Proptech is Disrupting Real Estate—Is Your Agency Ready?

ESV Akomolafe Adedotun Adebayo

The real estate industry, once known for its traditional and paperwork-heavy processes, is undergoing a digital revolution. Property technology, or PropTech, is reshaping how properties are bought, sold, managed, and marketed. From virtual tours and smart buildings to blockchain transactions and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics, PropTech is no longer a distant trend—it is the new reality of modern real estate. The question is no longer whether it will disrupt the industry, but whether your agency is ready for the change.

At its core, PropTech refers to the use of technology to improve the way people research, rent, buy, sell, and manage real estate. It encompasses a wide range of innovations such as online property marketplaces, digital mortgage platforms, 3D virtual tours, data analytics tools, and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart homes. These technologies are enhancing transparency, efficiency, and customer experience in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

One of the most visible disruptions has been in property marketing and sales. Traditional listings are giving way to digital platforms that allow buyers to explore properties through immersive 3D tours or augmented reality. Prospective clients can now view dozens of homes remotely, compare prices, and even finalize transactions online. This not only reduces time and cost but also expands the potential market beyond geographical boundaries. Agencies that have embraced digital marketing, social media advertising, and virtual showcasing are already seeing stronger engagement and faster sales cycles.
PropTech is also transforming property management. Smart technologies now enable landlords and property managers to monitor energy consumption, detect maintenance issues, and collect rent digitally. Apps can automate communication between tenants and landlords, improving efficiency and tenant satisfaction. For agencies managing multiple properties, these innovations reduce operational costs and improve service delivery.

Another groundbreaking advancement is the integration of blockchain technology in real estate transactions. Blockchain ensures transparent, tamper-proof property records and simplifies ownership verification. This innovation can significantly reduce fraud—a persistent problem in many developing markets—and make transactions faster and more secure. Similarly, AI and big data analytics are helping agencies predict market trends, evaluate property values, and tailor offerings to customer preferences with unprecedented precision.

However, the rise of PropTech also brings challenges. Many traditional agencies struggle to adapt due to lack of technical expertise, resistance to change, or concerns about data privacy. The cost of adopting new technology can also be a barrier for small and mid-sized firms. Yet, the real risk lies not in embracing technology but in ignoring it. Agencies that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete as tech-savvy competitors and digital-first startups capture market share.

To stay relevant, real estate agencies must view technology as an enabler, not a threat. This means investing in digital tools, training staff, and building a data-driven culture. Collaborating with PropTech startups or adopting software solutions for marketing, valuation, and customer management can give agencies a competitive edge. Moreover, maintaining a human touch through trust, empathy, and relationship-building will remain essential, even in a tech-driven future.

The PropTech revolution is here, and it is redefining how value is created and delivered in real estate. Agencies that embrace innovation today will not only survive the disruption but lead it. The future of real estate belongs to those ready to blend technology with human insight to deliver smarter, faster, and more transparent services.

Dotun is a Lagos based registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer