Zoopla Acquires Newhomesforsale.co.uk to Bolster New Build Market Strategy
Property portal Zoopla has completed the acquisition of newhomesforsale.co.uk, a significant move to expand its footprint in the competitive new build property market. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, involves Zoopla purchasing 100% of the online business, which boasts over 200 developer clients, supports 2,500 active property developments, and connects more than one million buyers with properties annually.
Strategic Expansion and Recent Partnerships
This acquisition follows a concerted push by Zoopla to grow its new build offerings, including recent tie-ups with major housebuilding firms Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes. As part of these efforts, Zoopla has enhanced the visibility of new homes on its website, improved consumer search experiences, promoted the benefits of new builds, and introduced features such as search by developer and affordability tools.
Additionally, Zoopla has leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the cost of attracting buyers, identify high-intent customers earlier, and streamline reservation pipelines for home builders. These innovations have contributed to a 53% year-on-year increase in new home leads for builders, according to Zoopla.
Leadership and Future Plans
Paul Whitehead, chief executive of Zoopla, described the newhomesforsale.co.uk (NHFS) deal as a natural progression in the company's strategy. He emphasized that the recent partnerships with Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon highlight the value Zoopla delivers, and the acquisition will strengthen its offerings and deepen relationships with home builders across the UK.
Post-acquisition, NHFS will continue to operate as a standalone brand and website, retaining its existing leadership team led by founder and managing director Vernon Pethard. All 10 staff members, including Mr. Pethard, will transfer to Zoopla.
Mark Hincks, director of newhomesforsale.co.uk, noted that joining Zoopla will unlock audience data, insights, and innovation, enabling the company to deliver even greater value to its customers. Vernon Pethard founded NHFS in 1998, initially offering new homes newspapers before shifting online in 2009.
