Digital says Google poses no threat to paid-for portals

Digital Property Group – which, like Rightmove, is not uploading its property database to Google – has said that its reason is that customers want more than a search facility.

Rightmove’s stated reason for giving the new Google mapping service a wide berth is that property-hunters want to see property listed rather than on a map.

Jon Notley, group sales director of Digital, said: “Consumers tell us that they expect more than just search; they want functionality and features which help them refine their search; they want market data and expert articles to help them make the right choices.”

Zoopla, however, has done a formal deal with Google and was announced as a launch partner. Other contracts specifically signed – as opposed to arrangements by which anyone can list properties on Google – include those with Countrywide, Spicerhaart and PropertyLive, NFoPP’s portal.

Notley, however, appeared keen to keep the door open. He said: “With almost one in three online adults now using property websites, it is not surprising that we are seeing new entrants to the digital property space.

“We observed the build-up to Google’s UK launch with great interest and noted that their presence in the US and Australia property markets hasn’t been to the detriment of the established property portal brands.
 
“In fact, the Australian brands, for example, have gone from strength to strength.”  

He added: “Over ten years, our brands have grown to now appeal to an audience of over 8.2 million home searchers, from first-time buyers and renters through to multi-million pound portfolio owners. Our increasing property brand awareness and traffic results for Primelocation, FindaProperty and Globrix demonstrate that we’re continuing to build long-term relationships with these different groups of home searchers.  

“Google has joined a number of mainstream websites, such as eBay, entering the property market and promoting properties from private sellers and landlords, and traditional agents. We will of course be watching their progress in all markets with interest.”