The PPW Podcast

Edoardo Ribichesu, CEO at Homepay, joins Harvey and Simon for a conversation around why he is building the next generation of financial infrastructure for real estate transactions in Europe (and potentially beyond).00:00 Introduction to HomePay and the Real Estate Sector02:47 Understanding HomePay's Financial Infrastructure06:05 The Process of Real Estate Transactions in Southern Europe11:50 Revenue Model and Future Services15:05 Expansion Plans and Market Opportunities21:06 KYC and AML Compliance in Real Estate Transactions25:29 Feedback from Private Beta Testing28:16 Strategic Market Expansion Plans30:25 Key Performance Indicators for Success40:57 Utilizing Investment for Growth

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss Homes.com's big new AI announcement and the rapid innovation in real estate portals in general, particularly focusing on the introduction of AI search technologies. They explore the user experiences with these new tools, highlighting both their potential and limitations. The conversation also covers Domain's strategic divestments in Australia, recent acquisitions in the real estate sector, and the upcoming PropTech conference in Bangkok, emphasizing the importance of AI in shaping the future of real estate.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of AI in Real Estate25:32 Deep Dive into Homes AI and User Experience26:50 Domain's Strategic Divestments in Australia28:29 The Surplus of Domain's Business Ventures29:37 Understanding Campaign Track and Real Hub30:44 Domain's Historical Acquisitions and Losses32:49 The Cycle of Acquisitions and Disposals34:09 Management Decisions and Strategic Direction35:49 CoStar's Focus on Core Business37:39 Implications for Potential Acquirers40:19 Recent Acquisitions in the Real Estate Sector42:34 Challenges in the Mortgage Brokerage Market43:32 Habi's Expansion into Mexico44:44 Wondome's Growth and Future Prospects46:50 Upcoming PropTech Conference Highlights

Harvey and Ed speak to Anthemos Georgiades, the co-founder and CEO of Zumper, a leading rental marketplace in the US and Canada. They discuss Zumper's journey, the competitive landscape of the rental market, and the challenges of acquiring inventory. Anthemos shares insights into Zumper's business model, which primarily focuses on B2B revenue, and the impact of AI and technology on the real estate industry. The conversation also touches on Zumper's decision to build an app for ChatGPT.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Zumper and Its Journey06:34 Understanding the Competitive Landscape10:21 Revenue and Inventory Dynamics12:37 Challenges of Diverse Rental Listings14:18 Exploring Ancillary Revenue Streams17:14 Monetizing the Consumer Experience19:07 Competing with Giants: Zillow and CoStar21:37 Embracing AI and Defining Risk22:52 The Future of Online Marketplaces28:17 API Quality and Real-Time Data31:23 Building for ChatGPT: Challenges and Opportunities38:54 Anticipating the Next Big Shift in AI Search43:52 The Dual Future of Marketplaces: Front End and API

Harvey and Ed discuss the latest financial results from major real estate companies, including Zillow, REA Group, Vend and Realtor.com. They analyze the challenges these companies face in the current market, particularly Zillow's declining share price despite positive financial results. The conversation also covers the competitive landscape in India for REA Group and the introduction of ChatGPT plugins in real estate. Finally, they explore the state of AI search in real estate and upcoming industry events.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the News Roundup01:25 Zillow's Financial Performance and Market Challenges04:42 REA Group's Financial Results and Strategic Changes07:25 Competitive Landscape in India's Real Estate Market10:08 Realtor.com's Performance and New Developments10:51 ChatGPT Collaborations in Real Estate15:37 User Experience with ChatGPT Plugins27:02 AI Search Developments in Real Estate32:21 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

Harvey and editor Ed welcome Adriaan Grove from Entegral, a South African real estate technology platform. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African real estate market, including the impact of the competition authority's recent rulings on dominant players. Adriaan shares insights on leveraging AI for rapid development and innovation in real estate portals, as well as the importance of transparency and agent tools in enhancing the user experience. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of real estate technology and the ambitious goals of Entegral in expanding across Africa.00:00 Introduction to the PPW Pod and Guest Introduction04:21 Overview of Integral and the South African Real Estate Market08:30 Challenges for Challenger Portals in South Africa10:55 Impact of Competition Authority on Real Estate Portals17:56 The Role of AI in Real Estate Technology20:35 Launching My Property Africa: Speed and Innovation24:56 The Future of Real Estate Portals and AI33:14 R&D and Innovation in Real Estate Technology38:54 Vision for the Future of Integral and the African Market

