60 Second Interview: Shameem Golamy, Managing Director of Properstar

1.For those who are not familiar with Properstar yet, how would you summarise your services?
Properstar is an online portal that helps UK estate agents market properties to an international audience in over 60 countries, with property details automatically translated into 16 languages through its unique translation tool.

2.Who are your clients?

Our clients are estate agents from all over the UK who have either received sales leads from international buyers in the past but want to maximise these or are keen to break into the international market and are looking for a trustworthy online portal to help them do just that.

3.It’s been one year since the launch of Properstar. What’s new?

Our team has experienced a very positive feedback from the industry and the demand has allowed us to agree a strategic partnership with Worldposting. This has given us the opportunity to expand our network from 80 to 120 portals worldwide, which means our clients have access to an unprecedented international audience.

To further maximise traffic and sales leads for our clients, we have launched a number of country-specific domains in key markets, which include but are not limited to Hong Kong (www.properstar.hk), the US (www.properstar.com), France (www.properstar.fr), Germany (www.properstar.de), etc.

This has helped to grow Properstar’s reputation and is an important step forward for our clients, giving them a true advantage when wanting to reach out to overseas investors.

4.What’s your most recent client success story?

Most recently, our client Synergy Property Associates sold a 7-bedroom detached house in Kent for £680,000 to a Bulgarian buyer, using the Properstar platform.

5.2016 was an eventful year for the industry. What do you think estate agents can expect in 2017?

With the uncertainty of Brexit and a 3% stamp duty remaining on second homes, agents are pushed to meet their sales targets in 2017, making it a challenging year. Our existing customers agree that adjusting the marketing initiative for their UK property to reach out to an international audience now plays an increasingly important part of their sales strategies.

Estate agents in particular will need to ensure that their sales team has the necessary tools that allow for an efficient follow up on sales leads. Properstar’s interface has been designed to do just that.

6.Where can our readers find out more about your services?

We often attend industry events and will have a stand at the NAEA National Conference on 9th February 2017. Alternatively visit www.properstarpro.com or feel free to give our team a call on 01603 957970