The property portal you didn’t know you needed making big strides
The team behind one of Australia’s biggest property sites is now enjoying rapid growth with a new portal offering unique insights
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A new property portal providing an overview of all properties — for sale or not — is proving a hit with buyers.
February data from market research analyst IPSOS shows that View.com.au is now Australia’s fastest growing residential property portal with 102 percent growth in unique audience since October last year. The rapid rise means it is now challenging longstanding property portal, Domain.com.au, for second position behind realestate.com.au, which remains the most popular property website in the country.
View.com.au is headed up by seven former Domain executives, including former Domain CEO Anthony Catalano. The team were responsible for growing Domain to a $2.2 billion listing on the ASX.
Chief marketing officer for View.com.au, Paul Tyrell said the audience growth for the relatively new portal was ‘fantastic’.
“Our consumer proposition is unique and features over 136,000 properties for sale, however it offers a complete view of the market with access to nearly 11 million properties Australia wide, with buyers able to express interest in properties even if they’re not for sale,” Mr Tyrell said. “All delivered by best in class mapping from Nearmap.
“To be the fastest growing property portal in the country is a testament to the hard work of the team and a clear demonstration of the need for a competitive alternative in the property portal space.”
Mr Catalano said View.com.au offered a genuine alternative for agents.
“We can make it free or keep prices low because VMG’s business model is not predicated on listings revenue, where the only option is annual price increases,” he said. “We’re creating a true property ecosystem that caters to all steps along the property journey. View will soon bring finance propositions to market with our banking partner ANZ.”
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
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An imposing Scottish castle that has only had four owners in its more than 200-year existence has hit the market asking for offers above £8 million (US$10.45 million).
Seton Hall, as it’s known, was built in 1789 by architect Robert Adam using stone from Seton Palace, the since-demolished property that was considered to be Mary Queen of Scots’s preferred retreat, according to Savills, which brought the home to the market last month.
“Seton is an absolutely magical castle—from the moment you approach, to the inner courtyard, to the quality of interior design,” said listing agent Jessica Gwyn.
The castle—roughly 10 miles from Edinburgh—remained in the same family from the late 18th century until 2003, which “served to freeze Seton in a protective time warp,” according to the listing.
Castellated features such as slit windows and turrets can be seen from the outside, and inside “secret staircases, curved doors, curved walls, arched windows and hidden doors add to the charming sophistication of the architecture and design,” the listing said.
But the castle has since been refurbished to meet modern standards, and now also boasts a helipad, a full security system, a gym, a playroom, a silk-lined dining room and a billiards room.
The restoration project saw a team of expert stonemasons rebuild the castle’s many chimneys, turrets and rooftop parapets. Plus, ironwork was restored, the dumbwaiter reinstated and the 10,000-bottle wine cellar was brought back to life, Savills said.
Alongside the seven-bedroom home that forms the core of the castle, there are additional residences across the property, including Darnley Cottage and Bothwell Cottage—named after Mary Queen of Scots’s husbands.
The castle’s stables have been refurbished, too, and are adjacent to the “Stable Bar,” the castle’s private pub.
The owner—who Mansion Global couldn’t identify—“feels their time as custodian of this outstanding building has come to a natural conclusion and it is time for this historic home to be loved and cared for by someone else,” Gwyn said.
This article first appeared on Mansion Global
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
