Google began testing a new home‑listing feature in its search results on December 15, 2025. The feature, available only on mobile devices, displays MLS listings directly in the search page with photos, price information, and a “Request a tour” button. The test is running in a handful of markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Miami, giving Google a foothold in some of the country’s most active real‑estate markets.
The feature is the result of a partnership between Google and HouseCanary’s IDX site ComeHome. HouseCanary supplies the MLS data and helps Google navigate Internet Data Exchange (IDX) rules, while Google’s search and AI capabilities power the presentation of listings. The collaboration allows Google to offer a seamless, AI‑enhanced browsing experience that mimics the functionality of established portals.
The announcement triggered a sharp reaction from the online real‑estate sector. Shares of Zillow fell between 8.5% and 12% on the day of the announcement, and CoStar Group and Rocket Companies also saw declines. The market’s response reflects a perception that Google’s direct listings could siphon traffic and lead generation away from traditional portals, threatening their core revenue model.
From a business perspective, Google’s entry into the real‑estate space could divert a portion of the U.S. real‑estate advertising market—estimated at roughly $200 billion—toward its own platform. Google Ads generated $212.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, indicating the company has the scale to monetize a new vertical. If the feature gains traction, it could become a new revenue‑generating product line for Alphabet and a strategic shift toward direct services.
Google’s move is not unprecedented. The company has previously experimented with real‑estate search features, such as a 2011 Google Maps listing tool, and has been integrating AI across its products. The new feature aligns with that trajectory, leveraging AI to enhance search results and positioning Google as a direct player in the home‑buying process. The partnership with HouseCanary also brings advanced AI analytics to the listings, potentially improving relevance and user engagement.
Regulatory compliance is a key consideration. Google and HouseCanary have notified the MLSs in the test regions and are working to adhere to IDX rules. While some industry observers caution that the integration could raise compliance concerns, the partnership’s proactive communication with MLSs suggests an effort to mitigate potential violations and ensure the feature operates within the established data‑sharing framework.
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