Rightmove extension with AI search

Problem Statement

Key Issues Identified on Rightmove Based on Reddit Discussions

The search functionality on Rightmove has several recurring problems as identified from Reddit discussions:

1. Lack of Useful Filters: Many users have expressed frustration over the limited filtering options available on Rightmove. Commonly desired filters that are missing include:

   • Square footage/monthly rents (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1dyhyen/are_you_satisfied_with_searching_properties_on/)
   • Leasehold vs. freehold properties (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/wgk8si/dear_rightmovezoopla_its_2022_put_a_filter_for/)
   • Inclusion of historical property prices (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1dvfza4/what_struggles_do_you_have_with_your_rightmove/)
   • Property listings without floor plans (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1c0tzq7/its_much_much_worse_than_we_thought_government/)

2. Data Accuracy: There are issues with the accuracy of listings, including incorrect property locations and outdated listings. This results in wasted time for users and frustration (https://www.reddit.com/r/uklandlords/comments/17ddded/problems_with_rightmove/).

3. User Experience: Poor functionality related to saving and excluding properties. Users face difficulties in marking properties they've already reviewed, which adds unnecessary complexity to their search process (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1dyhyen/are_you_satisfied_with_searching_properties_on/).

Existing Solutions and Their Limitations

Several competing platforms like Zoopla and OntheMarket offer similar property search capabilities but suffer from many of the same shortcomings. Some emerging tools have promised better filters and more accurate listings (e.g., Jitty, Roofus), but often have a smaller listing database or are still in early development stages (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1c19hmr/weve_built_the_property_app_that_this_sub_has/).

Reddit References

• Link
• Link
• Link

Target Audience Insights

Demographics

• Age: Mostly adults aged 25–45 who are active in the property market.
• Location: Users primarily from metropolitan cities and surrounding suburbs in the UK.
• Income Level: Middle to upper-middle-class, including first-time home buyers and renters.

Interests and Behaviors

• Technology Adoption: High usage of digital tools and platforms for property searches.
• Property Specifications: Keen interest in specific property features like floor size, type of lease, and historical price.
• Challenges and Pain Points: Frustration with inaccurately listed properties, lack of detailed filters, and need for more personalized search results.

Common Themes/Sentiments on Reddit

• Desire for Advanced Filtering: Users commonly request advanced filters to narrow down property searches more effectively (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1dvfza4/what_struggles_do_you_have_with_your_rightmove/).
• Data Transparency: There is a strong preference for more transparency in listings, such as historical prices and property dimensions (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/comments/1eczde1/why_doesnt_zooplarightmove_let_you_filtersearch/).

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors

Reddit References

• Rightmove – Strengths/Weaknesses
• Roofus
• Jitty

Business Model

Monetization Methods

1. Subscription Services: Offering premium subscriptions for access to advanced filtering options, historical data, and personalized search features.
2. Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with real estate agents and brokers, earning commissions for referred property sales or rentals.
3. Advertising: Selling ad space to agents, brokers, and home service providers targeting specific demographics within the app.

Cost Structure

• Development Costs: Initial and ongoing development of AI algorithms, user interface enhancements.
• Marketing Costs: Promoting the app via digital marketing, social media, and targeted campaigns.
• Operational Costs: Server maintenance, customer support, and ongoing data acquisition from property listings.

Key Partnerships and Resources

• Real Estate Agencies: Collaborate with leading real estate agencies for database integration and real-time updates.
• Data Providers: Partner with data providers to ensure up-to-date and accurate property details.
• Tech Companies: Form alliances with tech firms for AI development and feature upgrades.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Plan

Core Features

1. Enhanced Filtering: Advanced search filters by square footage, lease type, number of bathrooms, garden size.
2. Personalized Search Results: Suggestions based on user preferences and previous searches.
3. Data Accuracy: Verification tools using AI to ensure accuracy in property details.

Timeline and Milestones

1. Initial Development (Months 1-3): Build core functionalities - advanced filtering, personalized search algorithm.
2. Beta Testing (Months 4-6): Launch beta version for limited users, gather feedback, refine based on user input.
3. Market Launch (Months 7-9): Full-scale deployment, targeted promotion to attract initial user base, continuous monitoring, and updates.

Success Metrics

• User Engagement: Metrics like daily active users (DAU) and session length.
• User Feedback: Ratings, reviews, and qualitative feedback from users.
• Property Listings: Number of accurate, up-to-date property listings integrated within the platform.
• Conversion Rates: Percentage of free to premium subscription conversions and affiliate referrals.

Go-to-Market Strategy

Introduction of MVP

• Early Access Promotions: Offer early access through beta invites, create a sense of exclusivity.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with property and real estate influencers to promote the app.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

• Social Media Campaigns: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to target property buyers and renters.
• Content Marketing: Blogs, webinars, and tutorials on smart property searching utilizing AI tools.

Primary Channels for Reaching Target Audience

• Real Estate Forums and Subreddits: Engage potential users through platforms like Reddit, leveraging discussions and community feedback (https://www.reddit.com/r/HousingUK/).
• SEO and SEM: Optimize for keywords related to property search enhancements, use paid search marketing for increased visibility.
• Email Marketing: Engage with real estate newsletters and related mailing lists to inform potential users of new and enhanced functionalities.