OBI Property launches first commercial property app in the UK

In summer 2014, OBI Property launched what is understood to be the first mobile app for commercial property in the UK.

OBI Property developed the app to bring its clients’ office availability to life on a smart phone/tablet through images and film.  The app also includes an augmented reality (AR) function to enable occupiers searching for new office space to visualise how an open plan office floor could be fitted out.

Richard Lace, who leads OBI’s Offices department said: “The idea for the OBI app came out of discussions with our clients but also from us listening to what occupiers looking for offices would find useful.  The purpose of the app is simple – to make life easier for occupiers when searching for a new office.

“Using augmented reality is a great way of helping potential occupiers visualise how their office can look and, importantly, how their people can interact with the space – it’s much more effective than a 2D floor plan or a CGI – we are bringing an empty floor space to life.

The app is available to download from the app store – just search for OBI Property on your IPhone or IPad.

Ashurst Communications helped OBI Property to launch the app to its clients, property market and press.  A pre-loaded I-pod was sent to our top ten key journalists and we received comments such as:

“Very impressed by new app/OBI’s sleek marketing techniques, are the good times back?”- Chris Berkin, Estates Gazette

The app received plenty of press coverage: Manchester Evening News, Prolific North and Augmented Reality Trends to name a few.