Ghosting, Mixed Signals, and Finding ‘The One’—Why Searching for a Rental Home Is Just Like Modern Dating
Ever been on a date that just clicked? The conversation flowed, the vibe was right, and you left feeling excited about what’s next. Or maybe it was the opposite—forced chat, a weird atmosphere, or something that just felt… off. Now, think about the last time you searched for a flat. Sound familiar?
Both involve making a big decision based on first impressions, chemistry, and gut feeling. You’re not just looking for a roof over your head (or a dinner companion); you’re looking for a match, a place that feels right, an on-site team that actually listens, and an experience that reassures you you’re making the right choice.
Swiping Through Listings—The First Hurdle
Before you even get to a viewing, there’s the endless scrolling. Looking through property listings is basically like being on a dating app. You filter by location, set your non-negotiables, and browse through a selection of places that all seem to have potential. But much like dating profiles, there’s only so much you can tell from a few carefully curated photos and a description. The real test comes when you meet in person.
First Impressions Count—A Lot
Just like a date, a viewing can be won or lost in minutes.
The welcome – Did the team greet you with a smile, make eye contact, and seem genuinely interested? Or did they rush through introductions and look at their phone like they had somewhere better to be?
The setting – A bad date venue (loud music, wobbly table, weird smell) kills the vibe. So does a flat that’s dusty, dimly lit, or just not quite right. If it doesn’t feel like home, it won’t be home.
The effort – Did they ask about your needs, remember your name, and actually tailor the viewing to you? Or did it feel like a one-size-fits-all tour, with no real connection?
The ‘Chemistry’ Test
A flat viewing—just like dating—isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about how it makes you feel.
Do you see a future here? Can you picture yourself making coffee in that kitchen, crashing on that sofa after work, yoga in that gym? If not, it’s probably not the one.
Does the conversation flow? A good leasing experience should feel natural, not like a rehearsed script. If the team is too pushy (“Let’s get the paperwork sorted today”) or too indifferent (“Any questions? No? Okay, bye”), the spark just isn’t there.
Have you been catfished? Sometimes, what looks great online doesn’t quite match up in person—not because there’s anything wrong with the property, but because expectations and reality don’t always align. The layout might feel different, the vibe might not be quite what you imagined, or maybe it’s just not your type. It’s the same feeling as when you meet someone from an app and realise there’s no real chemistry.
The Follow-Up Says It All
Once the viewing is over, how the team follows up can be just as telling as that post-date text (or lack of one).
Too keen? If your inbox is suddenly flooded with calls and emails pushing you to make a decision immediately, it can feel a bit much.
Total ghosting? If they never check in again, you’re left wondering if they even cared in the first place.
Just right? A well-timed, personal follow-up that answers your questions and keeps the conversation going is the equivalent of “Had a great time—hope to see you again soon.”
Swipe Right or Keep Looking?
At the end of the day, people aren’t just looking for a roof over their heads—they’re looking for the right fit. The best leasing teams understand that the experience matters just as much as the space itself. From the first enquiry to the final decision, every interaction shapes how someone feels about the place they might call home.
A smooth, engaging, and well-handled process can turn an enquiry into a long-term resident. But if the experience feels rushed, impersonal, or full of mixed signals, they’ll keep looking—just like in dating.
So, how does your leasing journey compare? Are you creating the kind of experience that makes people swipe right on your property?
Luckily, we’re the experts helping you improve your leasing experience. Take a look at our benchmark report for more details.