Rightmove testing a new renovation tool on its platform – TNT

Rightmove is experimenting with a new feature to give home-movers access to more information about the extension potential of a property.

The new feature follows on from the introduction of its Renovation Calculator, and forms part of Rightmove’s suite of valuation tools to help owners understand the value and potential of their home.

Rightmove says the tools are aimed at helping to drive more people to agents to get detailed expert valuations when they are ready to move.

The new Extension Explorer features cost estimates for building an extension, planning approval rates in the area, and examples of properties that have been extended nearby. The new tool is available on property listings and in Rightmove’s sold prices section.

Rightmove also wants agents to consider using these data-driven insights, provided in partnership with home extension company Resi, to highlight to prospective buyers how a home could be transformed.

Tarah Lourens, Rightmove’s chief technology and operations officer, said: “This experiment is our latest step in testing various tools and features for the millions of people using Rightmove at different stages of their home-moving journey.

“We’ll be exploring how useful prospective buyers and current home-owners find this information and see if it can help our agent partners with data to help highlight fixer upper and investment opportunities to their customers.”

Alex Depledge, CEO at Resi, added: “With insights from over 9,000 extension projects delivered across the country over many years, Resi brings unmatched renovation data and design expertise. Together we help answer the big questions: what can I build, how much will it cost, and will it add value, right from the property listing itself.”