More than half of UK estate agents plan to adopt artificial intelligence in 2026 as rising workloads and tightening regulation push firms to rethink how they operate, new research suggests.
A survey by agency software provider Alto found that 52% of agents expect to introduce AI tools over the next 12 months to support listings, lead generation and marketing.
Almost two-thirds (66%) also anticipate using automated compliance and anti-money laundering systems to cope with increasing regulatory demands.
The findings, based on responses from 250 estate and letting professionals, point to what Alto describes as the biggest technological shift in the sector for decades, with AI moving from a “nice to have” to an operational necessity.
INCREASING PRESSURE
Agents said growing compliance pressure, heavier caseloads and unmanageable administrative workloads were the main drivers behind adoption, with many viewing automation as a way to cut errors, reclaim time and refocus on clients rather than paperwork.
The report also highlights a widening gap between larger firms and independents. Nearly nine in ten larger agencies are planning to adopt AI in 2026, while smaller firms risk falling behind unless take-up accelerates.
Despite the momentum, a third of agents said they felt nervous or unsure about implementing AI, with hesitation most pronounced among independent agencies.
AI FINALLY TAKING SHAPE
Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson (main picture, inset), chief executive of Alto, says: “AI isn’t the future of estate agency; it’s already here.
“Agents are drowning in compliance checks, data entry and repetitive tasks, and that pressure is driving burnout. What’s changed is that AI is no longer just a chatbot or a reporting tool.
“It’s starting to decide what needs attention, help agents complete tasks faster, and quietly coordinate the hundreds of steps involved in getting a deal over the line.
“AI is finally taking weight off their shoulders by automating the dull work, flagging risks earlier and keeping deals moving without constant firefighting.”
TURNING POINT
And he adds: “The real shift we’re seeing is that AI is starting to manage work, not just data. It can spot what matters, guide agents through complex tasks, and keep processes moving automatically in the background.
“This is a turning point for the industry. Agencies using AI won’t just work faster; they’ll deliver a better experience for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
“That’s why Alto is built as an AI-native platform, designed to cut admin, simplify compliance and help agents get back to the parts of the job they actually enjoy.”
Alto says early adopters of its AI tools are already saving significant time each week, with automation reducing repetitive admin, preventing missed safety checks and helping teams progress deals more efficiently.
Download the report HERE.
