What Is the REAXML Feed?
In the world of Australian real estate listings, data transfer between agencies, platforms, and portals plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and up-to-date property listings. One of the most widely used formats for this data exchange is the REAXML (Real Estate XML) feed. Designed specifically for the Australian market, REAXML is a structured XML format that allows seamless integration between real estate agencies, property management systems, and major listing websites such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au.
Understanding how the REAXML feed works, its structure, and best practices for implementation is essential for real estate professionals looking to streamline their listing process and maximize exposure.
Why Is REAXML Important for Australian Real Estate?
Real estate agencies in Australia rely on digital platforms to advertise properties effectively. The REAXML feed simplifies data transmission, ensuring that property details are consistently formatted and automatically updated across various platforms. Without a standardized feed, agencies would need to manually update multiple listing sites, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
Key benefits of using REAXML include:
- Automation – Property listings are updated automatically, reducing manual data entry.
- Consistency – Ensures uniform data formatting across different real estate portals.
- Real-Time Updates – Changes in pricing, availability, or property details are reflected instantly.
- Scalability – Allows agencies to manage large property portfolios efficiently.
Structure of the REAXML Feed
The REAXML format is based on XML (Extensible Markup Language), which organizes data in a structured, hierarchical manner. Each REAXML file contains essential information about a property listing, including:
1. Property Information
This section includes fundamental details such as:
- Property type (house, apartment, unit, land, commercial property)
- Address (street number, name, suburb, postcode, state)
- Listing type (sale, lease, auction)
- Price and payment details (fixed price, price range, rent per week)
2. Property Features
Describes property-specific attributes such as:
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and car spaces
- Land size and building size
- Additional features (pool, air conditioning, solar panels)
3. Media and Images
REAXML supports multimedia elements such as:
- High-resolution images (JPEG, PNG)
- Virtual tours and embedded video links
- Floor plans in image or PDF format
4. Agent and Contact Information
Each listing includes details about the responsible real estate agent:
- Name and contact number
- Agency name
- Email address
- Office location
5. Publishing and Expiry Dates
To ensure listings remain current, the feed contains fields for:
- Date of listing publication
- Expiration date (automatically removes outdated listings)
How REAXML Integrates with Australian Real Estate Portals
Many Australian real estate websites require agencies to use REAXML feeds to submit and manage property listings. Some of the major platforms supporting this format include:
- realestate.com.au – The largest property website in Australia, requiring REAXML for bulk uploads.
- domain.com.au – Another major platform that integrates with REAXML for efficient property syndication.
- Homely, Allhomes, and Rent.com.au – These portals also support REAXML for listing updates.
To integrate with these platforms, agencies must set up an automated feed submission through a Property Management System (PMS) or a real estate Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool.
Best Practices for Implementing a REAXML Feed
1. Ensure Data Accuracy
Since listings are automatically updated, it is crucial to verify property details before submission. Errors in the XML file can lead to incorrect or rejected listings.
2. Validate the XML Format
Before submitting an REAXML file, agencies should use XML validation tools to check for formatting errors. Many listing portals have specific XML schema requirements that must be met.
3. Optimize Images and Multimedia
Since images significantly impact buyer interest and engagement, ensure that:
- High-resolution images are used (minimum 1024×768 pixels)
- Images are properly labeled (e.g., “front_view.jpg” instead of “IMG_1234.jpg”)
- Virtual tours and videos are included where possible
4. Schedule Automatic Updates
Using a property management software that supports scheduled REAXML uploads ensures that listings remain current and accurate. Many CRMs allow real estate agents to sync updates in real-time.
5. Monitor Feed Performance
Regularly checking the status of your REAXML feed can help identify issues such as:
- Listings not appearing on portals
- Data mismatches between the agency system and the listing site
- Expired listings that have not been removed
Common Challenges with REAXML and How to Overcome Them
1. Incorrect XML Formatting
If a listing does not appear on a portal, it is often due to an incorrectly formatted XML file. Using a validation tool before submission can prevent this issue.
2. Slow or Delayed Updates
Some platforms may experience delays in processing REAXML feeds. To minimize disruptions:
- Ensure that the XML file is structured correctly
- Contact the listing portal’s support team if delays persist
- Consider using a direct API integration if available
3. Duplicate Listings
If an agency submits multiple versions of the same property, it can result in duplicate listings. To prevent this, ensure that:
- Each listing has a unique property ID
- Old listings are archived or removed when updated
The Future of REAXML in Australia’s Real Estate Industry
As technology continues to evolve, REAXML remains a key component in Australian real estate digitalization. However, new alternatives such as API-based integrations are gaining popularity, offering:
- Faster data transfer compared to XML feeds
- More dynamic property updates
- Seamless two-way communication between agency databases and listing platforms
Despite these advancements, REAXML will continue to be widely used due to its established industry presence and compatibility with legacy systems.
Conclusion: Why REAXML Matters for Australian Real Estate Professionals
For real estate agencies, property managers, and developers, understanding and effectively using REAXML feeds is essential for seamless property listing management. By automating updates, improving data accuracy, and ensuring consistency across multiple platforms, REAXML enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of online property advertising.
Whether you are an established real estate agency or a startup looking to streamline your listing process, leveraging REAXML can provide a competitive edge in Australia’s fast-paced property market.