Britain’s estate agents are fast-tracking their use of artificial intelligence and automation in a bid to survive the worst skills shortage in the sector since the pandemic, according to new research from PropTech provider Reapit.
The company’s inaugural Property Outlook Report 2025 shows that payrolled employment in real estate grew by just 1% in the year to July, the slowest pace since May 2021.
More than half of agencies hiring say they are receiving fewer than five qualified applicants per vacancy, despite unemployment standing at its highest level in four years.
And with staff in short supply and employment costs climbing, agents are doubling down on technology.
AUTOMATED PRODUCTIVITY
Over 50% of agencies surveyed said they had ramped up automation, while nearly 80% believe investing in AI is cheaper than hiring more people. A further 69% said automation delivers higher productivity.
Dr Neil Cobbold, Commercial Director at Reapit UKI, says: “AI isn’t replacing people – it’s amplifying them.
“Our next generation of autonomous, self-learning AI agents will handle specific tasks, offer data-led recommendations and learn from what works – all while keeping human agents in control.”
KNOWLEDGE GAP
The report warns of a looming knowledge gap as older agents retire, taking decades of experience with them, just as regulatory demands increase through leasehold and freehold reform, the Renters’ Rights Bill, EPC rule changes and tighter anti-money laundering checks.
Cultural attitudes to technology are also shifting. A third of agents now see PropTech as key to profitability, overtaking cost-cutting or fee increases.
Just 2.7% expect AI to harm their role in the next five years while 41.5% believe it will have a net positive effect.
Despite the slowdown in hiring, agencies remain growth-focused, targeting more managed rentals, higher property sales and faster adoption of time-saving tools. “Automation and AI are no longer optional,” Cobbold adds. “Those who embrace them will lead; those who don’t risk being left behind.”
Read the full report HERE.
