A senior agency executive has backed the controversial issue of including broadband and mobile signal in property listings.
The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team indicated in June that broadband and mobile speeds may be deemed material information for agents to include in descriptions of properties.
The issue has received a mixed response from agents but Adam Day, international expansion leader UK for eXp UK, has given the move his backing.
Writing exclusively for Estate Agent Today, he said these changes may seem over the top but are important for how people live.
He said: “Back in my Hatched days, the whole business was based around transparency – from fees and photos, to details, floor plans and any other information we thought would be helpful in the sale of a home. I just thought it was obvious and good practice.
“Yes, some of it may seem a bit over the top – broadband speeds and phone coverage to name a couple – but these things for me are important aspects of understanding the location and experience of living in that home.
“Now that I work from home, I would certainly think again if the phone signal was no good. And what bad can come from it? Vodafone and other companies will have to react to consumer demand and make sure that there is a good phone signal and decent broadband in the area. No complaints from me there.”
Day said increased transparency in listings would mean all parties know exactly where they stand early in the transaction, adding: “Potential problems can be flagged from the outset so that lawyers can resolve them ahead of sale rather than during a transaction, which helps reduce frustration and delays.
“The improved certainty and consistency across the process gives homebuyers peace of mind that they have been looked after and treated fairly and ethically. It really is a win-win situation, and the industry needs to start the pace to change.”
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