Rightmove has contacted all member agents saying it has enhanced its automated online viewing feature first introduced in April.

As part of the government recommendations when re-opening the housing market, it urged the industry to maximise the use of virtual viewings.

Rightmove is now telling agents they can give vendors the opportunity to request an online viewing when they send a lead.

This option can in turn be used by the agent to send a link to a video hosted on their own website, or to have a video walkthrough using a video calling app.

A message to agents from Dave Anderson, agency and new homes director at the portal, says:

“We’ll be releasing this new feature over the next week. We’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready to use and we’ll give you a step by step guide on how to do it.

“We’re telling you in advance that this improved feature, included as part of your Rightmove membership, is coming soon so you can arrange to get new video content in whatever way you think will work best for you, your customers and the current government coronavirus guidance in your area.”

He says the initiative is part of Rightmove’s 10 point plan, released a fortnight ago.

Anderson adds in his note to agents: “We know that you have a lot on your plate at the moment – we hope that you’re able to make use of the improved Online Viewing features to cut down on the number of physical viewings you need to carry out and better prioritise your hottest leads.”

There was no reference to the long-term fees issue which has been a focus of agency anger in recent months, prompting the creating of the Say No To Rightmove campaign.