Australia’s First ‘Hyper-local’ Real Estate Website Launches in Melbourne

Media release

– www.streetnews.com.au the first truly ‘hyper-local’ real estate website launched in Australia
– Streetnews.com.au is a real estate website that provides property news and information on sold properties as well as insights into local schools, cafés and lifestyle activities for over 549 suburbs in Melbourne.
– 46 per cent of streetnews.com.au visitors use a mobile device
– Vendors are able to compare agent performance and testimonials in one spot
– Real estate agents encouraged to embrace industry digital disruption

Property consumers across Melbourne and Australia will experience a new kind of online convenience and research with the launch of ‘hyper-local’ real estate website www.streetnews.com.au.

“Streetnews.com.au is the first ‘hyper-local’ real estate website of its kind in Australia,” said Peter Sarmas, Founder and Director of Streetnews.com.au. He defines the website as being focused on local real estate news, agent reviews and property intelligence – all critical when making a property-related decision.

Streetnews.com.au will initially roll out in 549 suburbs across Melbourne, promoting not only homes for sale but also residential lifestyles.

“Consumers today are bombarded with information across multiple sites that is not relevant to them,” said Mr Sarmas.

“When they are looking to purchase a home, they are not overly concerned with the macro commentary of the housing market.

“Instead, what they really want to know is: where are the local childcare centres? Where is the closest transport route to work? And which local café has the best coffee?

“People who visit our website will discover a smorgasbord of lifestyle points in each suburb, be it local RSLs, shopping centres or even bike tracks.”

According to Mr Sarmas, this is where Streetnews.com.au differs from most competitor websites. 

“We collate information on property, lifestyle and the local agents in your area into one easy-to-use platform. This allows buyers more time to inspect properties with greater confidence,” said Mr Sarmas.

Moreover, Mr Sarmas views geo-location as an integral part of how information is consumed today, especially on mobile and tablet devices. He added that busy Australians will find the site geared for those on the run.

“Consumers are gradually moving away from desktops and turning to their mobile and tablets when researching property. Sometimes they even do it when they are standing in front of a property signboard,” said Mr Sarmas.

Mr Sarmas revealed that 46 per cent of Streenews.com.au visitors use mobile platforms to browse the site and on average explore for over 4 minutes.

“With Streenews.com.au, the biggest winners are time-poor Australians, who consume on the run and want to know more about their market and their local agent fast.”

However, Mr Sarmas added that streetnews.com.au is not just for buyers.

“The website’s ‘Find an Agent’ section allows vendors shopping around for real estate representation to compare the performance of local agents all at the click of a button.”

Mr Sarmas said the ‘Find an Agent’ feature has led some real estate agents to liken Streetnews.com.au to TripAdvisor.

“Great customer service by agents will be well rewarded as vendors and buyers are encouraged to post a review about the agent’s performance, just like someone would about a hotel on TripAdvisor,” said Mr Sarmas.

“Moreover, individual agents who are focused on great customer service can use the site as their own personal resume to encourage more business.”

Mr Sarmas says that real estate agents need to start embracing the digital age and build up an online profile because most buyers and vendors expect the convenience of researching online and use Google as their preferred research tool.

“Melbourne-based agents who embrace Streetnews.com.au are ahead of the game because vendors will find them listed as local experts here and go on to make a decision about representation.”

In addition to local news and agent comparisons, streetnews.com.au also offers a free market report that many other sites charge for.

For all your news, reviews and property needs visit www.streetnews.com.au

For further media information contact:
Peter Sarmas, Founder and Director on 0418 740 606