House goes up for sale on Facebook Live

A Londoner is selling her house on Facebook Live in what is believed to be the first transaction of its kind in the UK.

Potential buyers were able to look around Shanty Helim's detached bungalow in Rainham, in the east of the city, in a real-time video stream hosted at 1pm today.

Helim said it would give prospective buyers a more accurate impression of the property, which is valued at £470,000-£475,000.

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"You can't hide anything through a live tour," the 60-year-old told the Daily Mirror. "The sizes are all real, as is the lighting and decor. Some estate agents are very clever with their imagery and it can be a bit of a letdown when you actually step into the house."

"Some estate agents are very clever with their imagery and it can be a bit of a letdown when you actually step into the house."

Viewers could post questions about the property under the live stream, as well as submit requests for what to view. One wanted to look inside an outbuilding, while another requested the view through the kitchen window.

Another prospective bidder simply asked: "How are the neighbours?"

Interested parties were invited to send details of their bid privately via Messenger.

The experiment was organised by online property service HouseSimple and Helim said she took part after being let down by traditional methods of selling a property.

"I initially listed the property through a high street estate agent," she said. "I've been through quite a few of them, but each time it's fallen through and I've been left disappointed.

"Today's stream is the first of its kind but I have a good feeling about it," she added.

"I honestly don't know what to expect, but I'm sure it'll get a lot of interest."