Virtual property viewings
Open house viewings are now permitted in Scotland. However, the Scottish Government has advised that people should still view properties virtually in the first instance if possible. You should only progress to a physical viewing if necessary and you are seriously interested in the property. Open viewings may have limits placed on the number of attendees at any one time, the selling agent will advise buyers and sellers on the recommended protocols in place.
Many of our agents offer virtual property viewings so you can view a property from the comfort of your own home initially.
What is a virtual property viewing?
A virtual property viewing allows you to view a property from the comfort of your own home. They may take different forms, including:
- 360 degree video tours of a house or flat
- A pre-recorded video of the home
- A live viewing of the property with the seller over Facetime, Zoom or another similar platform.
Please note that all ESPC agents operate differently and some may not be facilitating virtual property viewings at this time. Those that are may do so in different formats. You should contact the selling agent for the property you are interested in to find out what virtual viewing options are available.
How do I know if there are virtual viewings available for a property?
Finding out if there are virtual property viewings available for a home on ESPC is easy. Some properties are labelled with "virtual viewing" on the search results page. If you click through to the property, there may be a video or virtual viewing link available.
You can also look at the “viewing” section on the property you are interested in. The agent may have mentioned that virtual viewings are available in this section.
Even if they haven’t specifically mentioned that virtual viewings are available, you can still click the blue “register to view” button in this section. The selling agent for this property will then get in touch to discuss the options for viewing the property.
What can I do if there are no virtual viewings available for a property?
In some cases, the agent and seller won’t be able to offer virtual property viewings. However, if you click the “register to view” button for the property, the agent can instead arrange for you to view the property in person. The agent will be able to explain the new viewing process to you and answer any questions you may have about this.
You can also access the property photographs, Home Report and schedule online.
What if I would prefer to view a property in person?
In person property viewings are available. However, the agent may still ask you to view the property virtually in the first instance, in line with guidance from the Scottish Government. If you are still interested in viewing the property in person after viewing it virtually, the agent can help you arrange this and will explain the new viewing process to you.
Simply click the “register to view" button for the property and submit your contact details; the agent will then be in touch to discuss the viewing options available.
ESPC agents are here for you
ESPC and our agents are here to help during this uncertain time. Make use of our free property advice phone service or contact an ESPC agent directly with any of your property buying or selling questions.
