OnTheMarket claims a first with new listings filter

OnTheMarket claims it’s scoring a first amongst property portals in the creation of an ‘Accessible features’ search filter for users to select appropriate properties. 

The new filter takes into account homes that have characteristics required by individuals with mobility needs such as ramped access, wide doorways, wet-rooms, wheelchair accessible parking, lift access as well as a list of several more features which will continue to expand. 

Properties that meet these requirements now display a new accessible features icon on the search results and property details pages, making suitable properties instantly clear to searchers. In addition to being present on listings, the icon is clickable and names the features that qualify the property as accessible when pressed.  

During the development of the new filter, OnTheMarket worked with Guy Harris - founder of AccessiblePRS, a property consultancy which specialises in accessibility in the rental sector - who provided feedback and advised OnTheMarket on its accessibility strategy. 

Harris, who was formerly an estate agent, founded AccessiblePRS in 2020 to catalyse access and inclusion within the property sector, reframing the narrative around accessibility so that the property sector understands its relevance and benefits. 

The Accessible Letting Scheme was launched by AccessiblePRS in December 2021 to support letting agents in understanding how to provide clear online information on accessibility features in property listings to make the search process easier and more efficient for consumers.

Just last week lettings agency Knight Frank announced it had partnered with AccessiblePRS to improve access and inclusion in the private rented sector.

OnTheMarket chief executive Jason Tebb says: “ We’re really pleased to be leading developments in the way consumers with access needs search for property. Our goal to listen, innovate and deliver applies not only to our agent customers but to our consumers too, so making property searches as easy and inclusive as possible is really important to us. I’d also like to thank Guy for his invaluable input during the development process of our Accessible features filter and this first phase of our accessibility strategy.” 

Harris adds that OnTheMarket’s new filter “is a clever use of technology as a steppingstone towards increasing focus within the industry and making the property search process more inclusive.”