Rightmove is throwing its weight behind artificial intelligence (AI), hosting a webinar for estate and letting agency leaders to tackle the tech integration push head-on. 'AI for Agency Leaders: From Hype to ROI', on 9th July, aims to cut through the noise and deliver actionable strategies for improving operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business performance.
The online event will feature a panel including Steve Pimblett, Rightmove's Chief Data Officer, Toby Flenley from Google, and Ian Preston from Greenhouse OS. Discussions will focus on putting AI into practice, moving beyond theoretical benefits to tangible results for property professionals. This initiative is part of Rightmove's broader strategy to integrate AI-powered tools into its services.
One example of this integration is the beta-tested AI-powered Property Performance Overview, currently used by around 10% of agents through Rightmove Plus. This innovative feature employs AI to summarise key data from property performance reports, providing a concise overview of what's working well and areas for improvement. The aim is to reduce the time agents spend on data analysis, allowing them to focus on proactive measures.
Steve Pimblett highlighted the potential of AI, stating that it can make valuable information more accessible and understandable for agents, boosting efficiency. He noted a growing interest from agents keen to understand AI's genuine value beyond initial hype. Pimblett emphasised that these technologies are designed to augment human expertise, local knowledge, and trusted advice – crucial components of successful property transactions and exceptional customer experiences.
Jason Charles, Rightmove's Head of Education, underscored the demand from agents for practical guidance on immediate AI applications in their businesses. He affirmed that the webinar is specifically designed to deliver clear, actionable insights that agency leaders can implement directly. This move by Rightmove comes at a time when the UK property market continues to face challenges, including fluctuating mortgage rates and evolving buyer behaviours – making efficiency and an enhanced customer experience more critical than ever.
The broader context of the UK property market remains pertinent, with recent data from Halifax showing an average house price of £291,563 in April. This represents a slight decrease from the previous month but still indicates annual growth. Regional variations persist, with Northern Ireland seeing strong growth and the South East experiencing more subdued activity.