The leading property portals are popular websites, not just for those actively looking to buy or sell, but also for a plethora of daydreamers and pragmatic planners. Whether they want to spend an hour gazing at properties they’ll never be able to afford, or whether they use the portals like Rightmove and Zoopla to get a boost of inspiration that will push them towards a realistic target, we’ve put together a few basic profiles of property portal users – where do you fit in?
The Idealist
If you frequently log onto Rightmove and immediately click ‘Sort Price: High – Low’, there’s a good chance you fall into this category. You probably like looking at celebrity homes and have perhaps been on a weekend visit to a stately home in your time – you love the idea of living in a decadent home worth millions, but you know it’s probably out of reach (barring a lottery win). There’s nothing wrong with aiming high, but be sure you don’t become hung up on that £4m Cheshire mansion that’s just been sold! There are plenty of beautiful properties in every price bracket that you can covet too.
The Realist
This seasoned property scrutiniser is probably someone who is already well on their way to owning property, or has bought a start property and is looking to upgrade. They look for properties within a certain budget and a certain area, never straying from these boundaries because of their pragmatic and realistic nature. What’s the point in searching for £1m detached properties on the borders of Derbyshire if you’re actually searching for a two-bed semi in the suburbs of Nottingham?
The Inspiration-Seeker
Perhaps you’ve already bought a property and are waiting to renovate it and move in. Perhaps you’re thinking of selling a property online and want to know what others on the market are currently doing with regards to décor and furnishings. If you’re an inspiration-seeker, you use the property portals to pick up ideas and tips on how best to turn a house into a home. You might also follow various interior design blogs and be an active member of the Pinterest world, creating mood boards of your favourite looks and ensuring that when the time comes to decorate, you’ll be armed with plenty of inspiration.
The Researcher
When it comes to property, you definitely use your head instead of your heart. You feverishly compare prices in different areas and chart trends in regions of growing popularity. You’re financially savvy and most likely searching for a worthwhile investment – and you believe the best way to do so is read spreadsheets, create reports and arm yourself with as much information on the property market as possible. Just remember – if you’re investing in property to sell on or rent out, going with your gut can be beneficial once in a while.