Window shopping has gone high-tech in New Zealand with two Auckland real estate agents employing interactive storefronts to enable potential buyers to search listings.

The large touch screens – similar to giant iPads – allow potential customers to browse listings and look at what they're most interested in, rather than merely watching streaming content.

While the technology has been available internationally for a while, it is relatively new to New Zealand, though it was deployed at The Home Store in Newmarket late last year.

Vaughan Reed, owner of Labyrinth, developed the touch-screen technology after realising the demand for it in the real estate industry.

“Lots of people stop by real estate agencies after hours or on weekends, when sales staff have left for the day,” Reed says.

“We found real estate agencies wanted something attention grabbing that could provide practical help in their absence.

“The traditional static window cards aren't engaging and make it hard to find what you are looking for,” Reed adds.

Amy Anderson, Hobsonville LJ Hooker sales manager, says the technology enables potential customers to find what they're after, even when the office is closed.

“We love that they can define their search, browse listings, send us enquiries and email themselves listings of interest – and all without needing screeds of paper,” Anderson says. “Online and digital is the space to be in so we jumped at the chance,” she says.

Anderson says standing out in the marketplace with technology no one else had was another factor behind the decision to use the technology.

“It's also a great visual appearance for our front window,” she says. “It's certainly a talking point.

Milford's Prestige has also installed the window touch screens and Reed says more agencies are installing the technology.