Differentiation through innovation is key to increasing market share says Made Snappy 360
As we step into 2025, the UK property market continues to shift, and estate agents face mounting pressure to meet the evolving expectations of buyers and sellers. The days when static images sufficed are long gone; now, clients demand immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional listing. Agents who adapt to this landscape are turning to cutting-edge services like Made Snappy 360, a platform that effortlessly delivers virtual tours and floor plans for estate agents – ensuring listings stand out in an increasingly competitive field.
Meeting the Demands of the Modern Buyer
Potential buyers want to visualise their future home from the comfort of their living room. This is where interactive and innovative property technology steps in. By offering a fully interactive 360 virtual tour, estate agents provide a viewing experience that mimics walking through the property’s rooms, halls, and gardens in real time. This immersive approach encourages genuine interest, captures priority prospects, and streamlines the entire home-buying journey.
The Importance of Floor Plans
Detailed, easy-to-read floor plans are essential to modern property marketing. In fact, research suggests that listings featuring professional floor plans see more engagement than those without. With Made Snappy 360, producing high-quality floor plans is no longer a tedious process – agents can create them in a matter of minutes, accurately capturing every room’s dimensions and layout. This simple yet powerful addition to a property listing sets it apart and enhances the overall buyer experience.
Why Made Snappy 360?
Embracing innovation doesn’t have to be complicated. Made Snappy 360 combines ease of use with a suite of advanced features tailored to the needs of estate agents in 2025, including:
Fast and Accurate Production: Generate detailed floor plans and virtual tours quickly, cutting down on preparation time.
Seamless Integration: Connect effortlessly with leading CRMs and property portals for a smooth workflow.
Cost-Effectiveness: Tailored monthly plans that grow with your business needs.
Enhanced Marketing: Stand out on Rightmove, Zoopla, and other UK property portals with professional, high-quality visuals that drive engagement.
Have multi-awards over the years speeded the success of proptech InventoryBase
Recently I replied to a large discussion on Linkedin about the value of companies receiving awards and whether it was worthwhile to try to compete, or if the awards themselves had any validity. My response was to give as a case study InventoryBase, co-founded by Steve Rad & James Taylor.
It is common knowledge that some years ago Steve and James became our number 3 client (we are now at 136!) and we are huge advocates of their work. But what is not so commonly known is that whilst they have won multiple awards over the years including the 21st annual ESTAS, where they won the ‘Best in Sector for Inventories’ – all of their multiple awards are based upon the fact that they have for many years kept their heads down and focused on designing and providing the very best software in their sector.
It has not been an overnight success, no its greatness is a cumulation of self-reinvestment, reacting to the needs of its users, and now it has become the most trusted platform for property reporting across the UK. It has some stellar figures; Over 2,000 registered users, over 6,000,000 property reports completed, 500,000,000 plus images captured and processed, 20,000,000 issues reported and tracked, 5,000,000 minutes of audio recorded and over 1,000,000 minutes of video uploaded.
So going back to my opening question, do awards have value? InventoryBase is a leading property technology company that specializes in property inventory and inspection software. It is designed to meet the needs of landlords, property managers, letting agents, Inventory Clerks and surveyors, the platform simplifies the creation of detailed property reports, inspections, and audits. Could it have got to this position without peer recognition? well yes, but it would have taken longer. Also external validation helps in growing new customers.
And this is the key thing, at its core, InventoryBase enables users to efficiently produce comprehensive property inventory reports, helping track property conditions at every stage of a tenancy. The platform supports a wide range of inspections, including check-ins, check-outs, mid-term property reviews, and detailed condition assessments. By automating report generation through customizable templates, voice dictation, and seamless integration of photos and videos, the software ensures accuracy and consistency while saving significant time.
Now I have worked with various Proptechs over the last eight years, each with their own niche and plan to execute their Saas. Usually efficiency, cost cutting and the eradication of paper led and legacy systems are in that mix. But often property technology companies can not see the wood for the trees.
In contrast what Steve & James set out to do is have an armoury to tangibly enhance productivity, with a suite of advanced scheduling tools, allowing users to organize inspections, synchronize calendars, and set reminders for field staff. The platform also integrates with other property management systems, enabling streamlined workflows and easy sharing of data across teams.
Recognizing the evolving needs of the property market, it offers live and remote inspection capabilities. This feature allows tenants or third-party contractors to conduct inspections remotely, reducing logistical challenges while maintaining transparency and accountability. Simplifying processes for professionals and minimizes disputes over property damage and tenancy agreements.
Vacant High street commercial property now subject to Levelling Up and Regeneration policies
This month the UK Government rolls out its highly anticipated ‘High Street Auctions’ scheme, a flagship measure of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. This initiative grants local authorities the power to take control of long-vacant high street properties, marking a significant shift in how high street vacancies are tackled.
With high street vacancy rates reaching 17.6% in Q3 2024 and shopping centres recording 14%, the legislation aims to reverse the decline of town centres by enabling new uses for idle spaces.
Under the Act, local authorities can lease properties vacant for over one year or 366 days within two years, bypassing landlord consent. Premises must meet a ‘Local Benefit Condition,’ demonstrating economic, social or environmental benefits to the area. Auctions will follow a strict 11-week timeline, including a six-week marketing period to secure tenants. Furthermore, a new temporary Permitted Development right allows certain properties to change use without planning permission, reverting to their original use after the lease ends.
The legislation applies broadly to high street premises, including shops, offices, restaurants, community halls and light industrial spaces.
Ian Anderson, Senior Director at Lichfields, said: “This is a bold and untested approach to tackling high street vacancies. While it gives local authorities new powers, we question whether they have the resources to implement such an ambitious scheme effectively. Furthermore, the potential for friction between landlords and councils could undermine collaborative efforts critical to revitalising our town centres.”
Although the initiative has sparked interest, concerns have been raised about its feasibility and long-term impact. For example, property owners may lease to unsuitable tenants to avoid auctions, undermining local planning goals. Cash-strapped councils may struggle to resource auction processes, limiting their effectiveness. In regions with declining footfall and consumer spending, filling vacant units may remain difficult despite the auctions.
Andrew Stanton Founder & Editor of 'PROPTECH-X' where his insights, connections, analysis and commentary on proptech and real estate are based on writing 1.3M words annually. Plus meeting 1,000 Proptech founders, critiquing 400 decks and having had 130 clients as CEO of 'PROPTECH-PR', a consultancy for Proptech founders seeking growth and exit strategies. He also acts as an advisory for major global real estate companies on sales, acquisitions, market positioning & operations. With 100K followers & readers, he is the 'Proptech Realestate Influencer.'
