Property

Robert Hoban parts ways with Space Group to go it alone

Around the Block: Surprise move comes on the heels of group’s recent buy-in of Allsop

Robert Hoban, then auctioneer at the Allsop property auction at the Library room of the RDS, in 2013. File photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times

Thu Sep 7 2017 - 06:00

News reaches the Block of the departure of Robert Hoban from Space Property Group to "pursue other business interests". The surprise move by the longtime bright young thing of the estate agency world comes on the heels of Space Property's recent buy-in of UK partner Allsop.

Hoban joined Space in 2011 after eight years with Savills Country Homes division, and wholeheartedly embraced the Allsop role of industry disrupter.

Its bargain basement in-room auction model breathed new life into the moribund property market, and under Hoban’s watch it successfully digitised the auction room model with its BIDX1 technology platform.

Robert Hoban joined Space in 2011 after eight years with Savills Country Homes division

Following the estimated €4million buyout of Allsop by Space, which is wholly owned by entrepreneur Stephen McCarthy, Space is likely to extend the online auction business into the UK via the BIDX1 arm.

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Hoban says he has decided to remain in Ireland and focus on other opportunities in the property tech area.

“I’m grateful for all the learning and experience built up with Space property, now it’s time to do something on my own. In five years’ time the property market will be unrecognisable, and technology will have a far bigger impact than the industry realises. I have a number of property tech ideas to explore, and I’m currently working with a few companies in this area so independent consultancy seemed a natural fit.”

Watch this space. Not that one, the Hoban one.

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