Property Search

The Kenya Estates platform provides a powerful and intuitive property search engine, allowing users to easily find properties that match their specific criteria. This section outlines the key components and functionalities of the property search feature.

1. Main Search Interface

The primary search interface is typically accessible from the homepage and dedicated search pages. It usually includes:

  • Location Input: A text field where users can type counties, cities, neighborhoods, or even specific addresses. This input often features autocompletion suggestions.
  • Property Type Selector: Allows users to filter by property types such as Apartments, Houses, Land, Commercial, etc.
  • Transaction Type: Options to search for properties for Sale or for Rent.
  • Search Button: Initiates the search based on the selected criteria.

Relevant files: app/search/page.tsx, components/search-form.tsx, app/properties/page.tsx (often displays search results).

2. Search Results Page

After submitting a search query, users are directed to a search results page that displays matching properties. Key elements include:

  • Property Listings: Displayed as cards or a list, each showing key information like price, location, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and a primary image. (See components/property-card.tsx)
  • Filtering Options: Advanced filters to refine search results further.
  • Sorting Options: Allows users to sort properties by criteria like price (low to high, high to low), date listed (newest, oldest), relevance, etc.
  • Pagination: If many properties match, results are paginated for easier browsing.
  • Map View (Optional but common): An interactive map displaying the locations of the listed properties. Users might be able to search by drawing on the map or viewing properties within the current map viewport. (See components/property-map.tsx, components/property-list-with-map.tsx)

Relevant files: app/properties/page.tsx, app/search/page.tsx, components/property-list.tsx, components/property-filters.tsx.

3. Advanced Filtering

Users can typically refine their search using a variety of advanced filters:

  • Price Range: Minimum and maximum price.
  • Number of Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Specific counts or ranges.
  • Property Size: Square footage or acreage.
  • Amenities/Features: Checkboxes for specific features like swimming pool, parking, garden, security systems, etc. (See components/dashboard/property-features-select.tsx for an idea of available features).
  • Listing Date: Filter by how recently the property was listed.
  • Keywords: Search for specific terms in property descriptions.

These filters are usually applied dynamically, updating the search results without a full page reload.

Relevant files: components/property-filters.tsx, app/actions/property-actions.ts (handles fetching filtered data).

4. Saved Searches

Registered users may have the ability to save their search criteria and receive notifications when new properties matching their saved searches become available.

Relevant files: app/dashboard/saved-searches/page.tsx (if this feature exists).

5. Technical Implementation Highlights

  • Database Queries: The backend (likely using Supabase) constructs complex SQL queries based on the selected search criteria and filters to fetch relevant properties.
  • Indexing: Database columns frequently used in searches (e.g., location, price, property type) are indexed for faster query performance.
  • API Endpoints: Server actions or API routes handle search requests, process them, and return property data. (See app/actions/property-actions.ts).
  • State Management: On the frontend, state management (e.g., React Context, Zustand, Redux) might be used to manage search filters, results, and UI state.
  • Debouncing: For live search inputs (like keyword search or dynamic filters), debouncing is often used to limit the frequency of API requests, improving performance and reducing server load. (See hooks/use-debounce.ts).

The property search functionality is a cornerstone of the Kenya Estates platform, designed to be efficient, user-friendly, and comprehensive, helping users connect with their ideal properties quickly.