Platform Brings Quantum Change to Off-the-Plan Sales

The days of lining up or using online ticketing systems to secure off-the-plan property are coming to an end with Australian-first technology modernising the off-the-plan property release process.

Recently launched platform Release.Me gives buyers a fair playing field by shaking up the ‘first come, first served’ model, using an algorithm to allocate property to buyers fairly and equitably.

The proptech platform allows property developers and agents to release new stock to market entirely online, providing a raft of pay-offs, from increased buyer uptake to reduced overheads and unparalleled market data.

Increasing demand for off-the-plan real estate means many buyers currently spend every weekend turning up at sales offices, while a spike in interstate and regional migration has also led to issues for buyers unable to travel to make the purchase—according to Domain, around 66 per cent of property enquiries in south-east Queensland have come from NSW.

“Buying a home shouldn’t be like buying tickets to a Rolling Stones concert,” Keogh said.

“Release.Me gives every buyer the same chance to secure a property, no matter their location or schedule.

“Meeting the market where it’s at, buyers can shop online, and the platform offers a fair, transparent and stress-free experience.”

The platform doesn’t only benefit buyers: it streamlines the release process for developers and agents.

Release.Me manages the release process from the time the release goes live until contract signing, flattening the peak in workload and reducing the cost usually associated with a release.

Buyer applications, preferences, property allocations, communication, particulars of sale, payment of holding deposits and contract signing bookings are all handled by the platform.

After finding initial success since launching in May, Release.Me has expanded its off-the-plan release capabilities from land to apartments, and to medium-density products.

Release.Me has also recently added new features such as the ‘buy now’ capability, which serves as a simple ecommerce add on to any developer or agents website, allowing purchasers to secure an available property at any time of day from anywhere in the world.

YourLand Developments was an early adopter of Release.Me, using the platform across multiple developments including its in-demand Officer Central community in Melbourne’s south-east.

YourLand sales manager Kristian Sartori said it was a fairer and easier experience.

“Our customers have told us that Release.Me eased the stress associated with competing to purchase property and gave them the ability to make a well-considered and informed choice,” Sartori said.

“Even those who have missed out on securing property via Release.Me, while disappointed, recognised that they had the same chance as everyone else.

“With customers able to submit multiple property preferences, we are provided with information on what buyers are looking for and how we can better cater to their needs.”

Developers and agents who use Release.Me can see the buyer activity in real-time via an online dashboard.

“Release.Me provides sellers with data that is not otherwise captured in traditional release processes,” Keogh said.

“Online ticket sales and in-person ballots don’t provide any insight into the depth of the market or buyer preferences, which ultimately limits how developers can plan and price property.

“With Release.Me, if a release of 10 properties attracts 60 applications the seller receives contact details and full property preferences of all 60 applicants via the dashboard.

“We recognise the immense value of data and we will be adding more tools to assist sellers to collate and analyse this data in the near future.”

To see how it all works, book a demo with Release.Me.

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