Gllit, a UAE-based proptech startup, is challenging the traditional real estate model by pioneering a direct-to-owner platform for buying, selling, and renting property. By eliminating agents and their commissions, the company aims to bring greater control, transparency, and cost savings to all parties involved in a transaction.
In a recent interview, co-founder Smriti Tripati explained that Gllit is introducing a “new-gen way” of handling real estate, designed for a growing base of digital-first users who expect efficiency and simplicity.
The New-Gen Way of Real Estate
Gllit’s agent-free model allows homebuyers and tenants to connect directly with sellers and landlords, making property transactions more cost-effective and transparent. This approach targets a clear shift in market dynamics where a younger, tech-savvy generation is reshaping expectations.
“Gllit is offering a pro-choice and pro-efficiency model that gives people greater control over how they want to sell, buy or rent property,” said Tripati. “Our company’s vision is fully aligned with the government’s broader goals of supporting the growth of the real estate industry and positioning the UAE as a global leader in real estate innovation.”
The primary benefit is financial empowerment. With agent commissions typically ranging from 2 to 5 per cent, a direct transaction can save users up to AED 50,000. Tripati added, “With the direct-to-owner model, people can talk directly and build trust faster. It’s easier to understand each other’s motivations this way, making the process more transparent and personal.”
Tackling Market Pain Points
According to Tripati, Gllit was founded to address common frustrations in the UAE property market, including inefficiency, lack of transparency, high costs, and poor-quality listings.
For sellers and landlords, a major challenge is a lack of marketing expertise. “Sellers for example may have a perfectly good apartment that would stay unsold simply because of poor-quality photos or a vague description,” Tripati noted.
For homebuyers and tenants, the biggest hurdles are costs and a lack of direct access to owners, which can lead to higher prices and delays in getting information. “Gllit simplifies this by allowing buyers to connect straight with landlords and sellers, negotiate openly, and see the true value of what they’re paying for,” she explained.
Empowering Users With AI Tools
To enhance the user experience, Gllit has launched a suite of AI-powered tools designed to provide “expertise-as-a-service” and streamline the listing process.
The platform’s new features include TextPro AI, which generates compelling, SEO-friendly property descriptions, and ImagePro AI, which enhances photos in seconds. These tools are integrated directly into the listing creation process, allowing users to create professional-quality marketing materials without needing an agency background.
Another key feature is the “go-direct benefit,” which simplifies negotiation by allowing sellers to add a premium as a reward for using the direct platform while keeping the overall cost significantly below traditional agent-led deals.
Growth and Future Outlook
In its first year of operation, Gllit has demonstrated strong market traction, reporting a 60 per cent month-on-month increase in traffic, a 25 per cent rise in new sign-ups, and a 53 per cent growth in active listings.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its footprint across the UAE, building partnerships with leading developers and enhancing data integrations to further improve efficiency.
“The first part of our journey was focused on enabling direct transactions and showing to the people that there is a truly more affordable way of conducting deals,” Tripati concluded. “Now that we have proven this point, it is time to further enhance and truly optimize direct-to-owner real estate transactions the next-gen way.”
About Gllit
Gllit is a UAE-based proptech platform that facilitates the direct buying, selling, and renting of properties without the involvement of traditional real estate agents. By connecting owners directly with buyers and tenants, the company aims to make property transactions more transparent, efficient, and cost-effective through its commission-free model and suite of AI-powered tools.
Source: Gulf Business
