The Big Question: Do you hold group viewings?
With 11 tenants now competing for each rental property on the market we are asking whether you hold group viewings when it comes to marketing your rental properties?
There are a number of pros; the most obvious of which is time.
Inviting all potential tenants to look at the property at the same time will save you time - as opposed to hosting individual viewings - and could minimise disruption for existing tenants if they are still living in the property.
It can also benefit potential tenants, who won’t miss out as a result of having a later viewing time than other renters.
Group viewings could also see your property rented more quickly, as tenants – knowing others are interested – could be more likely to make a quick decision.
However, there are also cons, for both parties.
While group viewings will, arguably, cause less disruption to tenants in situ than multiple viewings, they could involve hordes of applicants descending on their home all at once – which is far from ideal.
It’s also unlikely you, as the landlord, would interact with tenants as closely as you would in a one-on-one situation, which could put you at a disadvantage when making a decision as to who to let to (before formal pre-tenancy checks).
Potential tenants, knowing others are interested in the property, could also feel rushed into making a decision before properly considering whether it is the right place for them, or if they can afford it.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests some tenants have felt under pressure to offer more than the asking rent, agree to longer tenancies or pay months’ worth of rent up front to secure a property they really want, in order to beat off the competition.
What do you think?
This month we are asking you for your thoughts, opinions and experiences for our ‘Big Question’ feature in members’ magazine Property, to find out a little bit more about what you do and why.
If you are interested in contributing, please take part in our poll by clicking the button below or email our editor Sally Walmsley directly at [email protected]
To use your comments, we will need a short quote outlining your opinions or experiences and a small head and shoulders photograph for use in the magazine. The answers will be revealed in the summer edition of Property.
