AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are increasingly being deployed across the property sector to handle client enquiries, provide instant responses and book viewings. Lead-generation bots can now capture buyer details, assess interest and schedule appointments without human intervention, raising questions about the future role of traditional estate agents.
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, told The Telegraph that many tasks which traditionally justified agent fees, including valuations, marketing copy and enquiry handling, can now be automated. She noted this has created concern around margin pressure and long-term relevance, particularly affecting agency and portal stocks in London where exposure to technology disruption is highest.
Human element remains essential
However, Eighteen dismissed the prospect of AI entirely replacing estate agents. “Lettings remains a people business,” she said. “Compliance, negotiation, tenant quality, and local market insight can’t simply be replicated by an algorithm. The agencies that will thrive are those using AI to enhance their services, not replace the human element.”
Rightmove launches conversational search
Rightmove last week introduced a beta version of an AI-powered conversational property search tool, developed in collaboration with Google Cloud using Google’s Gemini models. The feature appears within the search bar on Rightmove’s website homepage.
The launch follows earlier AI-based tools added in 2025, including “AI Keywords” search on mobile apps and “Style with AI”, which allows users to visualise potential changes to properties.
Users can select a “Use AI” option and describe property requirements in natural language, refining results through conversation rather than standard filters. Initially, access is limited to a portion of the site’s audience in a phased rollout.
Beyond core criteria such as location, price and bedroom numbers, the tool supports more specific requests including homes near transport links, properties with solar panels or areas with access to green space. The AI returns a shortlist of relevant live listings from Rightmove’s property data.
Tarah Lourens, chief technology and operations officer at Rightmove, said the company is constantly innovating the home-moving experience, using AI to enhance property search by leveraging data and personalisation capabilities alongside Google’s technology. She said the tool caters to growing interest in description-based search and will complement existing tools.
The deployment of AI tools by major property portals indicates the technology is moving from experimental to operational status in the sector, though industry bodies maintain that core agency functions requiring human judgement remain protected from automation.
