Coronavirus: Edinburgh property group opens door to virtual viewings for student tenants

Property investor and lettings specialist Cullen Property is introducing virtual viewings for its student properties as it aims to protect clients from coronavirus.

Cullen Property is now conducting online tours to comply with Covid-19-led health and safety measures

The Edinburgh company will use video technology to take prospective tenants seeking a home for the coming academic year on a walk-through tour while complying with social distancing requirements.

Customers can book virtual viewings via Cullen Property’s website and will then receive a WeTransfer link allowing them to view the property at a time convenient to them and for as many times as they like.

This will also allow clients to share the link with friends and potential roommates.

Cullen said it is now adjusting the lettings process to remove any non-vital meetings.

MD Steve Coyle said: “Every aspect of our daily lives has been affected by the adjustments required to adapt to this new coronavirus.

“This week we are launching a new system to help meet our client’s rental demands as we are still handling many property viewing requests despite the current climate. This is where the concept of virtual viewings comes from.”

Marketing manager Scott Binnie, who is leading the project, added: “Our virtual viewings take things a step further by trying to give the prospective tenants the feeling of actually being in the flat. Many students are currently self-isolating at their flats, and having prospective tenants walk around to take a look would be irresponsible at this time.

“Virtual viewings will allow prospective tenants to ‘take a look’ without current tenants being put in undue danger of catching the virus.”