The most common web design mistakes real estate agencies make

For real estate agencies, a website is not just a tool to showcase properties but also a key channel for attracting clients, building trust, and closing deals. However, many real estate agencies make common web design mistakes that negatively impact their performance and credibility.

1. Lack of a responsive design

Today, users access websites from a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Yet, many real estate agencies still use websites that are not optimised for mobile devices. A non-responsive design results in issues such as text that is too small or unreadable, images that do not adjust properly to the screen, or buttons and menus that are difficult to navigate on mobile devices.

This not only frustrates users but can also harm search engine rankings, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites. Recent statistics reveal that over 60% of property searches are conducted on mobile devices, making the absence of a responsive design a critical error. To address this, create a fully responsive website that adapts seamlessly to any screen size and provides a consistent user experience across all devices.

2. Confusing or unintuitive navigation

A real estate website should make it easy to search for properties, yet many fail in this regard due to complicated or poorly organised navigation. Common mistakes include menus that are overly complex, the lack of a prominent search bar to find properties by location, price, or type, and poorly defined categories or the absence of advanced filters.

When users cannot quickly find what they are looking for, they tend to leave the site in favour of alternatives that are easier to use. This increases the bounce rate and reduces conversion opportunities. To tackle this, design a well-structured menu and include a visible search bar with intuitive filters that enable users to quickly locate properties of interest.

3. Low-quality visual content

Images and videos are essential in the real estate sector, as clients need to visualise properties before visiting them in person. However, many agencies rely on low-resolution photos, poorly lit images, or visuals that fail to highlight key property features. This creates a negative impression and can deter potential buyers or tenants.

Moreover, some websites lack virtual tours or videos, which are increasingly in demand among users. To deal with this, invest in professional photography and high-quality videos. Features such as 360° virtual tours and drone footage for aerial views can significantly enhance property presentations.

4. Slow website load speed

Slow-loading websites not only frustrate visitors but are also penalised by Google, which affects their visibility in search results. Real estate websites often include heavy elements, such as unoptimised images, large video files, or overly complex designs, all of which can significantly reduce loading speed.

To overcome this, optimise images for the web without compromising quality, use lighter file formats such as WebP, and implement technologies like caching and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to improve load times.

5. Lack of integration with digital marketing tools

A real estate website should be more than just a property catalogue; it should function as an active marketing tool. Many agencies fail to integrate their websites with essential features, such as forms to capture contact information, social media sharing buttons to make it easy to share properties, and email automation systems to follow up with leads.

The absence of these functionalities means agencies miss valuable opportunities to engage with clients and convert visitors into qualified leads. To handle this, implement accessible contact forms, social media buttons, and automation strategies that seamlessly complement the website’s design.

6. Neglecting local SEO

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for attracting organic traffic, yet many real estate agencies fail to optimise their websites for local searches. Common mistakes include omitting keywords related to specific locations, failing to create content relevant to the areas they serve, and neglecting optimisation for Google My Business.

If a real estate agency does not appear in search results when someone searches for "houses for sale in [city]," it risks losing potential clients. To approach this, develop a local SEO strategy that incorporates specific keywords, produces relevant content, and ensures optimisation on directories such as Google My Business.

7. Overuse of pop-ups

While pop-ups can be effective in capturing user attention, overusing or misusing them can frustrate visitors and lead to site abandonment. Common mistakes include displaying pop-ups too early, before the user has had the chance to explore the content; using multiple pop-ups on a single page; and making pop-ups difficult to close, especially on mobile devices.

Use pop-ups strategically, such as to offer newsletter sign-ups, but ensure they are subtle and thoughtfully designed.

8. No section for testimonials or reviews

Many websites fail to include a section for testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients, making it harder to build credibility with new visitors. Create a dedicated section for testimonials, reviews, and success stories that showcase the experiences of previous clients. Integrating ratings from Google or social media can also be an effective way to demonstrate reliability.

9. Outdated design

An outdated web design can give the impression that the agency is not keeping up with trends or does not invest in the quality of its services. Signs of an outdated design include unattractive colours or fonts, outdated animations, and websites that do not meet current UX/UI design standards. Regularly update the website design to keep it modern and professional, adhering to current web design trends.

10. Not providing clear contact information

Surprisingly, many real estate agencies fail to make their contact information visible and accessible on their websites. Clients need to be able to quickly find a phone number, email address, or contact form. The absence of this information can cause frustration and erode trust. Ensure that contact information is always visible, preferably in the header or footer, and provide multiple communication options.

11. Poorly designed calls to action (CTAs)

Another common mistake is failing to include or properly design calls to action (CTAs). Phrases such as "Request more information," "Schedule a viewing," or "Download the brochure" are essential for guiding users towards conversion. Include clear, attractive, and visible CTAs throughout the site, optimised to encourage users to take action.

12. Ignoring website analytics

Many real estate agencies do not use tools such as Google Analytics to understand how users interact with their website. This leaves them without crucial data to improve design and functionality. Implement analytics tools to monitor user behaviour and make data-driven improvements.

Web design is a critical investment for real estate agencies looking to attract more clients and increase sales. Common mistakes, such as a lack of responsive design, confusing navigation, low-quality visuals, or a slow website, can severely harm the user experience and the site’s effectiveness.

By addressing these issues and prioritising user experience, SEO, and integration with marketing tools, real estate agencies can turn their websites into powerful allies for growth. In such a competitive sector, a well-designed website is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity.