Most estate agents focus on showcasing properties and listing details on their websites. In actual fact, few go the extra mile to create a user-friendly experience that can truly set them apart. Nowadays, buyers and sellers typically turn to online platforms in the first instance. So, optimising your website’s user experience (UX) can contribute enormously to the success of your estate agency. To help, here are 10 innovative website UX design tips that will give your estate agency’s web design an edge.
Related Read: 5 Estate Agent Websites That Have Amazing Designs
UX, or user experience, refers to every aspect of a potential buyer or seller’s interaction with your estate agency’s website. In estate agent web design, a strong UX ensures that the visitor’s journey is seamless, engaging and aligned with your agency’s identity and specialisms.
Websites for estate agents should be functional, easy to navigate and provide a meaningful, engaging experience that smoothly guides the user. This should be evident in every stage of your user’s website visit: from browsing properties to booking viewings to contacting your team.
By implementing AI-driven personalisation, you could offer customised property recommendations based on your user’s browsing history, search filters or preferences. Tailored suggestions will keep visitors engaged and help them discover their ideal homes faster!
Static images and even videos can’t always convey the feeling of walking through a property. Offering 3D virtual tours – or even VR-compatible experiences! – allows potential buyers to explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of their own home. This immersive approach not only saves time but can also excite prospects more than traditional visuals.
Most estate agency websites include basic filters like price, size and location. However, you could take it further by incorporating smart filters based on lifestyle or non-traditional metrics. For example, adding filters like “pet-friendly,” “best for remote workers,” on your rentals or things like “annexe included” on your sell lists. This makes it easier for buyers to find homes that align with their unique preferences.
Properties are often sold based on the lifestyle a neighbourhood and community offers, not just square footage. Create an interactive local map or guide that allows potential buyers to explore schools, amenities, parks, restaurants and even commute times to the nearest city. Give them a holistic view of the community they might soon call home.
No one particularly likes filling out forms to schedule a property viewing. Depending on your agreement with the seller (if the property is particularly high-end, you may need proof of funds before securing a viewing), you could simplify the process by integrating a one-click appointment scheduler. Sync it with your availability calendar and let users pick a convenient time without back-and-forth communication. Streamlining this process could drastically improve lead conversions.
Most estate agency websites feature basic mortgage calculators that are functional, but arguably dull. Why not turn yours into a visually engaging tool? Incorporate sliders for budget adjustments, comparison graphs, or interactive scenarios that help users understand their mortgage options visually. A more dynamic experience keeps users engaged as well as helping them make informed financial decisions.
Instead of generic descriptions, use storytelling to paint a picture of what living in the home might feel like. Highlight emotional benefits like “watch the sunrise from your private balcony” or “enjoy weekend brunches in your sun-soaked kitchen.” A storytelling approach engages users on a deeper emotional level and can make your listings stand out from the competition.
Augmented Reality (AR) could be the perfect for showcasing what an empty property would look like with different types of furnishings and layouts. Offer a feature that allows users to virtually stage rooms according to their taste. Perhaps they can swap out furniture, change wall colours or add décor elements, helping them visualise the property as their future home.
Related Read: How Augmented Reality is Transforming the Website Landscape
Sometimes, users are on the move and want to explore listings in their immediate surroundings. Why not incorporate a “Nearby Listings” feature that uses geolocation to show available properties within their vicinity? This is especially useful for buyers who may be driving through certain areas and want to see what’s on the market without conducting a traditional search.
Allow users to search in their own words with an AI-powered natural language search box. Instead of using rigid filters, users can type phrases like “family home with a garden near schools,” making the search experience more intuitive and helping them find suitable properties faster.
The housing market is evolving, and so are buyer expectations. By incorporating some of the above website UX design tips into your agency’s website, you can create a seamless, engaging and memorable experience for potential clients. At the end of the day, your website isn’t just a platform for property listings. It’s a powerful tool that can build trust, provide valuable insights and ultimately, close more sales!
It’s time to embrace more innovative ideas and creativity in your UX web design to stay ahead of the competition. And, you should let the experts help you! If you think your estate agency’s web design could do with a knowledgeable eye on its UX design, contact the KIJO team today.
Need expert guidance on your estate agency website design? Book a complimentary, 30-minute consultation with our Head of Partnerships & Co-Founder, Kirk Thompson. During your call, we’ll review your website’s current performance, discuss your goals, analyse competitor insights, and explore the potential of a WordPress-powered site. Let’s bring your vision to life—book your free consultation via the link below:
