Automated Property Feed Import

Import properties automatically from your CRM or property management software. Set everything up yourself from your Branch Management dashboard - no need to contact support.

What is a Property Feed?

A property feed is an automated way to sync your properties from your existing system (Alto, Expert Agent, Jupix, Reapit, Property Hive, and many others) to Domovita. Instead of manually entering each property, your CRM sends data to Domovita and we import it automatically.

Supported Feed Formats

• BLM (Rightmove V3): Industry-standard format used by Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket. Full 42-field coverage.
• XML: Auto-detects Vebra/Alto, Kyero, Jupix, Expert Agent, and generic Rightmove-style XML.
• CSV/TSV: Spreadsheet-style files with flexible column matching. Great for bulk uploads from Excel or Google Sheets.
• JSON: Modern JSON format for developer-built integrations.
• RTDF (Real-Time Data Feed): Send individual property updates in real time as they change in your CRM.
• EAF (Estate Agent Feeds): Third-party middleware covering 20+ CRMs including Alto, Dezrez, AgentOS, and Street. Around £20/branch/month from EAF directly.

Feed Import Methods

1. Direct CRM connection - Alto / Vebra / Jupix (self-service, minutes to set up)

If you use Alto, Vebra or Jupix, you no longer need FTP at all. In Branch Management → API & Feed Integrations, open the Alto / Vebra / Jupix direct feed form and enter your datafeed ID, API username and API password - these are issued by Vebra/Alto (ask your Alto account manager, or find them in Vebra's feed settings), not by Domovita. Pick the API version (v13 is current), click Test Connection to check the credentials, then Save. We poll your feed automatically - every 30 minutes by default, adjustable from 5 minutes to 24 hours - and the card shows the feed status, last import time and property count.

2. Loop Software (self-service)

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and ask for an API key for the Domovita integration (Loop usually turns this around within a few working days). Paste the key into the Loop form in Branch Management, click Test Connection, then Save. We poll every 30 minutes by default and import changes incrementally.

3. Inbound SFTP - we host the server, your CRM pushes (self-service)

If your CRM pushes files to an SFTP destination, click Set up SFTP feed in Branch Management. Credentials are generated automatically and appear on the card within a couple of minutes (the page refreshes itself): host feeds.domovita.co.uk, port 22, a username like dvfeed-123, and a password you can reveal and copy (branch admins only) or regenerate at any time - the old password stops working immediately. Point your CRM's export at those details and drop XML, BLM or CSV files in the root folder; we import on the next scan, every few minutes. Remove the feed whenever you like - access is revoked straight away.

4. FTP / SFTP Auto-Pull (we pull from your CRM's server)

Most UK estate agent software (Alto, Expert Agent, Jupix, Reapit, Property Hive) already exports your listings to an FTP server automatically. Domovita connects to that FTP server on a schedule and pulls your files - fully hands-free once configured.

How to set it up: - Go to Branch Management (click your avatar, then "Branch Management") - Scroll to the FTP / SFTP Import section - Enter your CRM's FTP credentials (host, username, password, path) - Click "Test Connection" to verify it works - Click "Save Connection" - Domovita polls automatically during business hours (7am-6pm)

Where do I get FTP credentials? - Alto / Vebra: In Alto, go to Portal Feed Settings and add a new portal destination. Alto will provide you with FTP host, username, and password. - Expert Agent: Go to Website Feed Settings and enable FTP export for "Custom Portal". You'll get credentials like ftp.expertagent.co.uk plus a username and password. - Jupix: Contact Jupix support to enable FTP feed export for a custom portal. - Property Hive: Install the BLM Export add-on. Configure it to push to an FTP server, then enter those details in Domovita.

5. File Upload (Push via API)

Upload BLM, XML, CSV, or JSON files through our API endpoints. Your CRM pushes the files to Domovita.

• Best for: Automated scheduled uploads, CRMs that push rather than host FTP
• Requires an API key (generated from your Branch Management page)

6. Real-Time API (RTDF)

Send individual property updates via our RTDF endpoint as they change in your CRM. No batch file needed.

• Best for: Live CRM integrations, bespoke software, instant updates

7. Reapit Foundations

If you use Reapit, Domovita has a dedicated integration using Reapit's OAuth 2.0 API. We poll your Reapit account for property changes automatically, with webhook support for instant updates. Contact support to connect your Reapit account.

Getting Your API Key

You can do this yourself - no need to contact support.

