Risk Assessment
Previous product assumptions were de risked through our interviews and concierge tests. However, operational and business risks still remain. The highest concerning risks in our Risk Register have been detailed below, along with their mitigation strategy
Risk
Category
Importance (1-5)
Probability (1-5)
Score
Operational
4
5
9
RISK 01
Operational
4
4
8
RISK 02
Operational
4
3
7
RISK 03
RISK 01
Fast paced London Rental Market
What’s the Risk?
The London rental market moves at extreme speeds, particularly during peak summer seasons. Properties are often gone within hours of listing.
There is a risk that a property may be taken between a Scout scheduling a viewing and actually attending it.
How are we mitigating this?
High Season Pilot Test
Conduct summer pilot tests to establish exact window from request acceptance to viewing.
Optimising Scout density in high demand postcodes to ensure fast turnaround.
Status Monitoring
Integrate API checks with major portals to flag if a listing is removed before a Scout arrives.
Scouts must check-in with agents 2h before viewing to confirm availability.
Guarantee System
If a property is let before the viewing, a searcher will receive an instant refund or a voucher to request a new viewing.
RISK 02
Landlords & Agencies Denying Scout Entry
What’s the Risk?
Landlords and agents may perceive HouseScout as a threat to their ability to close deals, fearing reports will highlight flaws and scare off prospective tenants.
Landlords and agencies may not allow Scouts to enter and document properties
How are we mitigating this?
Searchers with Intent to Rent
Implement security and credit checks for searchers.
Agents will be more likely to grant access if they know the scout represents a highly interested searcher.
Landlord Cooperation
Allow landlords to comment updates to report findings.
Implement a positive rating system for well maintained properties to incentivise cooperation.
Professional Positioning
Every Scout is vetted and fully covered by our Public Liability Insurance
Scouts are trained to work within existing agency workflows, using professional scripts and protocols.
RISK 03
Competitor Advantage
What’s the Risk?
Once HouseScout enters the market, our process is easily replicable. Established property tech competitors or new startups may attempt to clone our business.
How are we mitigating this?
Timing Advantge
Leverage our position as the first-to-market service to establish brand dominance over competitors.
Train the best gig economy talent to ensure efficiency.
Branding Position
Build a community driven brand identity focused on brutal honesty.
Foster unique scout culture to prioritise searcher’s interest over sales.
Proprietary AI & Reporting Tech
Develop specialised pipeline to transform raw scout footage into structured, high quality reports.
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