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss everything that matters in the world of real estate marketplaces this week...- CoStar's ongoing investor spat and what the outcome might be- QuintoAndar's big push into Rio de Janeiro- Leboncoin shutters A Vendre A Louer- Rightmove's EBITDA problem00:00 Introduction and Weather Check01:48 CoStar's Board and Activist Investors04:01 The Role of Activist Investors09:44 CoStar's Strategic Options12:55 Homes.com and Compass14:28 Market Trends and AI Impact21:05 Quinto Andar's Investment in Brazil25:50 Le Bon Quant's Strategic Shift28:53 The Evolution of Brand Management in Real Estate32:46 Legal Challenges in the Real Estate Market37:16 Innovations in Real Estate Technology42:42 The Struggles of Real Estate Agents with Pricing Models

Ed and Simon are joined by Slava Rodriguez, Real Estate Vertical Director at Larixon Classifieds, a company that operates portals across five very diverse markets.They explore market entry strategies, growth metrics, competition, and the role of social media in real estate marketing. The conversation also delves into branding strategies, managing operations across multiple markets, and the potential impact of AI on the real estate landscape.00:00 Introduction to Larixon Classifieds02:56 Market Strategy and Growth07:20 Real Estate Vertical Insights11:17 Competition in Diverse Markets13:57 Market Dynamics and Parallels16:00 Leveraging Social Media Marketing19:54 Brand Building and Marketing Strategies23:52 Managing Multiple Markets27:13 Trends in Classifieds and Future Outlook32:41 Impact of AI on Real Estate40:55 Transitioning from Corporate to Local Markets

Ed and Simon discuss all the biggest stories from the world of real estate portals this week (30th of January 2026). Including...- CoStar's war of words with its investor, Third Point- Hemnet's Q4 results and the Swedish market situation- Property Finder's $170M raise and potential merger00:00 Introduction to the Real Estate Marketplace News03:19 CoStar's Controversial Investment Strategies13:41 The Impact of Third Point's Activism on CoStar19:34 Market Reactions and Future Predictions28:46 Hemnet's Q4 Performance and Strategic Changes39:08 Property Finder's New Investment and Speculations

Ed and Simon are joined by Giles Thorne (Head of European Internet Research at Jefferies) to discuss the threat posed to real estate portals by AI.They explore investment strategies, the role of private equity, and the influence of major players like Google. The conversation emphasises the need for progressive management and the potential for M&A activity to reshape the industry. The episode concludes with a framework for evaluating real estate platforms and insights into the future of the market.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the PPW Pod and Guests04:01 The Threat of AI to Real Estate Marketplaces09:37 Data's Role in Real Estate Platforms12:25 The Importance of Local Data and Insights15:29 Personalization and User Experience in Real Estate19:24 Investment Strategies and Market Dynamics23:25 Class Action Lawsuit Against Rightmove33:21 Framework for Assessing AI Threats to Portals35:22 Understanding Market Dynamics in Real Estate Platforms37:48 The Importance of Customer Relationships39:41 Navigating Technological Expectations42:18 Investment Opportunities in Real Estate Stocks45:15 The Role of Private Equity in Market Recovery48:03 The Influence of Analysts on Market Strategies49:01 Google's Impact on Real Estate Portals52:17 M&A Dynamics in Real Estate55:49 The Future of Under-Invested Platforms58:41 The Shift in Investment Strategies01:00:50 Evaluating Market Leaders and Innovators

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss...- The competitive landscape involving Zillow Homes.com and Realtor.com, and the impact of AI on the industry.-The shift of Casavo from iBuying to a brokerage model- The regulatory environment affecting real estate marketplaces in France, Hungary, Austria and SwitzerlandSign up the WhatsApp group for all our content as soon as it's published https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTw6WBPHggJAgqU5cySl0300:00 Introduction to the PPW Podcast01:19 US Market Developments and Realtor.com Plus08:48 Zillow's Legal Troubles and Market Positioning11:27 AI Innovations in Real Estate12:33 Casavo's Shift from iBuying to Brokerage21:09 Regulatory Landscape in European Marketplaces24:51 Competition Authority Insights and Scraping Laws32:55 The Future of Real Estate Portals and AI38:35 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

