Real estate portal CommonFloor.com enables augmented reality-based property search on mobile

Maxheap Technologies Pvt Ltd, which runs real estate and apartment management portal CommonFloor.com, has launched augmented reality (AR)-based search for properties and apartments.

Named CommonFloor Real Estate, the app also enables GPS (global positioning system)-based properties search. The company claimed that the app extends many features available on its website to mobile devices and links them with GPS to make the search less time consuming and hassle free.

"We have kept our style of minimal features and yet great user experience. Our app extends most of our features from the website, and a few mobile-only offerings such as the AR property search and GPS- enabled map search," said Lalit Mangal, cofounder and head (technology), CommonFloor.com.

Using AR view, a user can point his phone in any direction and the app will automatically detect available properties in that direction in a specified kilometre range. This is beneficial when a user is out on the street searching for relevant properties in the area. The property seeker can filter them according to their needs on mobile. They can then directly contact the owners/dealers who have posted the listing and also gather details like size, cost etc.

The map or GPS-based search feature helps users to identify properties around their current location. Users can also move the map to identify other nearby properties such as a particular school, work place or any other landmark.

A user can filter properties and projects on the basis of buying/renting, city, location within the city, type of property (apartment/villa/independent house/row house/plot), number of rooms, budget as well as size in sq. ft. After narrowing down on relevant properties, users can find out the details about each property, including the amenities available, approvals issued by local authorities, banks that will issue loans for purchase and floor plans.

The app also enables users to identify the distance of a property from nearest landmarks like schools, hospitals, malls, airport/railway station and restaurants.

Users can also shortlist and save their favourite properties within the app as well share details about the same with their friends through e-mail. The app offers directions to enable users to reach the selected property. In case of specific requests, users can set alerts for property updates as well as post their requirements.

Those who wish to sell property can publish the details of their property easily through the app. The CommonFloor Real Estate app will soon be available on other mobile platforms including iPhone and iPad.

Last October, the company raised funding from its existing investors Tiger Global and Accel India.

(Edited by Prem Udayabhanu)