In July 2009 Google launched it’s Google Maps Real Estate service in response to a 35% increase in Internet property search queries in 2009 compared to 2008:

“Nielsen research shows that 87% of Australian home buyers use the internet to research properties*. Google saw more than 35% growth in real estate-related searches from Jan/Feb 2008 to Jan/Feb 2009**.”

the services allows internet users to locate rental listings and property for sale on Google Maps – and in some areas you can use the Google Maps street view feature to get a close-up panoramic view of the property. But how has this innovation affected the UK’s property industry?

When Google first launched their Google Maps real estate service it’s fair to say that the launch was more gradual and quiet (when compared to other Google service launches) – Google Maps real estate was originally launched in just the US, then in Australia, New Zealand, India and most recently in the UK. During the launches there were very few prominent links to the service and no ‘try Google Maps real estate’ adverts on Google Networks. Perhaps this was to test the reaction of the current property search engines and property agencies?

As well as allowing individual homeowners to add a free classifieds listing, Google also allows property agencies and brokers to upload their listings, referring traffic back to the property agencies source listing. Where does all of this leave the home seekers?

Property search engines in the UK, such as Gartoo, are likely to keep focusing on ease of use, which helps users find the properties that are more suited towards their needs. Gartoo in particular is experimenting with its semantic search facility – a user can search for ‘3 bedroom house to rent in Manchester’ and it delivers relevant results specific to the search query without the need of using drop down menus and check boxes to filter the results.

Gartoo - innovators in property search

It is uncertain how Google Maps Real Estate will evolve in the future and whether it will embrace smarter property finding technology. The Google Maps Real Estate help section says:

“Our role is to connect users as quickly as possible with the information they need. People come to us looking for all kinds of information, including housing listings, comparable pricing, and how to find an agent or broker in their area. In all cases, we want to deliver these users to the industry experts who can provide the most useful answers.”

But will Google be able to resist trying to shape the landscape of the property industry? – Time will tell.