Ed and Simon are joined by former OLX Brasil CEO, Andries Oudshoorn, to talk about his new business, Propmind.Andries shares his journey from founding Bomnegocio, Brazil's first C2C marketplace, to leading OLX Brazil, and now launching Propmind, an AI-driven rental management platform designed to simplify the complexities of rental processes in Brazil. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in transforming traditional real estate practices, particularly in a market characterized by bureaucracy and a lack of trust.00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds01:55 The Evolution of C2C Marketplaces in Brazil04:21 Challenges of Multi-Vertical Classifieds06:37 The Impact of AI on Real Estate12:14 Acquisitions and Market Strategy at OLX14:27 Current Trends in the Brazilian Real Estate Market16:39 Introducing PropMind: A New Approach to Rental Management22:52 The Role of AI in Rental Processes24:49 Go-to-Market Strategy for PropMind31:01 Targeting the Right Customers33:45 Competing with Kinto and R37:49 Building Trust in Brazilian Real Estate41:04 The Challenges of Property Management50:26 Leveraging AI for Better Solutions

Ed and Simon are joined by EIV Founder, Malcolm Myers to discuss the significant drops in share prices of real estate portals despite their reported revenue growth. They explore the impact of AI on the industry, investor sentiment, and the role of private equity in shaping the future of real estate portals. The conversation also delves into the challenges of cross-border M&A transactions and the evolving revenue models for portals.

Harvey, Simon and Mike DelPrete get together for an emergency broadcast after Google appeared to test showing full property listings at the top of its search results last weekend.Expect AI, monetisation, what this means for market leaders and challengers, and more...Chapters00:00 Introductions03:43 Google's Experimentation with Real Estate Listings06:25 Understanding the MLS and Listings09:42 Google and AI Integration18:27 Navigating the Zero-Click Universe25:30 Share prices drops all round30:45 Closing thoughts and goodbyes

Harvey and Ed discuss the Swedish real estate market with Fredrik Engdahl, CEO of Boneo. They explore the unique aspects of the Swedish market, including the prevalence of pre-market listings and the vendor-paid model. Fredrik explains Boneo's strategy to challenge the market leader, Hemnet, by focusing on value creation for agents and sellers. The conversation delves into the importance of marketing, the role of AI in real estate, and the dynamics of agent-backed portals. Fredrik shares insights on how Boneo differentiates itself through its unique offerings and plans for future growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Swedish Real Estate Market03:23 Understanding Bonneo's Role in the Market06:02 The Ideological Shift in Property Portals09:02 Bonneo's Unique Value Proposition11:57 Marketing Strategies and Challenges15:14 Pre-Market Listings and Their Impact18:11 Leveraging Data for Competitive Advantage20:57 The Future of Property Portals and AI25:26 The Rise of Pre-Market Listings in Sweden30:22 Hemnet's New Payment Strategy and Its Implications36:00 Bonneo's Marketing Strategy and Investment40:16 Creating Awareness: The Importance of Value Proposition46:47 Lessons Learned from Building a Network of Pre-Vetted Buyers

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss the latest developments in the real estate marketplaces industry, focusing on REA Group's integration with OpenAI, M&A news, and market updates. They delve into Zillow's recent controversy regarding climate risk scores and highlight product innovations from various real estate portals. The conversation wraps up with insights on the upcoming conference in Bangkok.00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:57 REA Group's Integration with OpenAI13:31 Acquisition of Neighborlytics by REA Group21:16 Partnership with Ray White and Market Insights24:15 Exploring Square Yards and Baltic Classifieds28:11 Zillow's Climate Risk Controversy34:04 The Information Dilemma in Real Estate38:03 Innovations in Rental Market Solutions47:23 Upcoming Conference Insights

In this news roundup episode, Harvey and Simon discuss...Domain and REA Group Traffic JibesBien'Ici's ambitious market leadership planSwiss Marketplace Group Acquisition post-IPOZillow lawsuit updateFinancialsChapters00:00 Introduction and Conference Updates04:11 Traffic Wars: Domain vs. REA Group12:01 User Experience at Domain14:59 Bien'Ici's Ambitious Goals in France24:23 Swiss Marketplace Group's Public Debut and Acquisitions32:37 Zillow's Legal Troubles Update42:53 Financial Results for Prosus and Cian46:59 PropTech Jobs and outros

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss potential lawsuits against Rightmove and Zillow, the impact of AI investments on Rightmove's share price, and financial updates from major real estate companies. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges and legal issues faced by these companies, as well as the evolving landscape of PropTech and real estate marketing.

