A lock with a SIM card to open via Internet?

QQQ

twopenny said:

So they walk in and take up residence?
Or take what they like.

Then what stops them to do viewing with an agent first and then come back in the evening, break the lock and take up the residence?

QQQ

How does he envisage handling the sale from abroad without an agent, if someone is genuinely interested?

By flying back to the UK once someone is keen to buy

QQQ

Ectophile said:

Why 3G, given that the 3G network is rapidly being turned off across the country?

2G will be around for a few more years, as will 4G and 5G.

OK, whateverG, as opposed to WiFi

QQQ

Batteries of course. But these go flat and need replacing/recharging on a regular basis. The other thing to consider is failures - Should the lock fail (or the battery goes flat), does it default to locked or unlocked - If the former, how do you get in to fix the darned thing.

By hiring a locksmith?

QQQ

So, any technical answers at all?

QQQ

I think in the circumstances an agent would be a far better use of his money, than having to clear up any damage caused by letting people in that he hasn’t vetted, and can’t be sure that they will close up properly behind them when they go. If they go.

There’s money saving, and then there’s “seriously? “

Well, hiring an agent is a guaranteed damage of several thousand pounds, isn't it?

BarelySentientAI

I think you're being unnecessarily argumentative here.  None of the points raised are out of order and are things that rightly should be mentioned in the circumstances.

However, nobody knows what risk your friend is willing to accept better than you do, so if that's the approach he wants, fair enough.

I don't know off-hand of any door locks that do what you want.  I do know of padlocks that can be opened by SMS or telephone though - used for remote access on isolated substations and storage sites.  Something like https://www.esmeone.com/product/gl-2-gps-gprs-rfid-nfc-lock-padlock/

GDB2222

QQQ said:

twopenny said:

So they walk in and take up residence?
Or take what they like.

Then what stops them to do viewing with an agent first and then come back in the evening, break the lock and take up the residence?

Squatting in residential property is now a criminal offence.

 However, the OP really needs someone to keep an eye on the property. It doesn’t need to be an agent. It could be a friend or neighbour who will show prospective buyers round, for example. There’s a bit of work involved, so they will probably need to be paid, but it’s a better idea than a remote lock. 

By the way, the insurance may be invalid if the house is vacant.

casper_gutman

In my experience they do check the buyer can proceed (looking at evidence of funds for the deposit, checking there's an agreement in principle in place for a mortgage, etc.), but typically they do it at offer stage rather than before viewings.

ashe

QQQ said:

Bigphil1474 said:

They don't just take a few photos and show people round your house. They also check that the buyer can actually proceed with purchasing your property and work to keep the chain going, and probably other stuff behind the scenes.

This is what agents would want you to think about them. Just pop into any agents' office and say you want to see this and that house. They will take you to those houses without checking your ability to pay or credit history.

We had to show decision in principle to prove we were at least at that step before doing viewings. Once we put a bid in, we had to provide details of full application and complete kyc checks.

estate agents shouldn't be doing credit checks because they're not lenders