Omaze, a renowned company famous for raffling off multi-million pound mansions, has encountered challenges in selecting suitable properties due to various unique factors. Since its launch in the UK five years ago, Omaze’s grand raffles have garnered significant attention.
Originally established in the United States by Matt Pohlson and Ryan Cummins in 2012, Omaze expanded its operations to the UK, committing to raffle 12 luxurious homes annually. Notable locations where homes have been gifted include Cornwall, Cheshire, Sussex, and the Cotswolds. Omaze has donated over £100 million raised from the raffles to charitable causes.
The meticulous selection process involves Omaze’s team of property lawyers reviewing more than 1,000 potential homes before settling on one for the giveaway. Numerous properties are promptly dismissed due to peculiar local regulations, as reported by The Daily Telegraph. For instance, one property required the homeowner to permit an annual local carnival on their premises, highlighting the unexpected challenges faced during the property selection process.
Matt, a California native, conceived the idea of Omaze after attending a fundraising event with Ryan, where they observed affluent individuals bidding on extravagant prizes. Recognizing a broader audience’s desire to win such prizes, they initially offered unique experiences like a date with George Clooney and a Lamborghini blessed by the Pope.
Following Ryan’s departure in 2018, Matt recognized the potential decline in interest in celebrity-centered events and shifted focus to the UK market. Emphasizing the universal aspiration for a better home, Matt believes Omaze fulfills a fundamental human desire and operates as a purpose-driven company.
Despite being a for-profit entity, Omaze channels a portion of its proceeds to organizations like the British Heart Foundation and local food banks. Raffle winners not only receive the house but also £250,000 in cash and coverage of all associated legal expenses. Each property is handed over fully furnished, down to the smallest details like cutlery in drawers and clothes in wardrobes, after thorough legal checks and surveys.
Ensuring preparedness for any contingencies, Matt asserts that his team is adept at addressing issues like the case of Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, who faced challenges with a property in Norfolk due to construction discrepancies. Matt reassures that such issues are commonplace in property transactions across the UK, and Omaze is well-equipped to handle them efficiently.