UK housing shortage could be boon for Web

One typical example, Property-Sight, a joint-venture between ISP Star Internet, Web design firm Shift F7 and GMW Software, is an interactive Web site that lets prospective buyers view appropriate properties and property descriptions based on criteria such as location, size and price belt.

An e-mail hotlink then allows physical viewing appointments to be made. Property lists are updated by estate agents who pay £50 per month to participate with the service. The firm claims it has more than 60 agents on its books and tens of thousands of visitors to its site.

"As the property market begins to take off estate agents are looking for innovative ways of giving themselves the crucial competitive advantage needed in such a cut-throat industry," said John Laughton of Star Internet. "By using the Internet, Property-Sight allows potential buyers to see what is available on the market that day and to contact the estate agent directly."

Star Internet can be contacted by telephone on 01285-647000.