Katie Smith has a unique habit she calls “Rightmove stalking,” where she spends hours looking at houses for sale on the Rightmove app, even though she’s not planning to move.
The 30-year-old from Staffordshire admits she checks the app dozens of times a day just for fun. Katie told the BBC, “Rightmove is my version of entertainment,” comparing it to a modern-day “peeping Tom” as she looks inside homes from her phone.
Recently, after a trip to Knutsford, Cheshire, she spent the evening browsing houses for sale there, regardless of price. Katie enjoys looking at homes in expensive areas, like when she stayed in London and explored house prices in Richmond, close to her hotel.
This habit is shared by many who use property websites like Rightmove and Zoopla, not necessarily to buy, but for curiosity and entertainment.
According to BBC, Zoopla reported that 1,860 properties are viewed every minute on their app and website, while Rightmove sees even more—nearly 10,000 properties viewed per minute.
Rightmove recently turned down a £6.2 billion takeover offer from Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, highlighting how valuable the company’s user data is.
Katie, who has a background in interior design, loves looking at properties with unique character, like Georgian homes, and keeps a list of her favorites. Although she and her partner are planning to move in about six months, she says her obsession with browsing isn’t because of that—it’s simply because she enjoys it.
Another user, Sam Kennedy Christian, living in Herne Bay, Kent, shares a similar habit. She loves imagining her dream house if she won the lottery and often looks at homes on Zoopla in the Isle of Man, where she grew up. Sam, like Katie, enjoys scrolling through property listings as a form of entertainment, especially before bed or while waiting for her baby to sleep.
According to Louisa Dunbar, a behavioral science expert, looking at homes online triggers dopamine in the brain, which makes people feel good. It’s a way to escape reality and imagine a better life. Features like high-quality photos and “Just added” labels make people more likely to click on a listing and keep them engaged, says the BBC.
Even though many users, like Katie and Sam, browse without serious buying intentions, estate agents still find it worth advertising on platforms like Rightmove.
Although some agents are unhappy with the rising costs to advertise, the visibility their listings get makes it essential for their business.
Rightmove responded to these concerns by saying they offer different packages to suit businesses of all sizes, with the average agent spending around £1,497 per month.
Despite the casual browsing habits of many users, Rightmove and Zoopla are confident in the future, as the number of homes for sale is increasing and mortgage rates are improving.
The BBC explains that these platforms continue to attract everyone, whether you’re just daydreaming about mansions or checking how much your neighbor’s house is worth.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77xdp1e56yo