The pandemic has had a huge influence on the behaviour of home buyers in the capital. Research commissioned by Purplebricks, the UK’s tech-led estate agent, reveals almost half of home buyers across London (43 per cent) now believe if a property ticks all the boxes, they’d be willing to put in an offer without ever setting foot in the door.

During lockdown, 70 per cent of home buyers in London took a virtual look inside properties for sale over the past year. Over half (62 per cent) said they find virtual viewings to be more efficient, and 59 per cent find them less awkward than face-to-face viewings. The majority (74 per cent) believe virtual viewings may become the norm when house hunting.

Perhaps due to having been confined indoors during as part of the social distancing restrictions, home buyers in London are now obsessed with the size of properties. 63 per cent insist the most important thing online property photos show is the size of the rooms.

Over the past year, Londoners have been using technology more as 87 per cent significantly increased their use of technology during lockdown and a whopping 96 per cent are willing to fully embrace tech in their search for a new home in the future.

James Terry, Divisional Sales Director, at Purplebricks, said: “The pandemic has thrown up many new challenges for buyers and sellers across London and further afield. But this has heralded a new era of virtual house hunting and homeowners are adopting this new way of buying and selling homes.

“The market around the capital has remained exceptionally busy, and we are seeing an increase in people looking to move a little further out of the city, as commuting is no longer such a priority. Many people’s circumstances have changed. Virtual viewings enable us to give far more people access to properties than ever before. Buyers can carry out their first viewings virtually and draw up a shortlist for when they are able to physically visit.”

Gardens are also in demand, as almost half (47 per cent) of prospective buyers in London list a garden as the most essential element to look for in a home.

They also notice if a seller has made an effort when it comes to making rooms look light and airy with 41 per cent saying it is the best thing to do to make a property look appealing.

When it comes to virtual viewings, some of the biggest property turn offs are dark and small areas, overgrown gardens and dirty trainers left lying around. Not having a floorplan, rooms decorated in garish colours and having dirty clothes on show are other no-nos when selling a property.

Purplebricks has worked with London-based interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth to provide tips on how to make your house look appealing online.

Kate said: “There are a number of practical things you can do to make a great first impression, but the hardest part of showing your home virtually is giving people that feeling or vibe you get when you step into a house. While you can’t delight them with the smell of freshly baked bread or coffee brewing as they walk in the door, there are some clever tricks you can do.”

“Place fresh flowers to brighten up a room, make sure all of the rooms are clean and tidy, show off any storage space, pull back the curtains to let in the light, and stage the rooms to encourage buyers to see themselves in the home with their family and friends.”