Advice

Your Rightmove Addiction: Explained

In the competitive landscape of Cardiff's real estate market, major online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla have become invaluable tools for estate agents and homebuyers alike. According to Zoopla, its website and app receive 1,860 property views every minute, while Rightmove boasts nearly 10,000 properties being viewed each minute. These staggering statistics, highlighted during interviews conducted by BBC business reporters, underscore how these platforms attract serious buyers, curious browsers and potential sellers in Cardiff and beyond.

Recently, Rightmove made headlines by rejecting a fourth takeover bid from Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, valuing the portal at £6.2 billion. This decision indicates the platform’s potential for growth, primarily due to the extensive data it collects on property trends and user behaviour, making it a crucial asset for estate agents in Cardiff.

A Habit of Browsing

Interestingly, property websites recognise that many users are not actively looking to move. Many individuals enjoy browsing homes simply for the fun of it. For example, Katie, a former interior designer interviewed by BBC reporters, treats property browsing as a hobby. She loves checking how quickly homes sell and maintains a list of her favourite character properties, particularly unique Georgian homes. Although she and her partner aren't in a rush to leave their rented accommodation, the thrill of browsing remains strong.

“It’s not just about moving; I love scrolling through properties!” Katie shares, revealing the joy of exploration in the housing market.

Dreaming of What Could Be

For others, like Sam Kennedy Christian from Kent, property browsing serves as a form of escapism. Using Zoopla to scroll through dream homes on the Isle of Man, where she grew up, Sam enjoys visualising what life could be like if she could afford her dream property. Like many, her browsing routine is part of her downtime—whether before bed or while waiting for her child to sleep. Even without immediate plans to move, staying informed about the local market keeps her inspired.

"I especially love looking at floorplans," Sam says, as they help her imagine how she would use the space in her future home, enhancing the sense of possibility.

The Psychology Behind It

Louisa Dunbar, founder of research agency OrangeGrove, explained to BBC reporters that browsing property websites engages the brain’s reward systems, offering pleasure similar to daydreaming about an ideal life. High-quality photographs help users picture themselves in potential new homes, while listing badges like “Just added” trigger a fear of missing out. These psychological factors ensure that users remain engaged with property portals, regardless of their actual intention to buy or sell.

This behaviour isn't solely about the home itself; it’s an opportunity to envision a different—and often better—life.

The Future Looks Bright

Both Rightmove and Zoopla remain optimistic about the future of the housing market, especially as mortgage rates begin to stabilise. Zoopla recently reported a growing number of homes listed for sale on its platform, indicating a resurgence of confidence in property transactions.

Whether you're a casual browser dreaming of a new home, a homeowner tracking local property values, or a serious buyer, these platforms are here to stay, catering to everyone in the Cardiff real estate landscape.

At Hern & Crabtree, we understand the significant role that property portals play in today's Cardiff housing market. Whether you're casually browsing or seriously searching for your next home, our expert team can help you navigate the options and find the perfect property. Get in touch with us today to explore the local market and see how we can assist you on your property journey!


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