Purplebricks benefits from home buyers embracing virtual viewings

A move to start offering 3D virtual tours of properties to would-be buyers during the pandemic, has paid off for online estate agent Purplebricks.

The firm is among estate agents that were hit at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown when the housing market effectively closed, with physical viewings off the cards and people urged to avoid moving where possible.

Purplebricks chief executive Vic Darvey said the company started offering virtual viewings for customers, as well as conducting home valuations via video.

That meant it could still work with customers during the lockdown, and the services look popular as a number of travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines are still in place.

Purplebricks has experienced busy trading since lockdown restrictions eased for the housing market in May, and after a stamp duty holiday was announced in July.