Why Reviews Matter More than Ever in Property

In the fast-paced world of property, trust is everything. Whether you’re an estate agent, conveyancer, mortgage broker or supplier, your reputation is what wins you business. And in today’s market, that reputation is increasingly built on verified reviews.

Customer reviews aren’t just about getting a pat on the back. They’re powerful tools that influence decisions, showcase your strengths, and prove your commitment to service. Reviews provide authentic insights into what it’s really like to work with you – the kind of information that matters most to today’s property clients.

Why Reviews are Crucial Right Now

The property market is competitive and uncertain. With buyer and seller confidence fluctuating and interest rates still a hot topic, people are more cautious than ever about who they choose to work with. Verified reviews give potential clients the reassurance they need to make confident decisions.

For most consumers, especially vendors, estate agents can appear very similar on the surface. They offer comparable services, speak in the same language, and often present similar listings. Without a clear point of difference, it’s easy for decisions to come down to price alone. That’s where verified reviews become essential. They spotlight the real experiences of past clients, giving agents a meaningful way to stand out.

A positive review from a real customer can make the difference between a lead getting in touch or walking away. It shows you deliver on your promises, offer great service, and genuinely care about the outcome. In a sector where trust is often in short supply, reviews cut through the noise.

According to a recent survey by BrightLocal, 98% of people read online reviews before choosing a local service provider. In property, where the stakes are high and the process complex, those reviews carry even more weight. They demonstrate your consistency, professionalism, and ability to deliver under pressure.

How to Build Trust Through Reviews

If you’re looking to build stronger relationships with your clients, start by asking for feedback early and often. Don’t wait until the end of a transaction, it’s better to open the conversation throughout the process. A quick check-in can help smooth over any misunderstandings and show that you’re attentive and proactive.

Make the review process simple. Your customers are busy, so offering a user-friendly way to leave a review boosts your chances of receiving useful feedback. Tools like ESTAS Reviews are designed with this in mind. They let you invite real clients to review you and guide them through a short, accessible process.

Use the feedback you get to improve. Trends in comments can highlight team training needs, identify gaps in communication, or reveal standout service moments you can amplify in your marketing. Sharing real reviews across your online channels helps others see what it’s really like to work with you.

Ways to Use Reviews to Grow Your Business

Once you’ve collected a strong set of reviews, make them visible. Place them where your future clients will look – on your homepage, on property portals, and in your email signatures. They should be part of the first impression you make.

Create marketing content from your reviews. A single sentence from a customer can be turned into a testimonial graphic, an Instagram reel, or a slide in a listing presentation. With permission, these authentic voices can become some of your most persuasive content.

And remember, reviews aren’t just for external audiences. They’re a powerful motivator for your team. Sharing good feedback internally can lift morale, reinforce good practice, and foster a culture of excellence.

Using Technology to Stay Ahead

Asking for and using reviews shouldn’t be time-consuming. With property-specific platforms like ESTAS, technology can streamline the process. The ESTAS Insight tool allows you to gather real-time feedback at key stages of the transaction. That way, you’re not left guessing how your client felt about your service weeks after completion.

With the ESTAS Mobile App, you can request and respond to reviews wherever you are, ideal for busy teams who are often out of the office. And thanks to integration with Google, you also get the added benefit of improving your online visibility with just one extra click from your customer.

Turning Feedback into Recognition

Consistently gathering high-quality reviews doesn’t just boost your reputation, it can earn you industry recognition too. ESTAS Reviews are the foundation for entry into The ESTAS Awards, a respected industry event that celebrates service excellence based entirely on verified customer feedback.

Recognition at the awards is more than just a trophy. It’s an opportunity to share a story of trust and quality with prospective clients and peers. Even shortlisting can give your business a visibility boost and provide content for PR, social media, and pitch documents.

Keep it Consistent

The best results come from making reviews part of your regular process. Don’t treat feedback like an afterthought. Instead, embed it into your client journey. Let customers know from the start that you’ll be asking for a review and explain why their feedback matters.

And always respond. Whether the review is glowing or suggests room for improvement, a simple reply shows professionalism and attention to detail. It tells others that you value your clients and take service seriously.

Bringing it All Together

If you’re aiming to grow your property business in today’s market, building trust is non-negotiable. Verified reviews offer one of the clearest and most effective ways to do that. They show, rather than tell, what makes your business worth choosing.

Platforms like ESTAS are designed to help property professionals collect, manage, and benefit from reviews with ease. So, whether you’re looking to improve client retention, enhance your marketing or stand out from competitors, reviews are a smart place to start.