Import Properties via Sitemap.xml

Bulk import from Sitemap allows you to load multiple properties simultaneously into your Mapaprop account from the client's website sitemap.xml. It's ideal for complete migrations (entire catalog at once), unlike individual import which is done one property at a time.


Overview

Paste sitemap URL  ->  System reads all URLs  ->  Processes each property  ->  Final report

The system reads your site's sitemap.xml, extracts property URLs, and processes each one using the same engine as individual URL import (with artificial intelligence backup). When finished, you receive a report showing how many properties were successfully imported and how many failed.


General rules and considerations

  • Not all sitemaps are compatible, though most can be adapted. The system works best with standard sitemaps (XML siteindex format with <urlset> and <url>).
  • Data mapping uses artificial intelligence and may not be perfect. Some properties may require manual correction afterward.
  • The process is asynchronous: once started it continues running in the background even if you close the window. We recommend keeping it open only to watch real-time progress.
  • One import at a time per client: do not start a new bulk import if one is already running.

What is a Sitemap?

A Sitemap is an XML file containing a list of all URLs on a website. In the real estate context, your website's sitemap should include the URLs of all property pages you want to import.

Example sitemap.xml file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<urlset xmlns="http://www.sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9">
  <url>
    <loc>https://example.com/properties/house-for-sale-north-district</loc>
    <lastmod>2026-05-12</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://example.com/properties/2-room-apartment-palermo</loc>
    <lastmod>2026-05-10</lastmod>
  </url>
</urlset>

Most real estate websites automatically generate these files to facilitate search engine indexing. Mapaprop can use this same information to extract properties.

Where do I find my site's sitemap?

Sitemaps are usually located at:

  • https://yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml
  • https://yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.xml
  • https://yourdomain.com/wp-sitemap.xml (on WordPress sites)

If you're not sure, consult with your web service provider or check your CMS configuration.


Step-by-step import process

1. Access the bulk importer

Go to Properties > Import > Sitemap Import.

2. Paste the sitemap URL and configure the import

In the form you must indicate:

  • Sitemap.xml URL: paste the full URL of your website's sitemap.
  • Branch: select the branch to which imported properties will be assigned.
  • Publication status: indicate whether properties are imported as draft (recommended) or published.

Once the fields are completed, press Start import.

3. Confirm start

The system asks you to confirm before beginning. Once confirmed, the sitemap reading and URL processing begins.

4. Monitor real-time progress

During import you will see:

IndicatorMeaning
Processed URLsNumber of properties already processed (successful + failed).
Total URLsTotal number of URLs found in the sitemap.
URLs with errorNumber of URLs that failed processing.
Progress barPercentage of overall progress.

Do not close this window during the process if you want to see real-time progress. The process continues running in the background even if you close it, but next time you enter you will only see the final result.

5. Completion screen

When finished, the system displays a summary with:

  • Total processed URLs.
  • Total failed.
  • Total URLs in the sitemap.

From the completion screen you can:

  • View properties: direct access to the list of imported properties.
  • Import another sitemap: restart the form for a new import.

The process can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the number of properties in the sitemap, the origin server's speed, and the complexity of each page. On average between 2 and 5 properties per minute are processed.


Limitations and special cases

Compressed or nested sitemaps

The system currently supports flat sitemaps in standard XML format. Compressed sitemaps (.xml.gz) and nested sitemap-index files (a sitemap pointing to several sub-sitemaps) may require manual adaptation. If your site uses any of these formats, contact us at feedback@mapaprop.com for evaluation.

Duplicate URLs

If the sitemap has duplicate URLs (the same property listed more than once), the system may process them multiple times generating duplicate properties in your account. Review the final result in your listing.

Sites with anti-bot protection

Some sites block bulk reads from the same origin. If the sitemap has 100+ URLs and the site blocks after a certain number, the rest will fail. In those cases the system reports the failures but does not stop the import.

Client-rendered sites (React/Vue/Next.js client)

If your site renders properties on the client side (not server side), the system may not be able to read the data. In those cases the system uses OpenGraph fallback and the result quality is low. For such sites, it's better to use individual HTML import one by one.


Frequently asked questions

How long does sitemap import take?

The time depends on:

  • Number of properties: the more properties, the longer it takes.
  • Page complexity: pages with many images or complex information take longer.
  • Origin server response speed: if your site responds slowly, the import is slower.

On average: 2-5 properties per minute.

What happens if I close the window during import?

The process continues in the background. Next time you enter the Sitemap section you will see the final result, but you won't be able to see real-time progress.

Can I import from any website?

Yes, but the result quality depends on the site. The tool works best with sitemaps from server-rendered sites (HTML visible directly from a URL). If the site renders client-side, the data may be incomplete.

What happens with properties that weren't imported correctly?

When the final report shows failed properties:

  1. Identify the problematic URLs in the report.
  2. Try importing them individually from Properties > Import > Individual Import using URL or HTML mode.
  3. If problems persist, report the case to feedback@mapaprop.com with the site data and specific URLs.

Can I run multiple sitemap imports at the same time?

No. You must wait for one import to finish before starting another. Running multiple simultaneously can generate conflicts.

Are properties automatically updated if they change on my website?

No. Sitemap import is a one-time process. If properties change on your website after import, you must perform a new import or manually update the properties in Mapaprop.

Are properties published when imported?

It depends on the status you configured when starting the import:

  • If you chose draft: properties remain in your account but are not published on any portal or your website. You must publish them manually when ready.
  • If you chose published: properties are automatically published on your website and on networks/portals with automatic publication configured.

We recommend importing as draft and reviewing before publishing, especially for large migrations.

Do I receive an email when the import finishes?

Yes. When the process finishes, a notification email is sent to the user who started it with the result summary.


Premium Features: Some advanced import functions are only available with an active subscription. Manage my plan.

Found a problem? Report it in Technical Support with the sitemap URL and the process final report.