Google Ads vs Facebook Ads for Real Estate
Not sure which advertising platform will generate better leads for your real estate business? We break down the costs, ROI, and best use cases for both Google Ads and Facebook Ads specifically for the real estate industry in New Zealand.
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| Factor | Google Ads | Facebook Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Lead | $35-$70 | $18-$40 |
| Best For | High-intent searches, immediate needs | Awareness, visual content, demographics |
| Lead Quality | Higher intent, faster conversion | Lower intent, longer nurture |
| Time to Results | 3-7 days | 7-14 days |
| Targeting Type | Keywords, intent, location | Demographics, interests, behaviors |
| Creative Format | Text-focused, limited visuals | Image/video-heavy, visual storytelling |
When Google Ads Works Best for Real Estate
Google Ads shines when you need to capture customers who are actively searching for real estate services right now. Here's when it's your best choice:
-
Buyer searches for properties in specific areas -
First home buyer targeting -
Investment property searches -
Urgent seller situations
Pros & Cons
- • Active property searchers
- • Location-specific targeting
- • High intent leads
- • Immediate engagement
- • Competitive keywords
- • High cost per click
- • Limited audience size
- • Requires local inventory
Pros & Cons
- • Showcase property visuals
- • Target by demographics
- • Build agent profile
- • Lower cost per engagement
- • Lower buying intent
- • Longer nurture needed
- • More tire-kickers
- • Harder to measure ROI
When Facebook Ads Works Best for Real Estate
Facebook Ads excels at reaching your ideal customers before they're actively searching, building awareness, and showcasing your work visually. Here's when to use it:
-
Property listing promotions -
Open home announcements -
Market update campaigns -
Building agent brand and authority
Cost Comparison for Real Estate
Understanding the real costs and ROI expectations for each platform helps you make smarter budget decisions.
Google Ads
Facebook Ads
Our Recommendation for Real Estate
Real estate agents should use both platforms strategically: Google Ads for capturing active buyers and sellers, Facebook Ads for property promotion and brand building. A 50/50 split works well, adjusting based on inventory and market conditions.
Real Real Estate Results
See actual results from real estate businesses using each platform
Google Ads
Auckland agent generated 34 qualified buyer leads at $48/lead, 6 resulted in sales
Facebook Ads
Property listings campaign reached 18,000 locals, generated 52 enquiries at $23/lead
Trusted by Real Estate Businesses
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from businesses we've helped grow.
"I have been working with Jason from Lucid Media recently on some projects and his knowledge and work ethic is always top notch. I have every confidence that Jason will always deliver. He goes above and beyond to make sure that all aspects are taken care of in a professional and timely manner. It is a pleasure to work with him and his team and I look forward to future ongoing partnership with Lucid. A big thank you for your outstanding work Jason!"
"I had a call with Jason and was so impressed by how in-depth it was. He really listened, understood where I'm at, and gave me a clear action plan that I can actually use. It was practical, straightforward, and made me feel confident moving forward with my ads. I couldn't recommend working with him enough."
"Jason gets the results he says he will. His approach to paid ads is methodical and data-driven. He doesn't just run campaigns and hope for the best. He analyses everything, optimises constantly, and delivers real leads that convert into paying customers."
"The team at Lucid has transformed how we generate leads online. Our social media engagement has skyrocketed and more importantly, we're getting consistent enquiries from people who are actually ready to buy. The ROI speaks for itself."
Common Questions About Google Ads vs Facebook Ads
Which is better for real estate: Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
It depends on your goals. Google Ads works better for capturing high-intent customers actively searching for real estate services. Facebook Ads excels at building awareness, showcasing visual content, and reaching specific demographics. Most real estate businesses benefit from using both platforms strategically.
What's the cost difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads for real estate?
For real estate businesses in New Zealand, Google Ads typically costs $35-$70 per lead, while Facebook Ads averages $18-$40 per lead. However, Google leads often have higher conversion rates due to greater purchase intent.
Can I run both Google Ads and Facebook Ads simultaneously?
Yes, and we recommend it! Running both platforms allows you to capture demand at different stages of the buyer journey. We can help you allocate budget effectively between platforms based on your real estate business goals.
How long does it take to see results from each platform?
Google Ads typically generates leads faster (3-7 days) because you're targeting active searchers. Facebook Ads may take 7-14 days as the algorithm learns and optimizes. Both platforms improve performance over time with proper management.
Which platform has better targeting for real estate?
Google Ads targets based on search intent and keywords, great for capturing active demand. Facebook Ads targets based on demographics, interests, and behaviors, excellent for reaching your ideal real estate customer profile. Each has unique strengths.
Do real estate businesses need both platforms?
Real estate agents should use both platforms strategically: Google Ads for capturing active buyers and sellers, Facebook Ads for property promotion and brand building. A 50/50 split works well, adjusting based on inventory and market conditions.
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