Mike Bird presentation at PropTech & PortalWatch Conference Bangkok 2024, presented by OnlineMarketplaces

Driving Transparency to Improve Supply of New Homes to Market in Australia

"Australia is one of the fastest countries per capita in the world but has been plagued by ongoing quality issues for new apartment developments. These issues have created uncertainty for consumers and have contributed to the ongoing undersupply of new housing. Mike’s presentation outlines the opportunities property portals have to leverage their audience and data to solve important industry challenges while creating a competitive advantage."

- OnlineMarketplaces

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Mastering the Bootstrap Journey

Urban.com.au's success story begins with a bold decision to bootstrap. Bird and his partner, George, launched Social Garden 11 years ago, becoming one of Facebook’s first partners in Australia. Their strategy was simple yet effective: generate leads through targeted online marketing and sell them to developers. This approach not only ensured profitability but also allowed them to maintain control over their business.

Innovative Solutions for Industry Challenges

Recognising the risks of relying solely on platforms like Facebook and Google, Bird and his team acquired and transformed a national online marketplace. By leveraging their digital marketing expertise, they created a robust platform that generates high-quality leads and provides developers with actionable insights.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

Australia’s housing market faces significant challenges, including population growth outstripping supply and a lack of consumer trust in developers. Urban.com.au tackles these issues head-on by collecting and integrating unique data sets to inform and improve the development process. Their approach ensures housing is built in the right areas, with the right amenities, and to a high standard.

Empowering Developers and Consumers

Urban.com.au provides developers with the tools to make brand a competitive advantage, offering transparency and accountability. For consumers, the platform reduces information asymmetry, helping them make informed decisions about their investments. Bird emphasises the importance of spotlighting reputable developers while avoiding coverage of those with poor track records.

Looking Ahead

Urban.com.au’s commitment to improving housing quality extends beyond business goals. Using long form story telling and their own detailed data set, they aim to create a more informed and trustworthy experience to find and buy new property. Bird’s insights underscore the potential for property developers and project managers to drive positive change in the industry while achieving commercial success.