Smart Vacant
Intelligent Vacancy Detection System for Modern Buildings
Project Overview
SmartVacant is an IoT-verified real estate marketplace that eliminates fake property listings through physical device presence verification. Our innovative solution addresses the critical issue of fraudulent property listings by requiring actual IoT hardware presence in vacant properties.
Our Solution
WiFi-Connected IoT Devices
Physical hardware plugged into vacant properties for real-time verification and monitoring.
Cloud-Based Platform
Real-time data processing and marketplace management infrastructure.
Web Dashboard
Property management interface for builders and owners to manage their listings.
Public Marketplace
Verified property listings with IoT badges for seekers to browse with confidence.
Mobile-Responsive Design
Accessible across all devices - desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Key Features
- IoT-verified property listings
- Real-time occupancy monitoring
- Fraud prevention through physical verification
- Automated space allocation
- Property owner dashboard
- Seeker marketplace with verified badges
- Energy-saving automation
- Historical data analytics
Problems We Solve
Problem 1: Fake Listings Epidemic
Solution: Physical Device Requirement
- Only properties with plugged-in IoT devices get "Verified" badges
- Scammers cannot fake hardware presence at non-existent properties
- Self-cleaning marketplace: Offline device = Auto-delisted property
Problem 2: Property Seekers Waste Time
Solution: IoT-Verified Filter
- Users filter for "IoT-Verified Only" properties
- Guaranteed real, currently available properties
- Zero wasted visits to fake or occupied properties
Problem 3: Builders Can't Prove Legitimacy
Solution: Physical Verification Badge
- IoT device creates undeniable proof of property existence
- Green "IoT-Verified" badge differentiates from fake listings
- Instant credibility and trust with serious buyers
Problem 4: Extended Vacancy Periods
Solution: Automated Listing Management
- Plug device → Instant marketplace listing with verification
- Unplug when occupied → Automatic delisting
- No manual updates needed across platforms
Value to Customers
For Property Builders:
- 40% Faster Occupancy - Reduced vacancy from 60 to 36 days
- 25% More Revenue - Higher rental income due to faster turnarounds
- Time Savings - 10+ hours/week saved on manual listing management
- Quality Leads - Only serious, pre-qualified inquiries
- Competitive Advantage - Stand out from fake listings with verification
- Professional Image - IoT badge enhances brand credibility
- ROI: 150-500% in Year 1
For Property Seekers:
- 70% Time Reduction - Find property in days, not weeks
- Zero Fake Listings - 100% authentic properties guaranteed
- Cost Savings - ₹1,000-2,000 saved on unnecessary travel
- Peace of Mind - Physical verification eliminates uncertainty
- Instant Trust - Green badge = guaranteed availability
- Better Experience - No more disappointments or scams
For Property Platforms:
- User Trust Restoration - Verified properties section
- Reduced Complaints - 60% fewer fake listing reports
- Premium Revenue - Charge builders for verification service
- Competitive Differentiation - Only platform with IoT verification
- Brand Enhancement - Association with cutting-edge technology
Unique Selling Points (USP)
1. Physical Proof Guarantee
- ONLY platform requiring actual hardware at property location
- Impossible for scammers to fake device presence
- 100% authentic listings guaranteed
2. Plug-and-Play Simplicity
- 5-minute device setup
- Instant "IoT-Verified" badge
- Automatic listing management (plug = publish, unplug = unpublish)
3. Self-Cleaning Marketplace
- Offline device = Auto-delisted property
- No manual moderation needed
- Always current, never stale listings
4. Hardware + Software Integration
- High barrier to entry for competitors
- Requires IoT manufacturing + cloud platform + marketplace expertise
- Cannot be replicated by software-only solutions
5. Network Effect Moat
- More devices → More verified properties → More users → More builders
- Exponential value creation difficult to replicate
6. Zero Middleman Model
- Direct builder-to-buyer connections
- No broker commissions
- Lower costs while maintaining trust
Technology Stack
SmartVacant leverages cutting-edge technologies including IoT hardware, cloud computing, and modern web development frameworks to deliver a seamless user experience.
Hardware
- Microcontroller: ESP32 (WiFi + Bluetooth), Vikram-32
- Power: 5V DC adapter (<5W consumption)
- Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Phone GPS for location
- Optional: GPS module for location verification
Software
- Backend: Node.js + TypeScript + Express
- Frontend: Next.js + React + Tailwind CSS
- Database: Firebase Firestore (NoSQL)
- IoT: MQTT protocol + TLS encryption
- Cloud: Google Cloud Platform
Integration
- Current: Smart Vacant Web Application
- Future: OLX, Dubizzle, WhatsApp Business
- Payments: Razorpay/Stripe
- Maps: Google Maps API
- Analytics: Custom dashboard + Google Analytics
Competitive Landscape
SmartVacant is the first IoT-verified property marketplace in India.
Competing platforms like OLX, Dubizzle, MagicBricks, and Housing.com rely on manual listing updates, phone/document verification, and paid badges, but cannot guarantee property authenticity or real-time availability.
Local brokers offer personal service but lack technology and scalability.
SmartVacant's Unique Advantages:
- No competitor offers physical device-based verification
- No competitor has automated listing management
- No competitor provides a self-cleaning marketplace
SmartVacant's hardware+software integration, instant trust badge, and network effect create a strong moat and clear differentiation in the PropTech sector.
Project Status
Development Timeline
- Ideation (Jan 2024): Concept development
- Validation (Mar 2024): Market research, customer interviews
- MVP Development (Oct 2025): Prototype device + basic platform
- Beta Testing (Feb 2026): 5 properties in Thrissur
- Early Traction (Current): Proven concept, seeking funding
- Scaling (Q2 2026): Production launch with seed funding
Current Metrics
90%
MVP Development Completed
99.2%
Device Uptime Average
4.8/5
User Satisfaction Rating
88%
Builder Interest Rate
Next Milestones
- Manufacturing 100 devices (Q1 2026)
- Onboarding 10 paying builders
- 1,000 verified properties by end of Year 1