A former estate agent has launched an AI-powered property search tool targeting London’s residential market, positioning the service as an alternative to traditional buying agencies.
Oskar, developed by Caspar Harvard-Walls, who previously worked at Foxtons and buying agency Black Brick, uses artificial intelligence to match buyers with properties including off-market listings. The platform draws data from Oskar Prime, a professional property network Harvard-Walls has built over the past two years with participating estate agents.
Conversational search approach
The platform allows users to input property requirements in natural language rather than traditional dropdown menus. For example, buyers can request “a three bedroom house in London with a south facing garden near a tube station but north of the river with a garage”.
The launch follows recent shifts in digital marketing approaches within the property sector. A recent survey by a property developer found that house hunters favour AI platforms’ conversational search methods over the tick-box systems used by traditional portals.
Research by GetAgent indicated that one-fifth of house hunters have used AI tools during their property search, though these typically direct users to agent or portal listings rather than providing direct matches.
Agent relationships maintained
The service operates as a property matching tool only. Buyers must arrange viewings, negotiate offers and manage purchases directly with estate agents and other advisers. Harvard-Walls stated that the platform is designed to connect agents with suitable buyers rather than replace traditional agency services.
“AI and intelligent technology allow us to understand much more of the nuance behind a property search than you can capture with a series of tick boxes,” Harvard-Walls said. He added that estate agents “remain absolutely central to the property market” and know their stock, sellers and local areas.
The service is launching in London with plans to expand across the UK. The development comes as UK property agents continue to navigate AI adoption across various operational areas.
The platform’s business model relies on connecting buyers with properties from its network of participating agents, including listings not publicly marketed. However, the service does not handle transactions or provide buying agency services such as negotiation support.
