New viewing features - managing your viewings just got easier

by Alice Pizzey

We’ve been listening to your feedback, and we’re pleased to introduce a set of new features designed to make arranging, confirming, and managing viewings a whole lot easier.

These updates will improve the SpareRoom experience for both people looking for a room and those advertising one. You’ll now be able to organise and keep track of your viewings all in one place - no more juggling messages or losing track of dates/times.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s new and how it works:

Arranging Viewings:

You’ll now see a new feature in the conversation thread – a viewing bar at the bottom of the screen.

If you're advertising a room, the viewings bar will allow you to schedule and manage viewings with the person you're messaging. If you've initiated the conversation, you can easily schedule a viewing by selecting a date and time that works for both of you. If someone looking for a room has initiated the conversation with you, you'll need to select which of your active room or property ads the viewing is for. If you don’t have any active ads, you’ll be prompted to post one.

Here’s how you arrange a viewing:

  1. Send the Invitation
  • Click on the “Add to your viewing calendar” button.
  • A popup will appear where you can choose the date, time and property (if you haven't initiated the conversation).
  • Once sent, the viewing status will show as “Pending” in the conversation.
  1. Wait for a Response
    Wait for the person to accept the viewing invitation. If they don’t find the date suitable, they can propose an alternative. If they accept, the viewing status will change to Confirmed.

Here's how it will look on web:

Here's how it will look on app:

Viewing Status:

Once a viewing has been scheduled, it will appear in your My Viewings page, which is divided into three main sections:

  • Upcoming Viewings
    All your future viewings will be listed here.
  • Past Viewings
    Any viewings that have already taken place.
  • Cancelled Viewings
    Viewings that have been cancelled by either party will appear here.
    This is available both on web and mobile apps.

This is available both on web and mobile apps.

Here's how it will look on web:

Here's how it will look on app:

Only advertisers (those advertising a room or property) can send viewing invitations. However, those looking for a room can see the viewing bar with the statuses: Pending, Confirmed, and Cancelled.

Editing a Viewing:

If the date or time of a confirmed viewing needs to be changed, only the advertiser can edit it. Here’s what to do:

  • Go to your My Viewings page.
  • Click Edit next to the relevant viewing.
  • Choose a new date / time.
  • A message will automatically be sent to the person asking them to confirm the new time.

Important: Those in search of a room/property cannot edit the viewing themselves. If you need to make a change, simply message the advertiser to propose a new time.

Here's how it will look on web:

Here's how it will look on app:

Cancelling a Viewing:

  • For those advertising a room: Go to the conversation and click Edit in the viewings bar, or visit My Viewings to click on Edit Viewing. You’ll find a “Cancel Viewing” option. You'll need to confirm your decision and select a reason for cancelling.
  • For those looking for a room: A Cancel Viewing option will be available on your My Viewings page. You'll need to confirm your decision and select a reason for cancelling. Once cancelled, a message will be sent in the chat to the other party explaining why the viewing was cancelled.

Here's how it will look on web:

Here's how it will look on app:

Note: If either party uses an auto-reply to close the conversation (before the viewing has taken place), the viewing will automatically be cancelled. The auto-reply will be shown in the chat but no other message about the viewing being cancelled will be shown.

With these new viewing features, we aim to reduce confusion and make the process of arranging, confirming, and managing viewings much smoother. Whether you’re advertising a room/property or looking for a new home, you’ll now find it easier to stay organised.