Propertymark has underlined the importance of data quality, regulatory reform and long-term digital stability in shaping the future of UK housing during the FutureFinance.AI PropTech conference held on 7 November 2025. The organisation’s Chief Executive, Nathan Emerson, joined industry leaders to discuss how emerging technologies can support growth across the sales, lettings and property management landscape.
Speaking at the event, Nathan stressed that agents and businesses must have confidence that new technologies will remain viable before committing significant investment. He also emphasised that clear standards and consistent governance will be essential as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday property transactions.
The conference, hosted by the Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology at the University of Warwick, brought together academics, government representatives and senior figures from across the property and financial sectors to examine how digital innovation is reshaping the way homes are bought, sold, rented and maintained.
Research project explores responsible AI adoption
The summit forms part of the £1.25 million FutureFinance.AI initiative, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The project is assessing how artificial intelligence can improve transparency, efficiency and trust within financial markets and the housing sector.
Researchers are examining how technologies can be integrated safely into these industries while ensuring that market data becomes more accessible and dependable. The programme is also exploring the skills, safeguards and regulatory frameworks required to enable responsible innovation.
Propertymark’s role in shaping digital transformation
As digital adoption accelerates across the UK housing market, Propertymark continues to advocate for technologies that support professional standards and improve public trust. The organisation’s involvement in the FutureFinance.AI project builds on its wider engagement with government departments and industry stakeholders to ensure that innovation reinforces, rather than replaces, agent expertise.
Propertymark maintains that achieving meaningful progress will depend on closer collaboration between policymakers, universities and market participants, supported by clear regulation and strong professional education.
Opportunities and barriers for UK PropTech
The UK PropTech industry, currently valued at more than £14 billion, is forecast to expand significantly by 2032. However, the sector still faces challenges, including fragmented data infrastructures, gaps in digital connectivity outside major cities, shortages in AI and data skills, and uncertainty around property data regulation, privacy and sustainability requirements.
Despite these constraints, the UK remains well positioned to lead global innovation. The country benefits from internationally recognised universities, an active start-up ecosystem and national commitments to net-zero goals that are driving investment in green and smart building technologies.
Lessons from global markets
Research presented at the conference highlighted examples from other regions:
• The United States has advanced blockchain-enabled transactions and predictive analytics, driven by substantial private investment.
• China has incorporated PropTech into national smart city initiatives, achieving strong consumer adoption via multipurpose digital platforms.
• India is digitising land records and improving access to affordable housing as part of its response to rapid urbanisation.
