The owners of one of Northern Ireland’s largest property portal Propertynews.com has invested £1 million in new technology and a relaunch.
GCD Technologies announced the move one year after buying the brand - which had previously been part of Belfast Telegraph owner Mediahuis’s stable of products – for an undisclosed sum. The portal showcases property listings on its sites from agents across Northern Ireland.
Previously a supplier to Propertynews.com, the Lurgan-based technology company has brought back key personnel who previously worked in the business including commercial director Emma McNally and customer care manager Richard Kilner.
Emma Kerr, previously GCD marketing director, has also been appointed managing director of the business.
“We undertook significant brand and market research before embarking on a rebrand and we’re really pleased to bring a refreshed platform to the market to help us serve our agent customers even better and to attract even more homebuyers and renters to the site,” she said. “We have invested significantly in the website and to expand the team.”
“In conjunction with our estate agent partners, we look forward to continuing to grow the business strongly into the months and years ahead.”
GCD said sales listing have grown by 35% year-on-year and rental listings by 61% since it took over the business a year ago. Meanwhile, the number of agents using the site has grown by 27%, with 90 new agents joining in the last 12 months.
One of the portal’s agent customers is Dan Henry, Owner of Bensons Coleraine.
“We have had a long standing history with Propertynews, beginning over four decades ago with the Propertynews magazine and continuing with their launch of the first property portal in NI in 2000,” he said. “It is tremendous to see the business continue to innovate under the helm of their new owners at GCD Technologies and we look forward to a continued successful working relationship with the website.”