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss the restructuring of SeLoger in France, the potential sale of Yad2 by Aviv Group, the cancellation of Dubizzle Group's IPO, and financial highlights from major marketplaces like Scout24. The conversation also highlights emerging trends in product innovation, particularly the rise of AI search functionalities in real estate portals.

Ed, Simon and Harvey discuss CoStar Group's recent Q3 results, legal challenges with Zillow, and the growth of Homes.com. They explore the implications of AI integration in real estate, the competitive landscape, and the ongoing acquisition strategies of CoStar. The conversation highlights the contrasting business models of CoStar and Zillow, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the rental market.

Ed, Simon and Harvey got together in a networking break at PropTech & Portal Watch Madrid 2025 to discuss the conference, the trends speakers are bringing up and how to frame narratives as a speaker.

Ed and Simon Baker engage with Joost Dop, CEO of Funda, to explore the dynamics of the Dutch real estate market, emphasizing the importance of engagement metrics over traffic volume. They discuss the challenges of housing shortages, Funda's role in addressing these issues, and the unique ownership structure that fosters strong relationships with brokers. The conversation also delves into pricing strategies, the development of tools for brokers, and the impact of AI on the real estate industry, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and learning from global market trends.

Edmund and Simon are joined by Stefan Gunnarsson, CEO of PropTexx. They explore the competitive landscape of AI in real estate, the importance of user experience, and how PropTexx bridges the gap between real estate and retail. The conversation delves into customer segments, implementation challenges, and the evolving role of agents in this new ecosystem, while also addressing data privacy concerns and technical considerations.

Ed, Harvey and Simon preview the upcoming PropTech & Portal Watch conference in Madrid. They discuss what attendees can expect from this year's speakers, who'll be at the event and how the narratives around the industry have shifted since last year's conference.

Ed and Simon are joined by SearchSmartly CEO, Taha Dar to discuss the Portal Standards Report 2025. They explore the current state of real estate portals, the importance of data and technology adoption, and the need for features like commute time search. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by portals in integrating new technologies, the role of AI in property search, and the cultural attitudes within real estate companies. Taha shares insights on how SearchSmartly can assist portals in their innovation journey, emphasising the importance of user-centric features.Read the report here: https://mailchi.mp/onlinemarketplaces/portal-standards-2025

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss significant developments in the real estate marketplace sector, including Scout24's acquisition of Fotocasa and Habitaclia, the changing ownership landscape of Idealista, and the management shakeup at Opendoor. They also cover Zoopla's financial performance, the public listing of Swiss Marketplace Group, and ongoing legal troubles faced by Zillow. The conversation highlights the competitive dynamics and challenges within the real estate industry.

Harvey and Simon are joined by Remy Fabre, CEO of Zefir - a rapidly growing real estate marketplace in France. The conversation delves into Zefir's innovative use of AI to streamline the home buying and selling process, the company's business model, and the challenges faced in establishing a new category in the real estate market. Remy shares insights on recent developments, future goals, and the role of AI in transforming real estate transactions. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape and the potential for Zefir to become a leading platform in the industry.

Ed, Simon, and Harvey discuss the latest trends and challenges in the real estate marketplace. They explore the implications of AI on property portals, the significance of virtual staging, and the success of companies like Scout24. The conversation also touches on the verticalization of marketplaces and the introduction of new tiers for real estate agents. The hosts emphasize the importance of brand trust and the evolving landscape of real estate technology.

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss the recent $525 million investment in Property Finder, the leadership shakeup at REA Group, and the strategic discussions between News Corp and OpenAI. The conversation also touches on Hemnet's pricing challenges in Sweden and Zillow's ongoing copyright issues.

Ed and Simon interview József Keleti, the leader of Ingatlan, a prominent real estate portal in Hungary. They discuss the unique characteristics of the Hungarian real estate market, the services offered by Ingatlan, and the challenges faced by real estate portals globally. The conversation delves into the auction model used for property listings, user behavior in searching for properties, and the competitive landscape. József shares insights on the acquisition of a car portal, the synergies between real estate and mortgage businesses, and the potential applications of AI in enhancing user experience. The episode concludes with reflections on learning from global real estate portals and the importance of adapting to changing user preferences.

