worked hard to showcase their property in the best possible light.

This article includes: 

• What to include in your listings & why
• Additional information you now have to include

What to include in your listings and why

Having a detailed listing including as much information as possible is incredibly important, as it’s the first opportunity for a potential buyer or tenant to see the property. It also shows your vendor or landlord that you’re working hard to showcase their property in the best possible light.

Here are some key points to follow:

• Complete all the details that serious property seekers look for:
  
  
  • The Property type: If you haven’t selected a Property type, your listing won’t show in the Zoopla search results when a property seeker searches for specific property types. 7% of all properties don’t always show in the search results for this reason right now, so make sure your property is always seen. This small change could make a big difference
    
    
  • Make sure you include the number of rooms: It’s important to list how many Bedrooms, Bathrooms and reception rooms (Receptions) there are so that property seekers quickly know if the property will be suitable for them or not; we know from consumer research that this information is preferred at a glance instead of needing to read wordy descriptions
    
    
  • Focus on the key details in the Full description: Our consumer research shows that property seekers focus on key features, key words and visual content over written descriptions. Include a Full description but try to limit it to the important content that customers will need, you could even bullet point key pieces of information to help it stand out. Having a description helps you target serious applicants and get hotter leads as the enquiries you receive will be from applicants who know the full information about the property and still want to view it
    
    
• Help property seekers picture themselves in the property:
  
  
  • Include high quality and accurate photos showing a variety of rooms: Our research shows that listings with professional photos on average sell 24 days faster and achieve 2% closer to asking price on average. Make sure your photographs are clear, clutter-free and a good representation of the property in its current condition
    
    
  • Professional photos are still important for lettings: Having professional photos can help letting agents check in around 31% more properties on average, and it can help drive sole agency and fully managed properties as the professional marketing can attract high quality landlords and their business
    
    
  • The more photos the better: Throughout 2022, sales listings with 15+ photos had a 38% higher search click rate than those with just 5 photos. For lettings listings, 6-10 photos was the sweet spot for high search clicks. That said, always take into account that property seekers will be happy to see fewer images on smaller properties, while they'll want far more for a larger home
    
    
  • Include a floorplan: Measuring listing performance on site throughout 2022 showed us that sales listings with a floorplan received a 9% higher search click rate than those without, and lettings listings with a floorplan received a 4% higher search click rate than those without. Make sure you include a floorplan that’s accurate and also matches your description - this will help you get leads from serious applicants rather than those just enquiring for a floorplan, and not a viewing
    
    
• Support property seekers with the data they need to work out costs:
  
  
  • Ensure you include an EPC: Not only is this a legal requirement, but having the data readily available to applicants can save time. For some applicants, a low or high EPC rating can be a deciding factor
    
    
  • Freehold or leasehold: Add whether the property is freehold or leasehold and any relevant charges to ensure that no important information is missed
    
    
  • Lettings details: If your property is a lettings listing, ensure you have included key information such as when the property will be available, whether your landlord is likely to accept pets, or whether the property may be unsuitable

Additional information you now have to include

From 31 May 2022, all estate agent websites and property portals need to start including Part A ‘material information’ on their UK residential property listings and from 30 November 2023, information pertaining to Parts B and C should also be included.

These changes are in line with new guidance set by National Trading Standards, who want to increase clarity for consumers on the properties they’re looking to buy or rent.

The list below shows the information that needs to be provided where applicable to comply with the guidelines. 

(Full information on each stage is available here)

For more information on National Trading Standards - Updating property listings, click here

Related articles:

The Upload my Listings section of the Help Centre

Best practice for listings

The importance of complete property listings

The importance of using floorplans