Blok is an online real estate broker that makes selling an apartment simple, affordable and safe. The online service includes all services needed during the sales process from the price estimate to the deed of sale. The project has ended and Blok continues its operation. The company has been ranked to the list of the one hundred most interesting start-ups. 

What kind of problem was the project trying to solve?

The aim of Blok's experimentation was to find out whether there is demand in the housing market for a new kind of service that automates the sale of apartments. Blok's experimental project surveyed the needs of sellers of apartments and established how well the service met these needs. The survey was documented as a customer path and it will be used for further development of the service. 

Objective: a virtual broker makes selling an apartment easier 

A virtual broker makes selling an apartment simple, affordable and safe. The online service automates the sale of the apartment and includes all services required in the sales process: an indicative price estimate, professional photography, an apartment advertisement, a purchase offer, a deed of sale and a competent support team consisting of certified brokers. Through the service, it is possible to receive, accept and decline offers for the apartment with an electric signature. Because the owner of the apartment will present the apartment independently, the service is considerably cheaper than a normal estate agent. 

What were the outcomes of the experiment? 

The objectives set for the project were met and the objective of 1-2 sold apartments was met successfully: a total of 22 apartments were sold during the experimental project. The first clients were interviewed and surveyed by the project and the obtained information was used to improve the service.

Who benefits?

The experiment accelerates renewal in the sector, experimentation with new operating practices and supports the digitalisation of the real property business. The discussion initiated by the project has already prompted the real estate sector to consider its future and the role of digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence in it.