Proptech, short for property technology, refers to the use of technology to improve various aspects of the real estate industry. This can be a property management software or a new piece of technology like VR.
In the business of proptech, there are many ways that the new technology is changing the way business is done. One of the main reasons being the saving of time and the enhanced communication between those in the industry.
In this article, we get into the details so we can begin to understand how proptech is currently changing buyers and sellers of property.
How proptech impacts buying and selling proptech
One of the key benefits of proptech is its ability to streamline property searches, making the process more efficient and convenient for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
The technology is becoming more and more advanced throughout the day and if you are interested, you can read more here about the topic.
Nonetheless, below are some ways proptech can achieve this.
Online property listings
Proptech platforms provide comprehensive online databases and portals where properties for sale or rent can be listed. These platforms allow users to search for properties based on specific criteria such as:
– location
– price range
– property type
– amenities
From here, users can easily browse through multiple listings and filter the results to find properties that match their preferences.
Virtual Tours and 3D Visualisation
Proptech leverages technologies like virtual reality (VR) and 3D visualisation which offers virtual tours of properties and makes sure immersive experiences enable potential buyers to explore properties remotely, saving time and effort. With 360-degree views and interactive features, users can:
- virtually walk through a property
- view different rooms
- get a realistic sense of the space
This is great because you can easily virtually visit multiple properties from anywhere, saving you time and money. Just put on a VR headset, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a virtual tour that feels like the real thing.
So, if you are an international buyer who is trying to find a place where they can invest abroad, VR could enable you to have an experience that is very similar to investing in person. Or, if you are a disabled person who has difficulty with mobility or accessing space then you will be able to benefit from VR quite a bit too.
Also, you will be able to get a sense of the space and begin forming ideas for the interior design of the house to match your style before you have even been there.
Advanced data analytics
Proptech platforms often collect and analyse vast amounts of data related to the real estate market. By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, these platforms can provide valuable insights to users. The data that is able to be analysed include:
- property prices
- market demand
- neighbourhood information
- comparable sales data
All of these help buyers make informed decisions during their property search and perhaps be able to help people become a landlord without an estate agent as all of the information they would otherwise gain from one would be able to be provided through an app or website.
Data is very important and proptech uses it all the time to come to the right decisions. This is somethings that is fairly advanced and is often used to make decisions alongside the general opinion of those in the industry.
Real-time alerts
Proptech applications and websites offer personalised notifications and alerts to users based on their preferences.
Users can set up alerts for new listings, price changes, or specific property criteria. This ensures that users stay updated with relevant information and allows them to act quickly if a desirable property becomes available.
Also, when it comes to people who are selling property, there are advantages too. Alerts provide sellers with immediate market insights, including updates on pricing trends, comparable sales, and competitive listings.
By staying informed about market activities, sellers can make well-informed decisions and adjust their pricing and marketing strategies accordingly. Real-time alerts also notify sellers about potential buyer interest, allowing them to promptly engage with interested parties and maximise sales opportunities.
Additionally, these alerts provide performance insights on listing views and inquiries, enabling sellers to assess the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. With real-time alerts, sellers can stay ahead in a fast-paced real estate market, seize time-sensitive opportunities, and enhance their chances of a successful property sale.
If they are able to use proptech alongside their own estate agency team, sellers would be placing themself in the best position to get their property sold fast and without unnecessary stress.
Efficient communication
Proptech tools facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. Messaging systems, email integrations, and scheduling tools simplify the process.
As you can imagine, a buyer is easily able to do things like:
- Arrange property viewings
- Negotiate offers
- Share documents
This streamlines the overall workflow and reduces the need for time-consuming back-and-forth communication and also gives a competitive edge to those who have access to proptech as opposed to those who don’t.
In addition to buyer’s being able to benefit from the tech, there is an increase in the number of people who will be inclined to buy property too as there would then be a lowered operational costs for landlords looking to get their hands on a deal.
Buyers will be able to operate extremely quickly and efficiently with letting agents, property managers and contractors as they manage their properties and find higher profit margins too as they are able to delegate some of the work of proptech as time goes on.
What do changes in the industry look like for the future?
In the future, proptech will only get more advanced and buying and selling will likely become easier than ever.
To continue to improve proptech and one way lofti has done this and others in the space could conduct consumer research is by using a quiz wordpress plugin on their website so they can gather data.
From here, work out what customers who use the technology are struggling with and what they will need in the future. This will allow those who use proptech in the future to benefit from the meat refined versions of the technology.
Nonetheless, there are still some concerns on how proptech will impact the buying and selling of property that are important to be aware of below.
Overcoming privacy and security concerns
Proptech, while offering numerous benefits, may encounter privacy concerns in the future. One area of concern is the collection and security of data.
With the vast amount of personal and property information being gathered, it’s crucial to have robust security measures in place to protect against unauthorised access or breaches. Additionally, the sharing of data with third-party providers can raise privacy worries if proper consent or data usage policies are not implemented.
The use of geolocation data and tracking for personalised recommendations may enhance user experience but can also raise questions about the extent of data collection and its potential for misuse.
Invasive smart home technologies and the lack of transparency in data practices further add to privacy considerations.
To address these concerns, proptech companies need to prioritise user privacy, ensure transparency, and implement strong security measures to build trust among users.
Problems with AI and blockchain in proptech
While blockchain and AI have the potential to revolutionise proptech, there are certain concerns to consider.
Firstly, blockchain’s reliance on decentralised networks and smart contracts may introduce technical challenges and complexities that require careful implementation and maintenance. Issues such as:
- Scalability
- Interoperability
- security vulnerabilities
could all hinder widespread adoption. Additionally, AI algorithms used in proptech must be transparent, explainable, and ethical to ensure fairness and avoid biases in decision-making. Lack of transparency and inadequate data privacy measures could erode trust.
Moreover, there is a risk of overreliance on AI, potentially reducing the human element and personalised touch that is crucial in real estate transactions. Striking the right balance between the benefits of blockchain and AI while addressing these concerns is vital to harness their full potential in proptech.
Integrating proptech with human touch
While proptech offers numerous advantages, it can also become problematic due to a lack of human touch. Sometimes, the personal interaction and guidance provided by real estate agents or professionals can be invaluable.
Proptech platforms may provide automated processes and algorithms to streamline property searches, but they may lack:
- Empathy
- Intuition
- personalised advice
These are all things that only a human agent can offer. Real estate transactions can be complex and emotionally charged, requiring a nuanced understanding of individual needs and preferences.
Without the human element, buyers and sellers may miss out on the tailored guidance and support that can make a significant difference in their real estate journey.
