Who we are

We are a property portal designed to enhance the way people search, select, and decide where to live. Our purpose is clear: To change living for good in the region.

For seekers, this means more innovative tools that simplify the search and bring clarity to major life decisions. For agents, it means improved visibility, enhanced performance, and dependable support. For developers, it means actionable insights that inform what and where to build.

Across five markets, our team of over 665 members reflects the rich diversity of our region. Better property decisions create stronger communities, and this belief drives our platform, our products, and our people.

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Our story

Property Finder began in 2005 as a printed real estate magazine called Al Bab World. It was founded in Dubai during a period of fast growth and shifting housing needs. The goal was to make property more accessible and help agents reach the right customers.

Two years later, Al Bab World moved online and became Property Finder. That shift marked the beginning of one of the first digital real estate businesses in the region.

Today, Property Finder is recognised recognised as the region’s first tech unicorn in real estate. We have helped millions of people find homes, supported thousands of agents and developers, and grown with the cities we serve.

Our story
2005
2007
2010
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2018
2019

2005

Launches Al Bab World

Founder and CEO, Michael Lahyani launches the UAE’s first printed real estate classified, Al Bab World, to generate leads for agents. Every two weeks, 70,000 copies are delivered for free.

2007

Acquired by REA Group LTD

Australia’s REA Group LTD. acquires 51% of Albabworld.com, rebranding it to propertyfinder.ae, moving the entire business online.

2010

Buys back REA Group’s stake

Founder & CEO Michael Lahyani, along with co-founder Renan Bourdeau, buys back REA Group’s stake in propertyfinder.ae. Together they then own 100% of the shares.

2012

Wins at Arabia Fast Growth 500 Awards

Propertyfinder.ae wins at the Arabia Fast Growth 500 Awards and two other regional awards. Becomes the exclusive real estate partner of Yahoo! Maktoob. Launches propertyfinder.qa in Qatar, becoming the first real estate portal there.

2013

Further expansions

Dubai-based BECO Capital leads a round of financing and Dany Farha, Founder & CEO of the MENA-focused VC fund, joins the board. Further expansion in Lebanon, Bahrain and Egypt.

2014

Launches myCRM

Launches myCRM, an intuitive real estate CRM solution for agents. Introduces apps for Apple and Android. Launches in Morocco and acquires eSimsar.com to expand in Saudi Arabia.

2016

$200 million valuation

Sweden-listed investment firm Vostok New Ventures buys a 10% stake for $20 million USD. The deal, which gives Property Finder a $200 million valuation, allows the company to invest big in tech, data science and further develop myCRM for clients.

2017

Expands into Turkey

Property Finder expands into Turkey by buying a 16.95% stake in Zingat, The group now boasts of 300 employees across MENA and over 1000 brokerages and developers as clientele.

2018

Undergoes a rebrand

Property Finder undergoes a rebrand. Raises $120 million from a US private equity firm General Atlantic. The group acquires Bahrain Property World.

2019

Increases its stake in Zingat

Property Finder increases its stake in Zingat to almost 40%. in a bid to expand its operations in the MENAT region. Acquires JustProperty.com and Propspace.com, to further grow its market share.