Impact of the Internet on International Real Estate Office Markets

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of the Internet on the real estate office market through a survey of real estate professionals in traditional companies in Boston/U.S. and London/U.K. This survey captures professionals' opinions on the use of the Internet and how it affects their business. The results from both cities indicate differences when using the Internet versus traditional practice. The Internet seems to affect the role of the transaction participants, the length of the process but not the participants' earnings or transaction steps. It is currently used as a listing service, information-gathering resource and communication tool.