(Yicai Global) Oct. 23 -- E-commerce giant JD.Com has kicked off a second-hand housing business with its first data-sharing allies including Chinese property firm 5i5j Real Estate Brokerage. The partnership is deemed to improve customer experience with verified listings.

Beijing's 5i5j Real Estate Brokerage opened its shop on JD.Com yesterday, Chinese news outlet Guangming Online reported today. Users may find house leasing through the platform which ensures that listings, as well as their terms and prices are accurate.

The Beijing-based tech firm's other initial partners include US-based Century 21 Real Estate and Beijing's property search engine Zhuge. The platform already has more than 1.7 million apartments in over 100 Chinese cities.

JD.Com will use its technology, big data, and marketing strengths to enhance its operational efficiency with its partners. It will also provide various operating tools for the allies to reduce costs and benefit consumers through branded store operations.

The online retailer and 5i5j will offer discounts of brokerage fees during the double-11 annual shopping festival in China on Nov. 11.

Editor: Emmi Laine