Australian real estate portal Homely.com.au has joined forces with HouGarden, a platform for Chinese buyers based in New Zealand.

The collaboration is designed to harness the increasing Asian interest in Australian real estate. 

The strategic partnership means Australian real estate agents who list on Homely.com.au will have their listings promoted to a significant Asian investment and property seeking audience, including expats in New Zealand.

Homely Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Adam Spencer said HouGarden’s leading position and influence in New Zealand, alongside its strong connections across Asia and well-regarded social media and content properties, made it the perfect partner for the engagement. 

He said the collaboration was a pivotal moment to enhance technology-driven communication and cooperation. 

“The partnership will focus on the integration of shared knowledge, the enhancement of interactive property displays, and the overall improvement of the digital experience to better cater to Asian markets,” Mr Spencer said.

HouGarden Founder and Managing Director Sam Yim said the partnership with Homely.com.au paved the way for more advanced property search experiences for Chinese investors. 

“This announcement is a significant milestone in linking Chinese investors with the global real estate arena,” he said.

“It perfectly aligns with our strategic goals, offering Chinese buyers enriched insights and access to a wider array of international property listings.”

Mr Spencer said there had been a noticeable increase in inquiries from Chinese investors and families looking to own homes in Australia after the pandemic. 

He said the collaboration with HouGarden would offer Australian agents broad access to a high-interest, international market, without changing the way they list. 

Vendors can also potentially reduce their days on market and generate higher sale prices due to increased competition.

Mr Spencer said the partnership offered Asian investors and migrants to Australia a streamlined buying experience and a more straightforward pathway to Australian real estate with two trusted brands. 

“We’re already the cost-effective alternative in the Australian market,” Mr Spencer said. 

“This partnership demonstrates the immense value Homely provides its listing agents and vendors, who will now be able to get maximum exposure to a whole new market when they list on Homely.”