What is PropTech and how is it reshaping Property Investment?

In this feature, we answer ‘What is PropTech?’ and how is this technological innovation revolutionising property investment? 

There’s no question about it that we’re in a fully digital world as the terms ‘Digital’, ‘AI’, and ‘Technology’ are all synonymous with our current societal landscape, one that is in an era of a digital revolution, and there’s no industry that has gone untouched when it comes to technology and digital transformation. The property industry is no different.

From the mandatory digital transformations to the sector ahead from the UK government through HMRC’s ‘Making Tax Digital’ initiative, the influence of the PropTech sector has long been revolutionising and shaping the property industry, Despite it being a popular buzzword, let’s break down what PropTech means, key areas of PropTech innovation, and how it is reshaping the future of property investment.

What Is PropTech?

But what is PropTech in real estate? PropTech is an amalgamation of two words, ‘Property Technology’, and is an umbrella term for technology related to property. Yet, on its own, this remains extremely broad and ‘insufficient,’ and can mean anything from using a smart speaker to looking for a house to rent on a digital property listing platform like Rightmove or Zoopla. The broad nature of the sector can also be seen through the booming nature of the industry, where it’s estimated that there are currently  “749 active companies operating in the UK, with an impressive total of £1.68b raised from 2020 to 2024” (Beauhurst, 2025). 

So, how can we better understand the meaning of PropTech, especially from a property investor’s perspective?

The University of Built Environments defines PropTech as the “use of technology to improve and innovate the real estate industry. It encompasses a wide range of digital solutions and platforms designed to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and offer new experiences within the real estate sector. This includes everything from virtual property tours to AI-powered property management tools” (UBE,2024). 

In simple terms, the use of technology and innovative products throughout any stage of the property cycle and the use and integration of the technology with any key stakeholder within the property sector, whether that’s letting agents to property management services, to even tenants.  

From a property investment perspective, let’s look at the key areas of PropTech Innovation to better understand the real-life applications of PropTech. 

From a property investment perspective, what is PropTech doing to innovate the key stages of the purchase process and what do real-life applications of PropTech look like for investors? 

What are the benefits of PropTech?

When looking at the key areas of a property investment cycle, we can better understand the benefits of PropTech services for each stage of the process. Whilst some PropTech platforms offer an all-encompassing solution, others are specialised in their services and platform, which we’ve broken down below:

1. Research & Planning Stage – At the beginning of the investment journey, investors need to make informed decisions about where, what, and when to invest. At this stage, an investor requires key information on:
   

• • Property prices and rental yields
  • Area demographics
  • Planning information
  • Supply and demand trends
  • Economic indicators and market sentiment

PropTech Innovation at the Research & Planning stage: PropTech platforms have transformed how investors access and analyse this data. Tools now use AI, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and real-time data aggregation to provide deeper, more actionable insights.

Example of PropTech Solutions

• Property Data (UK) is a leading analytics tool for investors and developers offering UK-wide analytics with localised search settings on price trends, planning activity, stock, growth and demographics.

2. Acquisition Stage – Now the investor has a strategy in place, the next step is for the investor to acquire the right property to meet their strategy objectives. To do this, investors need access to the following services: 

• • Property sourcing and off-market opportunities
  • Mortgage and financing platforms
  • Legal services
  • Risk and compliance tools

PropTech Innovation at the Acquisition stage: Traditionally, this stage can at times be a timely process, yet many PropTech solutions have popped up to streamline this process through end-to-end digital processes. 

Example of PropTech Solutions:

• Yuno Property: A compliance automated tool for UK property investors, landlords, agents, and developers to help monitor regulatory requirements for individual properties or portfolios when it comes to up-to-date and compliant with evolving regulations (like the Renters Rights Bill, HMO licensing, short-let regulations and building safety requirements).

3. Development Stage: Many investors, after acquisition, may choose to undertake  development, conversion or renovations to enhance the value of their property and at this stage may require services such as:

• • Planning permission and design tools
  • Contractor coordination
  • Compliance with building regulations
  • Interior design and staging tools

PropTech Innovation at the Development stage: Whilst the very work of development and construction is hands-on, PropTech innovation allows investors to accurately visualise, plan and track development projects. Some platforms use BIM (Building Information Modelling), AI-driven planning insights, and cloud-based project management.

Example of PropTech Solutions 

• BuildScan is a UK-based, multi‑platform app (iOS, Android, browser) designed for refurbishment and construction snagging.

4. Property Management Stage: Once the property is ready, the next stage of the property investment cycle is focused on generating income from the property through effective renting, efficient landlord/ tenant relationships, compliance and property management. Throughout this stage, which is often a longer-term part of the cycle, the investor will require services in:

• • Tenant sourcing and vetting
  • Rent collection and accounting
  • Maintenance coordination
  • Legal compliance (e.g. gas safety, tenancy deposit protection)
  • Tools to communicate with tenants

PropTech Innovation at the Property Management stage:  The saturation of most PropTech companies and platforms have emerged at this stage as technologies and applications have now enabled landlords and property management companies to operate remotely, automatically, and at scale while streamlining processes. 

Examples of PropTech Solutions:

Goodlord is an end-to-end lettings platform allowing landlords and letting agencies to manage the lettings journey efficiently from referencing to rent collection, and everything in between.

August is an App built for small landlords to track rent, handle maintenance and repair queries and stay compliant all in one app.

5. Portfolio Growth: Another optional choice for many investors, depending on the type of strategy they are adopting, is portfolio growth. At this stage, an investor may own several properties, and the challenge becomes managing and scaling a portfolio efficiently through financing, structuring, and performance monitoring. An investor may need services in:

• • Portfolio analysis and KPI tracking
  • Equity release and refinancing
  • Tax structuring and optimisation
  • Legal entity and ownership planning

PropTech Innovation at the Portfolio Growth Stage: At this stage, innovative PropTech solutions can offer portfolio-level insights, helping investors assess profitability, identify underperforming assets, and make strategic decisions across their holdings.

Example of PropTech Solutions: 

Puazible is Fintech/PropTech platform enabling landlords to unlock their equity in their properties.

6. Exit Stage: At some stage, investors may choose to exit the market or divest from their portfolio for various reasons, focusing on maximising sales and a tax strategy. Some of the services required will be:

• • Accurate property valuation
  • Exit strategy modelling
  • Tax and inheritance planning
  • Legal and compliance support

Example of PropTech Solution: 

Hizzy is a consumer-to-consumer digital marketplace allowing landlords and property investors to sell their property without estate agents. 

Stay informed 

We hope this feature has given you a better insight into what is PropTech and how it is reshaping property investment. It’s clear PropTech continues to be a growing solution and service provider, servicing many aspects of the property investment cycle, whether specialising in one stage or offering an all-encompassing solution.

Staying informed of the latest PropTech services and how PropTech can help you manage your property investment statement portfolio is crucial, as technology rapidly evolves, so does PropTech, along with a changing buy-to-let landscape. 

Free education events like the National Landlord Investment Show on 9th July in London, Old Billingsgate, with an expert panel on “PropTech and AI: The Future of Property Investment” are crucial to attend to stay ahead and informed of the changing tax landscape. Plus, the show offers you an opportunity to network and connect with 100+ expert service providers serving the UK Private Rented Sector (PRS). The show is free to attend, but secure your ticket and register to attend.