Some 52% of agents plan to adopt and use AI for listings, leads and marketing, while two-thirds turn to automation to manage regulation, the Alto Agency Trends Report has revealed.
Two-thirds (66%) also expect to use compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) automation to keep up with increasing regulatory demands.
Drivers behind the AI boom according to agents are: rising compliance pressure, longer task lists, heavier caseloads, and “unmanageable admin”, as many say AI will allow them to win back time, reduce mistakes and focus on clients rather than chasing paperwork.
Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, chief executive of Alto, said: “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.”
A third of agents describe themselves as ‘nervous’ or ‘unsure’ about implementing AI, with hesitation most common among independent agencies – which Alto argued are the very firms that could benefit most from time-saving automation.
Iannucci-Dawson added: “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.”