Soufien Haddad, Co-Founder of PropTech start-up SweetcHome, speaks to REM TIMES about the unique matchmaking concept of the property portal
May 24, 2024 | Deepa Natarajan Lobo | UAE | PropTech
With the innovative philosophy of ‘property matchmaking’ at its core, SweetCHome, a new PropTech company, aims to simplify real estate search through its tailored home-hunting services and AI matchmaking technology. It helps tenants who are unhappy with their current home or location to seamlessly switch homes with other tenants through its platform.
Founded in in 2023 by Soufien Haddad and Amani Nahedh after many years of struggle during their frequent moves and relocations as expats, the company aims to be not just a listing platform, but a fully user-focused concept that puts service, customer care, and end-users first.
In an interview with REM TIMES, Soufien Haddad, Co-Founder of SweetcHome, shares the core philosophies of the PropTech start-up and its vision for the future.
Q1. What led you to start SweetcHome?
As a family of expats living abroad for over ten years, we experienced the challenges of finding an ideal home near work and school with each relocation. The tedious journey of navigating through online listings and the complicated real estate market made it difficult for our family to settle in each new city, and impacted our happiness and well-being.
After years of similar experiences everywhere we moved, we were inspired to leverage our tech background and create SweetcHome, an innovative platform designed to simplify the property search experience and offer a hassle-free experience for everyone in the real estate market.
Q2. Tell us about the ‘matchmaking’ process offered by your company.
Similar to how a traditional matchmaking tool works, SweetcHome’s digital real estate platform is designed to find the perfect match for everyone’s property requirements.
Our secure platform offers an extensive database of leads, landlords, partners, and trusted agents. Through our proprietary process together with the expertise of our team, we seamlessly matchmake each SweetcHome user with their most suitable home or tenant.
The platform does not only find matches for people who are looking to buy or rent a property, but also agents with available stock that need to be occupied, landlords searching for a suitable tenant, and corporate entities who want to help their new employees find a ‘sweet home’.
Q3. How does your technology differ from the ones offered by other PropTechs?
Many people are used to the usual drill of finding a suitable property or tenant, which requires them to scroll through multiple property sites and sieve through properties that are not verified or no longer available, or arrange viewings for people who are just not that serious, leading to wasted time and energy.
Unlike most property portals, SweetcHome is not a listing platform but a fully user-focused concept that puts service, customer care, and end users first. While the platform works 24/7 to automate and refine the matchmaking process, the SweetcHome team is committed to servicing their customers, offering a stress-free real estate journey for everyone through advanced technology combined with customer care.
Q4. Your company’s approach aligns with ESG. Tell us a bit more about that.
At SweetcHome, we understand the pains of dealing with daily traffic jams and wasted time trying to get around a city, and aim to reduce these stressors while also supporting government initiatives to improve the environment.
The company's approach aligns with ESG goals by using intelligent property matching to help residents move to communities that are close to their points of interest, be it work, school, or any other destination, thus reducing commute times and carbon emissions. Through this approach, we offer a new way to facilitate eco-friendly communities and enhanced well-being. With our advanced digital platform, we can accelerate the transformation of the real estate market by promoting sustainable practices at a much larger scale.
Q5. What are your future plans for development or expansion of the platform?
With Dubai’s status as a thriving business hub, SweetcHome has plans to expand into the commercial real estate segment in future, helping businesses find suitable premises that meet their needs, and commercial spaces find their ideal tenants. This expansion will be done while keeping the goal of sustainable practices in mind, ensuring that our growth contributes positively to the community and the planet. We also plan to gradually expand our services to other cities in the UAE and eventually worldwide, with the goal of becoming a platform that addresses all real estate needs, making the process seamless and efficient for users everywhere.
Q6. What are the trends that real estate technology will see this year?
Real estate technology in Dubai is poised to experience several exciting trends that will shape the industry. We are set to see an increased adoption of AI to predict market trends and personalize real estate recommendations. There will also be a stronger emphasis on sustainable building practices and green technologies. We are excited to witness this shift in the real estate sector. Properties that incorporate eco-friendly features and energy-efficient designs will be in high demand, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a sustainable future. With our real estate platform, SweetcHome plans to be at the forefront of these developments, leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to lead the market in innovation and environmental responsibility.