The data quality measures involve the removal of out-dated sales and lettings properties using a range of new filters and detection controls. Out-dated stock is the most complained about user issue within the site’s ‘Talk To Us’ facility.
Rightmove director Miles Shipside comments:
“The data quality measures we have introduced emphasise Rightmove’s commitment to maintaining an accurate property search facility for home-hunters and a fair and highly effective advertising environment for our member agents.”
Rightmove started the data quality programme in January with the removal of over 50,000 ‘for sale’ properties, which had been cross-referenced with the Land Registry to reveal they had already been sold.
The data quality measures were widened this week to target properties indicated as being unavailable for excessively long periods of time such as resale properties listed as ‘Sold Subject to Contract’ and lettings properties listed as ‘Let Agreed’. Over 80,000 properties will be removed under this new measure.
Shipside adds:
“Given the frustration that inaccurate or misleading advertising causes for home-hunters, we felt it right to introduce measures which restrict the amount of stock left on the site when it’s no longer available. This activity is equally frustrating for the majority of Rightmove member agents who keep their advertised properties in order and up-to-date.”
The data quality programme has been introduced following consultation with agents to establish what would represent a fair period of time for certain properties to be left on site. All Rightmove member agents have since been kept informed of each new data quality measures, with feedback so far overwhelmingly positive.