Harvey and Simon engage with Fouad Bekkar, CEO of Coraly, to discuss the transformative role of AI in the real estate industry. They explore Coraly's innovative approach to listing creation, lead management, and the challenges of integrating AI into existing systems. Fouad shares insights on funding strategies, market entry, and the importance of maintaining focus amidst numerous opportunities. The conversation also touches on the significance of measuring ROI in AI investments and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss...- CoStar Group's acquisition of Domain- Rumors of Swiss Marketplace Group's potential IPO- Opendoor's financial struggles and leadership changes- A financial misappropriation incident at Frontier Digital Ventures. The conversation delves into market dynamics, investor sentiment, and the challenges faced by companies in the PropTech sector.00:00 Introduction and Context01:00 CoStar Group's Acquisition of Domain06:47 Swiss Marketplace Group's IPO Plans13:48 Open Door's Financial Struggles and CEO Resignation28:27 Frontier Digital Ventures' Financial Misappropriation

Harvey and Ed welcome Mike Bird, CEO of Apartments.com.au. They discuss Mike's background, the importance of AI in real estate, and the innovative Conversion Assist service that enhances lead conversion. The conversation also covers the business model of Aartments.com.au, the significance of trust and transparency in the market, and the role of editorial content in building consumer confidence. Mike shares insights on challenges faced in the industry, lessons learned, and the competitive landscape with major players like REA Group and Domain. The episode concludes with thoughts on personal branding and the future of real estate technology.

Ed, Simon, and Harvey discuss news in the real estate portal industry, including the appointment of a new CEO at REA Group, the challenges he faces, the complexities of going public for real estate companies, and the recent allegations against KE Holdings in China for inflating their financial numbers. The conversation also touches on the importance of integrating new home developments into real estate portals.

Edmund Keith, Simon Baker, and Harvey Hancock discuss the latest news and trends in the real estate marketplace and PropTech sector. They delve into Zillow's recent financial performance, including its revenue and ongoing legal challenges, as well as REA Group's financial year results and strategic investments in innovative companies like Jitty. The conversation also touches on the consolidation of real estate portals in Ireland, highlighting the implications for the market and competition.

Ed talks to Marcos Leite, GM of OLX Brasil, discussing the dynamics of the Brazilian real estate market, the impact of AI, and the company's growth strategies.Marcos shares insights on market competition, the challenges of the rental market, and the importance of customer service and broker education. He emphasizes the need for innovation and adaptation in a rapidly changing market, while also highlighting the significance of global market insights for local strategies.

Hosts Edmund Keith, Harvey Hancock, and Simon Baker discuss the latest developments in the real estate marketplace and prop tech sectors. They delve into...- The ongoing CEO search at REA Group- Recent mergers and acquisitions- The legal battle between Zillow and Compass- The financial performance of major real estate portals.The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the industry and the future of real estate portals.The excellent Inman article mentioned in the show can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/6yt3849pAnd our loyal listeners can get a discount on tickets for PPW here --> https://tinyurl.com/5n7kyfmc

Harvey and Simon engage with Christian Printzell Halvorsen, CEO of Vend, discussing the evolution of Vend from Schibsted Marketplaces, its strategic focus on verticalization, and the importance of adapting to user needs in the real estate sector.They explore the brand portfolio, the role of acquisitions in growth, and the impact of AI on the marketplace. The conversation also touches on monetization strategies, vendor-paid advertising, and the potential of subscription models in the rental market, concluding with insights on industry trends and future directions.

Harvey and Ed interview Rory Golod, VP of Communications and Growth at Compass. The discussion revolves around Compass's mission to empower real estate agents, the recent lawsuit against Zillow for anti-competitive practices, and the implications of these actions on the real estate market.Compass is looking to emphasise the importance of competition, consumer choice, and innovative marketing strategies, including the use of AI to enhance agent productivity. The conversation also touches on the role of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the challenges faced by agents in the current market landscape.

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss the news from the world of real estate marketplaces this week...- Zillow is being sued by brokerage Compass.- Realtor.com has weighed in on the private listings debate with some strong words.- Adevinta Spain is reportedly for sale with a host of potential PE firms interested in spending €2 billion to acquire the assets.

Ed and Simon are joined by Max Steinman, CEO of RentSync, to explore the evolution of the rental market in Canada, the challenges and strategies involved in mergers and acquisitions, and the impact of AI on real estate portals.They discuss the unique aspects of the Canadian market, including the prevalence of purpose-built rentals and the role of major competitors. The conversation also delves into the importance of media relationships and the future outlook for RentSync and the rental industry as a whole.