1. Go to Branch Management (avatar menu or /branchmanage)
2. Scroll to the API & Feed Integrations section
3. Click "Generate API Key"
4. Your 64-character API key appears immediately
5. Click "Copy Key" to copy it to your clipboard

Your API key authenticates all feed requests for your branch. Include it in every request as an HTTP header:

X-Feed-Api-Key: your_64_character_api_key_here

Key management (admin only): - Regenerate: Creates a new key (old key stops working immediately - update your integrations) - Revoke: Disables API access entirely until you generate a new key

API Key Security

• Keep it secret: Treat your API key like a password. Never share it publicly or commit it to code repositories.
• One key per branch: All team members share the same branch API key.
• Regenerate if compromised: Use the "Regenerate Key" button in Branch Management if you suspect exposure.
• Role access: Only branch admins can generate, regenerate, or revoke keys. The key is shared by the whole branch for feed requests.

Feed Source Settings

When you set up an FTP connection or use the API, Domovita creates a feed source for your branch with these settings:

• Name: Auto-generated from your branch name and connection type
• Feed Type: The format (BLM, XML, CSV, JSON, FTP, SFTP, etc.)
• API Key: Your unique authentication token
• Auto-Publish: Properties go live immediately (default for verified agents)
• Branch ID: Ensures imported properties are tagged to your branch

Import Process Overview

1. Your CRM exports data - either to FTP (we pull) or via API (you push)
2. Domovita parses the file - auto-detects format, extracts property data
3. Validation - required fields checked (price, postcode, property type)
4. Images downloaded - from URLs in the feed data, stored on our CDN
5. Properties created or updated - matched by your unique reference (agent_ref)
6. Results logged - import counts (created, updated, skipped, errors) saved in your feed log

Update vs Create Logic

• Each property has an agent_ref (your internal reference number)
• If that agent_ref already exists for your feed source: UPDATE the existing listing
• If it's new: CREATE a new listing
• This prevents duplicates and keeps Domovita perfectly in sync with your CRM

Full Replacement Mode

When you send a batch feed (BLM, XML, CSV, JSON), Domovita treats it as your complete, current portfolio by default. Any property in Domovita that's missing from the new feed gets automatically unpublished. This keeps your listings perfectly in sync - when you mark a property as sold in your CRM, it disappears from Domovita on the next import.

You can disable this with ?full_replacement=0 on the upload endpoint if you prefer additive-only imports.

Handling Images

• BLM files: Include an image ZIP bundle in the same upload request
• XML/JSON/RTDF: Provide image URLs in the data - we download and store them automatically
• Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP
• Storage: All images stored on Cloudflare R2 CDN for fast delivery

Supported CRM Systems

Domovita accepts feeds from virtually any UK estate agent CRM:

Quick Start Checklist

1. Register and get approved as an estate agent on Domovita
2. Go to Branch Management
3. Generate your API key
4. If your CRM exports to FTP: Enter FTP details, test connection, save
5. If your CRM pushes files: Give your IT team the API key and endpoint URLs shown on the page
6. If you want to test first: Upload a small sample file (5-10 properties) via the API
7. Check your feed log and live listings to verify everything imported correctly

Need Help?

• Self-service guides: Click "Getting Started" and "Full Reference" links on your Branch Management page
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - include your branch name and any error messages
• Sample files: Send us a sample export from your CRM and we can advise on the best method

Listing on Domovita: Free for Agents

Note: the earlier tiered-subscription and property-quota model described in older versions of this page has been retired. Listing on Domovita is free for estate agents. There are no subscription plans, no tiers, no property quotas, and no listing fees. This page explains the current position.

Listing Is Free for Agents

Listing your properties on Domovita is free, with no charge to list:

• No subscription: There is no monthly or annual fee to list.
• No tiers or plans: There are no Starter, Standard, Professional or Unlimited tiers - every agent gets the same full listing capability.
• No property quota: There is no limit on the number of active properties your branch can list.
• No per-branch or per-user fee: Adding branches, negotiators, or team members does not cost anything.
• No contract or lock-in: You are free to list or stop listing at any time.

What This Means in Practice

• Publish as many properties as you have on the market.
• All published listings appear on the site once approved.
• Listings pending moderation and removed listings are handled by the normal moderation workflow, not by any quota.
• "Let Agreed" and "Sold" listings move through the usual status changes and do not count against any limit, because there is no limit.

Featured Listings (Optional Paid Promotion)

The only listing-related paid option is Featured Listings - an optional promoted-placement upgrade that any lister, including agents, may choose to buy.

• It is entirely optional. You never need it to list normally.
• It gives a property promoted placement and a clear "Featured" label.
• Availability is capped per area so featured slots stay meaningful.
• It does not affect organic ranking - organic results are earned, not bought.

For full details on how Featured Listings work, see the Featured Listings - Premium Placement guide.

Managing Your Branch

You still manage your branch and team as normal. Listing being free does not change the day-to-day tools:

Accessing Branch Settings

• Go to Branch Management.
• Manage your branch profile, team members, and listings from there.

Team Roles

• Branch Admins: Full access - manage the branch profile, team, and listings.
• Managers: Manage listings and view branch information.
• Negotiators: Manage their own listings.

