Our FMA Director, Shannon Fitzpatrick, was recently interviewed by AIM Group on the expansion of AI use in the real estate sector. Below is an excerpt of key takeaways from the article Shannon was featured in.
Artificial Intelligence is pouring into real estate and proptech — but is it transforming the industry or just adding more “AI gimmicks”?
In a new Real Estate Intelligence In-Depth feature, experts from across the globe weigh in on whether the sector is chasing hype or building sustainable solutions.
Shannon Fitzpatrick, founder of FMA Consulting and former Domain executive, argues that proptech investment has plateaued, shifting from flashy startups to more mature scaleups. He believes the next phase requires transparency, trust, and human-first design, warning that the industry risks losing focus on the core property buying and selling experience if it leans too heavily on artificial intelligence.
Fitzpatrick also highlights Australia’s regulatory push for AI transparency, and points to home-grown innovators like ProPic (conversational AI for real estate agents) and Realtair (streamlining agent–owner connections) as examples of meaningful, practical applications.
Other contributors shared their views:
- Doug Connely (Lomond Group, UK) says too many companies are embracing untested tech “for show,” calling for investments that are authentically connected.
- Malcolm Myers (European Internet Ventures) insists that any proptech without a strong AI component will struggle, with personalisation and predictive tools becoming “hygiene factors” for the market.
The global proptech sector is projected to nearly double in size by 2032, but as Fitzpatrick notes, the winning players will be those who balance AI-powered efficiencies with the human touch that property decisions demand.
Proptech and AI: The Key Questions Investors and Agents Are Asking
Is AI in real estate just a gimmick?
Not entirely. While some AI tools in proptech risk being gimmicky, Shannon notes that the sector is moving toward more mature applications, especially in valuations, predictive analytics, and workflow automation.
What are the real benefits of AI in proptech?
AI is helping real estate businesses cut costs and speed up routine tasks like admin and valuations. It also enables smarter data use for predictive pricing and personalization – but Shannon stresses that transparency and customer trust are critical.
How is Australia regulating AI in real estate?
Australian regulators are considering new property laws to ensure transparency in AI use, particularly around AI-generated images, listings, and customer interactions.
Which Australian proptech companies are leading with AI?
Shannon points to ProPic (conversational AI for agents) and Realtair (automation for connecting with property owners) as strong local innovators applying AI to solve real business problems.
Will proptech companies without AI struggle?
Industry experts suggest yes. Malcolm Myers argues that AI is becoming a “hygiene factor” – essential for staying competitive. However, Shannon warns that over-emphasising AI could distract from the human-centric nature of property.
What does the future of AI in real estate look like?
The global proptech market is forecast to nearly double by 2032. Winners will be those who balance AI efficiencies with human guidance, delivering transparent value that builds trust with buyers, sellers, and agents.
Want to Know More?
FMA Consulting advises marketplaces, media platforms, and digital advertisers on AI and data governance. If you’re exploring how to future-proof your platform’s use of AI, contact FMA Consulting to learn more.
💡 This summary is based on insights from the AIM Group‘s Real Estate Intelligence In-Depth report. For deeper industry analysis and expert interviews, including this piece by Nick Bevens, we encourage subscribing to AIM’s content at aimgroup.com. It’s a valuable resource for anyone navigating the intersection of digital marketplaces, regulation, and innovation.
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