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss various developments in the real estate marketplace industry, including CoStar's potential rebranding of Domain to homes.com.au, Quinto Andar's decision to cut its rental guarantees product, and TradeMe's acquisition of a stake in a media company. They also delve into the regulatory scrutiny facing major players in the industry across different countries, highlighting concerns about anti-competitive behavior and the implications for consumers and agents alike.

Harvey Hancock hosts Simon Baker and Simon Bray to discuss the evolving landscape of real estate online marketplaces, focusing on Kleinanzeigen's strategic positioning and the challenges of verticalization in the real estate sector. The conversation explores the importance of a seeker-centric approach, the role of technology in enhancing user experience, and the potential for conversational commerce to improve engagement. The guests share insights on monetization strategies, cultural adaptation in new markets, and the impact of AI on the future of real estate transactions.

Harvey and Simon are joined by Darius Cheung, co-founder of 99.co. Darius shares his journey from a mobile security entrepreneur to a leader in the prop tech industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the real estate market, particularly in Singapore and Indonesia. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, the role of technology in enhancing user experience, and the impact of government policies on housing. He also highlights the significance of the rental market and the need for real estate platforms to embrace AI to stay competitive.

Ed and Simon discuss the latest trends and challenges in the real estate marketplace, focusing on the REA Group's pricing power, the role of real estate agents in Australia, and the success of Square Yards in India. They also explore the implications of IPOs for real estate companies, the need for consolidation in the Indian market, and emerging trends in Egypt. The conversation touches on Zillow's new offer strategies and the future of buyer agents, as well as the complexities of duplicate listings in real estate portals.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Market Dynamics02:55 Understanding REA Group's Pricing Controversy10:42 The Impact of Competition Authorities on Real Estate14:52 Square Yards: A Success Story in India18:53 Navigating the IPO Landscape19:55 Consolidation in India's Real Estate Market20:54 Emerging Trends in Egypt's Real Estate Market24:50 Zillow's New Offer Strategies30:58 Zillow's Legal Challenges and Duplicate Listings

Ed is joined by Bryan Wester (MD of PropertyCloud.mu) who shares his extensive experience in the African real estate market, particularly focusing on the dynamics of property portals across various countries. He discusses the unique characteristics of the Mauritius market, the challenges faced in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the misconceptions surrounding demographic tailwinds.Bryan emphasizes the importance of understanding local market conditions, the need for sustainable business models, and the potential for success among smaller, locally operated portals. He also contrasts the South African market with other Sub-Saharan countries, highlighting the differences in professionalism and profitability. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of real estate portals in Africa and the lessons learned from years of operation in the region.

In this episode, Simon Baker shares his extensive journey with the REA Group, detailing its founding, early challenges, and the evolution of its business model. He discusses the competitive landscape of real estate portals, the importance of vendor paid advertising, and the strategies employed to build relationships with real estate agents. Simon reflects on the lessons learned from international expansion, the challenges faced during his tenure, and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the company. He concludes with insights on the future of real estate portals and the importance of understanding market dynamics.

In this episode, Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss significant developments in the real estate marketplace, including CoStar's acquisition of Domain, the competitive landscape with REA Group and Zillow, and the implications of recent controversies in the UK and India. They explore the evolving trends in mergers and acquisitions within the industry and the importance of innovation in maintaining market relevance.

Edmund, Harvey and Simon get together for a quickfire rundown of the biggest news from the world of real estate portals and proptech in the last couple of weeks.0:00 intros (and powercuts!)2:20 CoStar Q1 results and VPA trial10:50 Zoopla for sale?17:30 Zillow CCP updates and two-tab search experience rollback24:30 Public iBuyers in choppy waters

Margaux Scalisi joins the podcast to talk about her niche portal, Vefaonline, the difficulties in building and scaling her business from brokering deals to getting paid, and the problems that keep her up at night.

Ed, Harvey and Simon discuss significant developments in the real estate and prop tech industries, including the ongoing Clear Cooperation Policy battle in the U.S., Zillow's market power and ethical considerations, CoStar's strategy with Homes.com, Immobiliare's expansion in Croatia, and DomClick's controversial data-sharing practices in Russia.

Simon and Ed talk to Abdelrahman Zohairy, CEO of Property Sorted. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Egyptian real estate market. He emphasizes the importance of user experience, claiming a 10X improvement over competitors, and outlines their commission-based business model. The discussion also covers innovative marketing strategies, including viral content and AI integration, as well as insights gained from participating in the PropTech & Portal Watch Pitch Club.