47% Increase in Property Search Queries on Mobile Devices.

September 30, 2015

Recent research by Google has revealed that the number of property search queries being performed on mobile devices increased by 47% in the first quarter of 2015, reports Dorset-based digital marketing agency Bespoke 4 Business.

And with 33% of Britons opting for smartphones as the device of choice in 2014, ahead of 30% who preferred laptops*, never has it been more crucial for businesses to ensure their websites are fit for purpose.

“As the property market becomes more competitive, people are relying on their smartphones and tablet devices to stay one step ahead of their rival house hunters” remarked Bespoke 4 Business Director Anthony Tilley.

“Buyers are using their mobile devices to search for new property listings, find directions, research an area, call or e-mail an agent directly, or view photos and plans so it’s vital that property agents have a website that is fully mobile responsive so it displays and functions correctly whether on mobile, tablet or PC”.

Google research has also revealed that potential buyers are using their mobile to work out their financial position. Last year, twenty five percent of Google searches for mortgages were on mobile devices and terms such as “mortgage calculator” made up half of those searches.

Video has also emerged as a key opportunity for estate agents to increase their web traffic, with one in five future home buyers indicating they’d use a mobile device to watch a virtual tour of a property so they can get a room-by-room view (Google Consumer Survey, April 2014).

“Clearly, the place to reach home buyers is on mobile so having a mobile-friendly web presence combined with the latest functionality and an easy-to-use content management system so the site can be updated regularly, will help agents capture the maximum available online traffic and increase their levels of instructions and sales”.

* Ofcom

Alex Evans

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

How Technology is Changing the Prime Property Viewing Experience

The world of luxury real estate has always been about delivering a premium, personal experience. But in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, even the most traditional sectors are being reshaped by technology—and prime property viewings are no exception. From augmented reality to AI-driven virtual tours, the way buyers interact with high-end properties has changed dramatically.…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Average two-year fixed mortgage rate for 60% LTV now cheaper than five-year rate

The average two-year fixed mortgage rate for those with a 40% deposit (60% LTV) is now cheaper than the average five-year fixed equivalent, the first time this has happened since the mini-Budget The average two-year fixed, 60% LTV mortgage rate is now 4.18%, while the five-year equivalent is 4.19% The gap between average two-year fixed…
Read More →
Overseas Property

How UK Property Investors Can Manage Exchange Rate Risk When Buying Off-Plan Overseas

Off-plan purchases are especially common in developing overseas property markets with a high proportion of international investors. In these less mature markets, a significant share of stock is sold directly by developers, making off-plan transactions a natural sales model. These opportunities appeal to international buyers because they typically require less upfront cash due to extended…
Read More →
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – March 2025

London rental market gains momentum as new rental listings surge, Foxtons data shows   March saw a 14% increase in new rental listings across London compared to February Applicant registrations rose by 11% month-on-month in March. Year on year, demand was stable, tracking just 2% below March 2024 levels The average rent in March stood…
Read More →
Breaking News

UK’s mid-market firms show improved business growth in March but economic uncertainty continues

Key findings: NatWest’s Mid-market Growth Tracker shows improved business growth in March, led by a strong service sector performance SMEs register a softer decline in output levels during March Market conditions remain challenging and we could see continued challenges in the coming months   Mid-market businesses continued to outperform the wider UK economy in March,…
Read More →
Breaking News

ONS Private rent and house prices UK – April 2025

The Price Index of Private Rents (PIPR) measures private rent inflation for new and existing tenancies. The UK House Price Index measures house price inflation. Main Headlines Average UK monthly private rents increased by 7.7%, to £1,332, in the 12 months to March 2025 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 8.1% in…
Read More →