Social media has fundamentally reshaped the UK property industry over the past few years. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok are now integral to property marketing, client engagement, and business strategies. This article examines how social media is revolutionising the UK property market from 2022 to 2024, backed by the latest facts and figures.
Social media has significantly boosted the visibility of property listings. According to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) in 2023, 79% of UK estate agents actively use social media for property promotion. This marks a substantial rise from previous years, highlighting social media's growing role in property marketing. A Rightmove survey revealed that 65% of home buyers in the UK use social media to discover new properties, demonstrating the platforms' critical role in reaching potential buyers.
Visual platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are particularly effective. High-quality images and engaging videos of properties can capture attention, with 74% of UK home buyers influenced by property photos on social media. This visual appeal plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers and generating interest.
Social media’s targeted advertising capabilities have become a game-changer for the property industry. A 2024 report by the Digital Marketing Institute found that targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram are up to 90% more effective than traditional advertising methods. This precision targeting allows estate agents to reach specific demographics based on location, age, interests, and even significant life events, increasing the chances of successful property transactions.
Platforms like Facebook Ads Manager and Instagram’s ad tools enable estate agents to create tailored campaigns that reach the most relevant audiences, enhancing lead quality and conversion rates.
Social media is crucial for building trust and engaging with clients. In 2023, the NAEA survey indicated that 51% of buyers prefer working with estate agents who have an active social media presence. Additionally, 43% of buyers reported that engaging with an agent’s social media content made them more likely to make contact.
LinkedIn is particularly valuable for sharing professional insights, market trends, and success stories, helping agents establish credibility. Meanwhile, Facebook and Instagram facilitate direct interactions with potential clients, allowing agents to respond to queries and engage with their audience more personally.
The adoption of virtual tours and augmented reality (AR) has accelerated, with social media playing a pivotal role in their promotion. By 2024, 72% of UK estate agents reported using virtual tours in their marketing strategies. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook Live are widely used to host live virtual open houses, enabling remote property viewings.
Zoopla’s 2023 research found that 68% of home buyers prefer properties with virtual tours. This preference is especially strong among younger buyers, with 83% of millennials favouring virtual viewings before scheduling an in-person visit.
Influencer marketing has become increasingly popular in the UK property market. Influencers on Instagram and TikTok are now used to showcase high-end properties, reaching broader and more targeted audiences. In 2024, Influence Marketing Hub reported that 52% of property brands incorporate influencer marketing into their strategies.
User-generated content (UGC) also significantly impacts property marketing. Positive reviews and posts from satisfied clients enhance an estate agent’s reputation and drive referrals. According to Stackla’s 2023 report, 80% of people trust user-generated content more than traditional advertising, highlighting its effectiveness in building credibility.
Social media provides valuable real-time insights into market trends and consumer behaviour. Estate agents can use engagement metrics, comments, and feedback from platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to gauge property interest and adjust their marketing strategies. In 2024, 66% of UK estate agents reported using social media analytics tools to inform their business decisions, helping them stay competitive.
Social media is transforming the UK property industry by enhancing property visibility, enabling targeted advertising, and fostering client engagement. The rise of virtual tours, influencer marketing, and user-generated content further illustrates the impact of social media on property transactions. Estate agents who effectively leverage these platforms will gain a significant advantage in the competitive property market. Embracing social media strategies is essential for staying ahead in today’s digital age.
Please leave your message here and a member of the team will contact you within 24 hours.
International House, 1 St. Katharine's Way
London, E1W 1UN
