Half of agents to adopt AI in 2026 as compliance and workload pressures explode

2% plan to adopt and use AI for listings, leads and marketing, while two-thirds turn to automation to manage regulation
Alto Agency Trends Report also reveals deep divides over AI in estate agency as a third of agents remain 'nervous' or 'unsure' around AI despite widespread adoption plans

AI is set to reshape the UK property sector in 2026, as estate agents turn to artificial intelligence at pace to cope with rising workloads, tightening regulation and growing admin pressure.

New research from Alto shows more than half of agents (52%) plan to adopt AI tools for listings, lead generation and marketing in the next 12 months.

Two-thirds (66%) also expect to use compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) automation to keep up with increasing regulatory demands.

The findings come from the newly released Alto 2026 Agency Trends Report from Alto, which surveyed 250 estate and letting professionals across the UK.

The findings show the sector is entering its biggest tech shift in decades, with AI now emerging as a day-to-day necessity as agencies fight to stay competitive.

Alto's report shows the drivers behind the AI boom are clear. Agents cite rising compliance pressure, longer task lists, heavier caseloads, and "unmanageable admin" as reasons for adopting smarter tools. Many say AI will allow them to win back time, reduce mistakes and focus on clients rather than chasing paperwork.

Commenting on the findings, Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO 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."

The research highlights a growing divide across the sector. Larger agencies are moving fastest, with almost nine in ten planning to adopt AI tools in 2026. Smaller independent firms, meanwhile, risk falling behind unless adoption accelerates.

Despite the momentum, uncertainty remains. A third of agents describe themselves as 'nervous' or 'unsure' about implementing AI, with hesitation most common among independent agencies - 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."

Alto says early adopters of its AI tools are already saving significant time each week. Automation helps prevent missed certificates and safety checks, reduces repetitive admin and provides faster answers to everyday operational questions - allowing teams to focus on progressing deals and winning instructions.

The Alto 2026 Agency Trends Report explores how different agency types are preparing for the year ahead, the pressures reshaping the market, and where technology and automation could provide a competitive edge.