Property and rental markets are closely tracked by Aussies looking to buy or rent a home.

Australia has experienced historically tight rental markets and surging house prices over the past three to four years. This means millions of people rely on property technology resources to inform and guide their research and decisions.

For investors interested in the property sector, here are two ASX 300 real estate stocks with very different results over the last few years.

Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG)

Domain operates an online real estate platform. Its mobile app and websites enable users to research, buy, sell, and rent property. The platform also provides market research and data and allows users to connect with real estate agents. 

Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) has a 60% shareholding in the company. 

The Domain share price has tumbled more than 45% since 2021, including 17% over the last year, despite seemingly positive revenue growth. 

This might have been influenced by CEO Jason Pellegrino stepping down late last year, with a replacement yet to be announced. 

The ongoing share price plunge saw the company drop out of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last September. 

At the time of writing, Domain's market capitalisation is $1.70 billion, and its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 38.20.

What are the experts saying about this real estate stock?

Sentiment on this real estate stock appears neutral based on price targets from various sources. 

Bell Potter has a hold recommendation on Domain, with a target price of $3.15. Although Domain has been downgraded since November, this recommendation does imply a potential 15% increase from its current price of $2.72.

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs valued the ASX 300 stock at $2.87 last November. 

Online brokerage platform SelfWealth has a price target of $3.02. 

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group operates a variety of online platforms focused on real estate, including realestate.com.au, flatmates.com.au, and Mortgage Choice — an Australian mortgage broking franchise group. 

Their services also allow people to buy, rent, sell and research the property market.

At the time of writing, REA has a market cap of $31.44 billion and a P/E ratio of 100.45

It would seem REA Group has a firm grip on the Australian market. According to data, more than 10.8 million Australians visit realestate.com.au each month, 4.3 times the number of visitors to its nearest competitor. 

The company also operates in North America and Asia, which could mean room for further growth.

Investors in REA have enjoyed a +31.1% rise in stock price over the past year and more than 110% since 2020.

What are the experts saying about this real estate stock?

Despite its strong growth over the past year, Bell Potter sees the stock close to fair value with a target price of $238.85. 

Morgans maintained a hold rating and $215.00 valuation on the stock last week. 

Online brokerage platform SelfWealth also lists the stock as trading near fair value, with a price target of $230.22. 

An important date for potential investors will be the release of its half-year earnings results on Thursday, 6 February 2025.