House Network predicts the number of houses sold online will treble in 2007

Get the lowdown on the online property boom

There will be major increases in the numbers of houses sold through the web online estate agents like House Network.

But why is online selling proving so popular? Their major advantage is the price difference. Most high street estate agents will charge 2% commission on the sale price of a house (an average cost of £3,698). Whereas most online estate agents charge a smaller set fee (House Network charges a set fee of £500).

You'll have to do more work yourself when selling online - showing people around etc. - but the savings are huge.

With 85-90% of house buyers starting their research on the web and with online estate agents advertising on the major property search sites such as www.findaproperty.com, you are likely to get plenty of e-viewings.

We asked Graham Lock, Founder of House Network, why the numbers of houses sold online was increasing.

'Like internet banking ten years ago, it will take time for the public to get used to conducting sensitive transactions online,' says Graham. 'However, in the end, I think online house selling will become as instinctive to consumers as visiting a traditional high street estate agent is today.'

For more information visit www.housenetwork.co.uk

Check out our full guide to buying online.

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