Still the Same

The rest of your Domovita experience is unchanged:

• Registration and verification: New agents register and are verified before listings go live.
• Feed import: Properties can be imported from your existing feed or CRM.
• Enquiries: Buyer and tenant enquiries continue to come through to your branch.
• Editing: You can add, edit, and remove listings at any time.

If you have a question that this page does not answer, please get in touch with the Domovita team.

Related guides

• Featured Listings - Premium Placement - the one optional paid promotion, explained in full
• Property Feed Import - Getting Started - import your portfolio automatically, also free
• Managing Your Team - Branch Management Guide - manage your branch, team, and roles
• Estate Agent Registration and Verification - register and get verified before listings go live

Branch Invite System

Detailed guide on how the invite system works for both inviters and invitees.

For Branch Admins and Managers

Sending an Invite

1. Navigate to Branch Management
2. Scroll to "Invite Team Member" section
3. Enter email address
4. Select role:
   • Admins can choose: Admin, Manager, or Negotiator
   • Managers can only choose: Negotiator
5. Click "Send Invite"

What the Invitee Receives

An email with:

• Your branch name and company details
• The role they're being invited as
• A unique invite link (valid for 7 days)
• Instructions on how to accept

For Invitees (New Team Members)

Receiving an Invite

You'll get an email from Domovita with subject "Invitation to Join [Branch Name]"

Accepting the Invite

If you already have a Domovita account:

1. Click the invite link in the email
2. Log in if prompted
3. Review the branch details on the invite page
4. Click "Accept Invitation"
5. You're instantly added to the branch and upgraded to Estate Agent

If you don't have an account yet:

1. Click the invite link
2. You'll see the invite details and options to "Register" or "Login"
3. Click "Register" and create your account
4. After registration, the system remembers your invite
5. Click "Accept Invitation" to join the branch
6. You're now part of the team with Estate Agent privileges

What Happens After Accepting

• You're added to the "Estate Agents" Joomla user group
• You can submit properties under the branch
• Your listings count towards the branch's quota
• You can access branch features based on your role
• The person who invited you will see you in their team list

Invite Link Security

• Each invite has a unique token
• Tokens expire after 7 days
• One-time use only (cannot be reused after acceptance)
• If you click an expired link, you'll see an error message

Troubleshooting

"Invite link is invalid or has expired"

• The link is older than 7 days
• Someone already accepted this invite
• The invite was cancelled
• Solution: Ask the person who invited you to send a new invite

"Already a member of another branch"

• You can only be in one branch at a time
• Leave your current branch first, or use a different email address

Not receiving the invite email

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Check the email address is correct
• Contact your branch admin to resend

Branch Management Guide

Learn how to manage your team members, assign roles, and control access to your branch.

Accessing Branch Management

Click your avatar in the top navigation, then select "Branch Management" from the dropdown menu.

Inviting Team Members

Who Can Invite

• Admins: Can invite admins, managers, or negotiators
• Managers: Can only invite negotiators
• Negotiators: Cannot invite anyone

How to Send an Invite

1. Go to Branch Management page
2. Find the "Invite Team Member" section
3. Enter the person's email address
4. Select their role (admin, manager, or negotiator)
5. Click "Send Invite"
6. They'll receive an email with a unique invite link

What Happens Next

• If the person already has a Domovita account, they can accept immediately
• If they're new, they'll be guided through registration first
• Once they accept, they're automatically added to the Estate Agents user group
• They can start listing properties under your branch immediately

Managing Existing Members

Viewing Your Team

The team member table shows:

• Member name and email
• Current role (with color-coded badges)
• Join date
• Status (active/removed)

Changing Roles

Admins only: Promote or demote team members

• Click the "Promote" button next to a negotiator to make them a manager
• Click the "Demote" button next to a manager to make them a negotiator
• Note: You cannot demote the original branch admin

Removing Members

Who can remove:

• Admins: Can remove anyone except themselves
• Managers: Can remove negotiators only

What happens when removed:

• Member loses access to the branch
• They're removed from the Estate Agents user group (reverts to Property User)
• Their existing property listings remain under the branch
• They can no longer submit new properties or access branch features

Understanding Member vs Branch Suspension

Member Removal (Individual)

• Affects one person only
• Removes their Estate Agent privileges
• Their existing listings stay with the branch
• Other team members unaffected
• Use when: Someone leaves the company or is let go

Branch Suspension (Entire Team)

• Affects all team members
• Usually triggered by a policy issue or admin action
• All members lose ability to submit new properties
• Existing listings remain visible
• Use when: Branch-wide access needs restricting

Best Practices

• Admin Role: Limit to office managers or senior staff
• Manager Role: Team leaders who manage negotiators
• Negotiator Role: Most team members who just list properties
• Remove Promptly: When someone leaves, remove them immediately to maintain security
• Invite by Work Email: Use company email addresses for better accountability