In 2026, most buyers decide whether to click, save, or book a viewing in seconds. Property search is now firmly scroll‑first, with buyers comparing dozens of listings at a time across portals, social media, and mobile devices. That means effective marketing is no longer a “nice to have”, it directly affects how quickly your property sells, the quality of enquiries you receive, and the price you achieve.
At Hunters, we use a modern, data‑led approach to property marketing. Here’s what effective marketing looks like in 2026 and why it matters.
Related: Reasons why your home is not selling and how to fix it
Why marketing matters more than ever
Buyers today are better informed, more selective, and less patient. They expect listings to answer their key questions upfront and help them imagine living in the property before they ever step inside.
Strong marketing:
- Increases click‑through rates on portals
- Attracts serious and motivated buyers
- Reduces wasted viewings
- Helps prevent price reductions later
- Can shorten the time from launch to offer
In competitive markets, great marketing helps your property stand out. In quieter markets, it becomes essential.
The essentials checklist
Every successful listing should include:
- Professional photography
- A clear, accurate floor plan
- Video content (walk‑through and short‑form)
- Full material information
- Strong written descriptions
- Strategic portal and social media promotion
Missing even one of these can reduce interest or cause buyers to move on before enquiring.
Professional photography: still the foundation
Photography is often the first thing buyers notice, so high-quality images should use the right lighting, represent the space and layout accurately, and create a consistent, polished look that highlights the features buyers value. A little preparation beforehand, such as decluttering, neutral styling, and thoughtful presentation, can also make a noticeable difference.
Video‑first marketing: now expected, not optional
Video has become one of the most powerful tools in property marketing. Buyers increasingly expect to see how a home flows, not just view static images.
Effective video marketing may include:
- A guided walk‑through video (60–90 seconds)
- Lifestyle‑led narration that explains who the home suits
- Short vertical clips for social media platforms
Video helps buyers qualify a property earlier, meaning in‑person viewings are more focused and more likely to lead to offers.
Related: What factors affect house prices?
Virtual tours, helpful when used correctly
Virtual or 3D tours let buyers explore a property at their own pace and can be especially helpful for relocating buyers, busy professionals, investors, and those looking at new-build or higher-value homes. While they’re not essential for every listing, they can significantly increase engagement when used alongside strong photos and video.
Floor plans remain a non-negotiable
Floor plans remain one of the most requested features by buyers. They provide information that photos alone cannot, including room proportions, layout, and flow.
Many buyers will not even enquire without a floor plan, especially when comparing similar properties. A clear, accurate plan helps buyers decide quickly whether a home meets their needs.
Related: Sell your unique property through Hunters Exclusive
Material information builds trust
Buyers expect key property information to be available upfront. Including material information early helps buyers make confident decisions and reduces delays later in the process.
This may include:
- Tenure details
- Council tax band
- EPC rating and energy information
- Parking arrangements
- Flood risk (where relevant)
- Service charges and ground rent for leasehold properties
Providing this information early not only supports compliance it also reduces fall‑throughs and renegotiation.
Social media and portal strategy
Effective marketing goes beyond simply uploading a listing, a modern strategy combines optimised portal listings, local social media exposure, targeted campaigns to relevant audiences, and retargeting for buyers who have already shown interest. This layered approach increases visibility and helps ensure your property is seen by the right people, not just the most people.
Preparing for success before launch
The best results come from preparation, so before your property goes live it helps to gather key documents early, discuss pricing strategy and buyer demand, plan viewing schedules, and agree on marketing channels and timelines. This creates momentum from day one and positions your property as “ready to move”, which buyers value highly.
Why choose an agent with a modern marketing approach?
Selling successfully requires more than listing a property online. It requires local knowledge, professional presentation, and a marketing strategy built around how buyers actually behave.
At Hunters, we combine trusted local expertise with modern marketing tools to help your property stand out, attract the right buyers, and achieve the best possible result.
If you’re thinking of selling, speak to your local Hunters branch to find out how our marketing approach can work for you.
