Why It’s a Bad Idea to Spy on Property Viewings
In the past decade, millions of Brits have snapped up home tech gadgets to monitor their kids, cats, dogs and deliveries.
About one in five homes has a doorbell camera, while thousands more have pet CCTV or video baby monitors.
With all this kit installed, it’s probably no surprise that some people have taken to using it for another purpose.
An increasing number of property sellers are using home tech to eavesdrop on property viewings.
Should you do it, too? Here are three reasons why it’s not a good idea.
A game of bluff
Some sellers think spying will give them the inside track on a buyer’s motivation and budget.
But there’s no guarantee that what a buyer says when they’re in your home is true.
Many online forums warn buyers that the owner could be listening in remotely.
As a result, some people ‘play to the camera’ and say misleading things during a viewing to try and get the upper hand in negotiations.
‘Real’ feedback
You don’t have to resort to spying to find out what buyers really think of your property – just ask your agent.
Experienced agents are experts at drawing information from buyers and will always pass constructive comments on to you.
Remember, agents are working to sell your property, so if there’s a problem that needs addressing, they’ll tell you.
What they won’t share are any spiteful or insensitive comments that a buyer has made (it sometimes happens) that have no bearing on the sale but could upset you.
Ethically dubious
There are legal and ethical questions about listening to private conversations covertly.
While it’s not illegal to install a camera in your own home, it’s best practice (and in some cases a legal requirement) to notify people working at a property if you have a smart camera in operation.
So, at the very least, you should let your estate agent know if you have a smart camera on site.
But also think about how buyers might feel if they knew you were surreptitiously watching or listening in to them. (How would you feel if the roles were reversed and someone did it to you?)
Property transactions can be complicated and sometimes emotionally charged. It’s important that all parties – the buyer, seller and agents – feel that everyone is acting in good faith.