This week we were all amused by the news story of that housing developer who fitted out a bedroom in one of their showhomes to look like a real teenage boy’s lair…complete with mouldy leftover pizza and smelly trainers under the bed. As mum to a 13 year old son, it looked rather familiar to me. Not that I’m calling my dear boy a slob!

It got me thinking though about how new homes developers have to be increasingly inventive about selling their product. This particular idea was undoubtedly a one-off but it got their name noticed – and the house was sold.

As Account Director for several property clients, I’m constantly racking my brain – and those of my team – for innovative ways we can help them shift their product. For instance, right now we’re doing a ‘Lonely Hearts’ digital campaign for one of our new homes clients, Rydon Homes. The houses are the ones looking for love… and we’ve designed a fully functioning micro-site where customers can log on and find their perfect new house partner. It’s a bit of fun and it’s different, but most importantly in this tough marketplace, it’s working.