Property company goes virtual

Centrick unlocks virtual viewings to tackle COVID-19.

In light of Coronavirus grinding every-day proceedings to a halt, industries across the board are changing the ways that they operate. Accommodating new practices to run ‘business as usual’ in unusual times, the region’s leading property specialist, Centrick, is launching virtual platforms to help both buyers and sellers that may be self-isolating to carry out viewings.

Known for doing things differently, Centrick prides itself on pioneering practices in the property industry. When it launched its innovative new hub of its core centralised services earlier this year, the company pledged to integrate the newest technological and digital initiatives into its offering.

Now, the property experts are helping to keep its customers safe by establishing its ‘Virtual Viewing’ capabilities. Debuting these at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has seen governments push for social distancing and self-isolation, Centrick’s latest move will cover all the properties on its portfolio – including both those to rent and to buy.

James Ackrill, Chairman at Centrick, thinks we all need to do what we can to help and is proud of the company’s innovative response to the COVID-19 crisis. He said: “This new way of working signals a huge shift for the property sector. We know there are people out there who desperately need to find a new home for a variety of circumstances in a time when ‘business as usual’ simply does not exist. We’ve developed this model to help those people.

“And, while Coronavirus has forced our hand in implementing these Virtual Viewings, this has been in talks for a while and we’re proud to be able to bring it to all our clients. Not only is this a fantastic way of keeping the property industry operating at a time when social distancing is being enforced; it also offers huge opportunities in the future for those who might be buying from abroad or struggling to make viewings work around their schedule, not to mention customers with additional accessibility needs. We may even find that our Virtual Viewings will prove popular far beyond the pandemic.”

These comprehensive video walkthrough tours will be hosted on Centrick’s website and major property portals; however, prospective tenants and buyers will be able to opt for a bespoke live video viewings, which will be hosted by one of Centrick’s team. They will guide viewers virtually through the property, using Whatsapp or FaceTime, answering any questions in real-time that they might have.

“This is an uncertain time for all industries and with no indication of how long the circumstances will last, it is easy to feel hopeless. However, the team at Centrick has been unstoppable, striving to find new and creative ways to make the best of a bad situation. We will everything we possibly can to reassure our customers and give them practical solutions to property needs throughout this national emergency,” concluded James.

To find out more about Centrick’s Virtual Viewings and see some for yourself, visit centrick.co.uk.