realestate.com.au launches ChatGPT app for homebuyers

REA Group has launched a realestate.com.au app for ChatGPT, creating a new search channel for Australian home buyers who use the AI service to browse properties for sale.

The app lets logged-in ChatGPT users search realestate.com.au listings and view results within the ChatGPT interface. It adds another entry point alongside the company's website and mobile apps as consumer search habits shift towards conversational tools.

Users can request properties in natural language and refine results through follow-up prompts. Results appear in a map view and include photos, key features, listing descriptions and pricing information. The app also shows agent details and allows users to save a property or click through to the listing on realestate.com.au.

Search Features

Within ChatGPT, property seekers can apply standard filters such as budget, bedrooms, bathrooms and other features. They can sort results by price, newest listings or relevance. Listing previews show up to seven photos, along with property details and agent information.

The interface also supports more specific prompts. A user might set a suburb, property type, price ceiling and requirements such as a garage, then adjust one element without starting again to narrow the list through conversation.

REA Group will explore additional functions over time and work with OpenAI on further iterations.

AI Strategy

The ChatGPT app is part of REA Group's broader push into AI-based product development across realestate.com.au. It has positioned the work as part of a consumer engagement strategy focused on personalised experiences and lead generation for advertisers.

Jonathan Swift, REA Group's Chief Product and Audience Officer, linked the move to changing buyer behaviour and increased use of AI tools during property searches.

"Some property buyers are beginning to use AI tools in their property journey and we're seeing a higher uptake with younger property seekers," Swift said.

He said making listings available in the AI channel was important early in the search process and helped drive continued engagement with realestate.com.au.

"Property seekers come to realestate.com.au because it's a trusted source of information and we have more homes for sale than anywhere else," Swift said.

Market Context

The launch comes as consumer-facing AI tools become more common for everyday planning and research. Property search lends itself to conversational querying because buyers often start with broad requirements and refine them over time. Map-based discovery and listing detail views have long been standard features on real estate portals, but ChatGPT offers a different interface and workflow.

For real estate portals, distribution choices carry commercial weight. Listing marketplaces depend on consumer reach and engagement, which influences the value of advertising products offered to agents, developers and vendors. A presence inside ChatGPT creates another route to discovery while still directing users back to the portal for deeper information and next steps.

Swift also framed the launch as part of the company's wider roadmap for AI features on realestate.com.au and pointed to its data assets.

"This is an exciting milestone as we continue to deliver on our consumer engagement strategy and complements the suite of AI-prime features rolling out on realestate.com.au. Our unparalleled audience and proprietary data places us in a strong position to harness AI and deliver unique and valuable insights and experiences for our customers and consumers," Swift said.

REA Group runs realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au in Australia, along with Flatmates.com.au and property.com.au. It also owns Mortgage Choice and PropTrack, and has investments and interests in other property and mortgage-related businesses in Australia, North America, India and the US.

The ChatGPT app is available to logged-in ChatGPT users in Australia and supports nationwide search for properties listed for sale on realestate.com.au. Further updates are planned as REA Group continues working with OpenAI on the product.