Google property search: are holiday rentals next?
Recent reports speculate that Google will soon be rolling out its property search engine/portal in the UK, which could pose a serious threat to existing websites that advertise UK and overseas property. But will they add holiday homes to Google Maps?
How does Google property search work?
It is expected to be similar to the real estate service Google launched in Australia, which allows users to view real estate listings on Google Maps by selecting “Real Estate” from the “More” menu at the top right of a Google Map. Users can then refine their search using the options in the left hand panel and also view properties for rent.
Google Maps also recently added Place Pages for each listing. Clicking the “more info” link next to a listing, takes users to a page that gives detailed information, such as: photos, inspection times, videos, details, street view and links for “directions” and “search nearby”.
Also, searching for a “real estate” related keyword returns real estate listings. For example”homes for sale sydney”
Will holiday rentals be included on Google maps?
What would be interesting, and could be a future development as they already show rentals, is if Google featured holiday rentals. They could show holiday lets when users search for holiday rental terms, such as “apartments in marbella” or “villa in burgundy” in maps or they could add a “Holiday Rental” option from the “More” menu at the top right of a Google Map. This would be a serious threat to existing holiday rental portals.
Google could collect property listings by crawling the web (holiday rental portals) and by receiving uploads through Google Base.
Google could also allow holiday let owners add their properties in a way similar to the current “Local Business Center” where business owners can claim their business and edit information. Holiday let owners could add information so holidaymakers can view photos, rates, video, street view, directions etc – all on Google Maps.
Potentially this could be a free alternative for holiday home owners to advertise their properties, rather than pay to be listed on the holiday rental portals.
What do you think… will holiday rentals feature on Google Maps?