A network rather than an individual perspective
A company rarely operates in isolation. Anyone who really wants to understand who is working with whom on which properties in the property market therefore needs to look beyond individual players.
‘Close Players’ is the comprehensively enhanced version of the previous ‘Related Players’ feature. The simple network of relationships has evolved into an interactive visualisation that highlights a player’s closest connections based on shared properties –
These are the new features
In the interactive relationship diagram, the selected actor is at the centre. Up to 20 of their closest connections appear around them. The larger the circle, the more shared objects there are.
The table next to it provides the relevant details of the related players: names, roles and the number of shared objects.
Please note: The connections are based exclusively on the object data recorded in IZ Research.
Targeted filtering
Using two role filters, the network can be tailored precisely to the specific question at hand: What role did the player in question play – and in what role did the associated player appear?
Simply continue your research
Clicking on a node brings the relevant player into focus and rebuilds the network from there. This allows you to continue your research step by step.
The diagram and table are also linked: hovering over a node highlights the corresponding connection in both views. Individual roles can be hidden via the legend.
What’s the benefit?
‘Close Players’ reveals connections that can easily remain hidden when looking at individual companies.
The feature helps you to
- identify relevant market players and their environment more quickly,
- discover new research approaches,
- classify joint activities relating to specific objects, and
- explore networks of players step by step.
Important: A connection does not automatically imply a partnership. It indicates that two players have appeared in connection with shared objects according to the defined criteria.
Meaningful connections – with clearly defined boundaries
To ensure the results remain transparent, fixed criteria apply to ‘Close Players’.
The 20 closest connections are displayed in each case – this is therefore a ranking rather than a complete overview of all points of contact.
Holdings from 2016 onwards are taken into account. A property is considered a ‘shared property’ if the periods of ownership by the two stakeholders overlap or are separated by no more than four years. A holding in the same property that is, for example, twelve years apart is therefore not counted as a connection.
Where can I find ‘Related Actors’?
It’s simple: open the actor you’re looking for in the ‘Players’ tool and click on ‘Close Players’ in the top right-hand corner of the page navigation.
You can start your research from there – and who knows, perhaps your next click will lead you straight to the next interesting player.
Conclusion: From individual players to networks
‘Close Players’ adds an important new perspective to the player research in IZ Research. Rather than simply looking at individual companies, users can explore their property-specific environment, compare connections and uncover new avenues of research.
This makes ‘Close Players’ particularly interesting for anyone who wishes not only to analyse market participants individually, but also to understand interrelationships within the property market and conduct further research based on concrete data.
Outlook
Development of this feature is ongoing: in future, it is planned to allow users to specify the time period themselves, so as to narrow down the network of relationships to the relevant timeframe.
