The internet is becoming an increasingly popular tool for estate agents looking to entice buyers to view properties on their books, experts have revealed.

While many agents are already taking steps to list their properties online with floor-plans and images, business adviser Patrick Dixon told the Times that would-be-homeowners will soon expect to see more.

"At the moment, agents can get away with a couple of pictures, but in the future, they will need 50."

"People will want to see views from every window, and images of the street, to get a sense of the atmosphere of the neighbourhood. YouTube-style video clips will become commonplace, as will 3-D walk-through simulations for new homes and off-plan sales," he explained.

However, it is vital that agents avoid making their websites too complicated, with Leo Lapworth, Foxtons'' web manager, telling the newspaper: "It is about using technology without throwing it in anyone''s face".

Writing for property and technology website Inman.com, web expert Gabriel Gross of RealBird.com said that agents should consider enhancing the information they offer on their sites, such as allowing buyers to click on a link that will display properties located close to the one they are browsing at any given time.