The ‘human touch’ in the age of machines

Imagine chatbots capable of answering tenant queries at 2am, predictive models that identify emerging investment hotspots and algorithms that analyse market trends in real-time.  None of this is far-fetched, or far-off, and all of it will fundamentally change how we live and do our jobs.

It'd be fair to say Artificial Intelligence (AI) is bringing into sharp focus what aspects of the property industry rely on the personal touch and how things might change in the next 10-20 years. 

Here at Lodge, we’ve always prided ourselves on the strength of our relationships, be it with vendors, purchasers, landlords or tenants.   It’s hard to imagine a world where these direct, human interactions aren’t valued anymore. 

And I don’t think that’s going to be the case.

In actuality, AI is making the whole industry more dynamic, data-driven, and responsive than ever before. 

These new technologies are also helping us automate tasks that have traditionally consumed a lot of time (and not been much fun), enabling us to focus on work that needs an empathetic human in the driver’s seat. 

The big challenge lies in finding the right balance; staying true to the values of care and connection, while constantly innovating to be faster, smarter and more precise.

For my team, I see a future where our work is more focused and fulfilling - where we add greater value by doing more of what we do best, like building deeper relationships and offering more tailored advice.

For our clients, I see a future where they get an even better service and feel more supported in every property transaction they make. As a landlord, you’ll have more real-time data at your fingertips and better communication with your agent or property manager.

Buying, selling, renting or moving house will always evoke big emotions because a house is an asset like no other and so much more than just a structure – it's where we create memories and build our families. 

Because of this, I firmly believe AI will only mean good things for our industry, challenging us to get better at the human stuff that has and will always be our secret sauce. 

So bring it on, I say.