Blog
OnTheMarket.com : A measured decision that’s paying dividends
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The latest independent research survey (carried out by property search engine Home.co.uk) shows a dramatic reduction in the time that properties are advertised for sale from 244 days as at January 1st to just 195 days at 19th March against an average figure of 202 days from non OTM agents – a clear 7 day advantage to OnTheMarket agents.
OnTheMarket was created as a direct competitor to Rightmove and Zoopla with the requirement for OTM agents to select just “one other portal” to advertise their properties – something which non OTM agents have been quick to criticise and convey to vendors. However, this recent survey justifies the faith that OTM agents put in this startup venture and now demonstrates their foresight in doing so.
Home.co.uk director Doug Shephard said: “Our data analysis indicates that OTM agents made the right choice for their respective businesses. OTM agents are looking like the UK's 'go-getters' in the estate agency arena and their drive and ambition is paying off.
“In terms of marketing times, vendors should not be concerned about using an agent that has switched to OTM. In fact, they are now slightly better than the rest on this basis.”
Earlier research by Home.co.uk, showed that OnTheMarket had made a significant impact on the portal market eroding Zoopla's market share while leaving Rightmove relatively untouched. It suggests that the majority of OTM members had selected Rightmove as their 'one other portal' and that this is working to their advantage.
John Frost, Managing Director of The Frost Partnership says “This news is obviously very positive for our clients and not entirely unexpected. OnTheMarket has delivered a very strong product with clear benefits that make the marketing process easier for users. It was a measured decision for Frosts to be with OTM and Rightmove and we are delighted that it is already paying dividends for our clients”.
For the full report see home.co.uk