As 2025 winds down, patterns are emerging that will shape PropTech in 2026. Based on current developments, investment trends, and technology trajectories, here’s what I expect.

AI Moves from Novelty to Infrastructure

2025 was the year AI became useful in real estate. 2026 will be the year it becomes expected.

The shift I’m seeing:

• AI features becoming standard inclusions rather than premium add-ons
• Integration of AI capabilities into core workflows rather than standalone tools
• Increasing agent comfort with AI-assisted tasks
• Growing buyer and seller expectations for AI-enabled experiences

By end of 2026, agencies without meaningful AI integration will feel noticeably behind. The technology will have moved from competitive advantage to baseline requirement.

Platforms from AI consultants Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne that currently serve early adopters will see mainstream adoption as holdouts recognise the need to catch up.

Integration Becomes Priority

The PropTech stack problem—too many tools that don’t work together—will drive integration focus in 2026.

Expect:

• More API development and partnership announcements
• Platform consolidation through acquisition
• CRM vendors expanding functionality to reduce tool sprawl
• Growing demand for unified agent dashboards

Agents are tired of switching between platforms, re-entering data, and managing disconnected workflows. Vendors that solve integration will win market share.

Sustainability Technology Grows

Regulatory changes and buyer preferences will accelerate sustainability-focused PropTech.

Coming developments:

• Energy efficiency integration in listing platforms
• Tools for assessing and communicating sustainability features
• Integration of EV charging and solar system information into property data
• Sustainability scoring alongside traditional property metrics

This area is currently underserved. Expect significant new product development and feature additions to existing platforms.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Matures

VR and AR have been “coming soon” for years. 2026 may finally see meaningful adoption.

The catalysts:

• Apple Vision Pro and competing devices reaching more consumers
• Improved quality of virtual property experiences
• Interstate and international buyer demand for immersive remote viewing
• Technology cost decreases making quality VR accessible

I’m not predicting mainstream adoption, but expect meaningful growth from current low base.

Regulatory Technology Expands

Compliance technology will grow in importance as regulatory requirements increase.

Watch for:

• Anti-money laundering compliance tools becoming essential
• Enhanced disclosure requirement support across states
• Digital identity verification becoming standard
• Contract and document management with compliance features

Agencies that treat compliance as a technology problem to solve will outperform those treating it as a burden to minimise.

Data Privacy Reshapes Targeting

Privacy law changes will affect how agents use data for prospecting and marketing.

Implications:

• First-party data becomes more valuable as third-party data access tightens
• CRM relationship becomes the core marketing asset
• Permission-based marketing grows in importance
• Some current targeting approaches may become non-compliant

Agencies should build first-party data strategies now to prepare for potential restrictions.

Settlement Technology Finally Improves

The settlement process—notoriously inefficient—is attracting technology attention.

Expect:

• Better integration between agents, conveyancers, and lenders
• Improved visibility into settlement progress for all parties
• Reduced settlement delays through automation
• Digital settlement capabilities expanding

This area has resisted improvement for years, but current investment suggests breakthroughs are coming.

My Recommendations for 2026 Preparation

Based on these trends, agencies should:

1. Evaluate AI readiness: Assess current AI adoption and identify gaps
2. Audit integration: Map your technology stack and identify integration opportunities
3. Build sustainability capability: Develop expertise in marketing sustainability features
4. Prepare for privacy changes: Review data practices against likely regulatory direction
5. Invest in first-party data: Strengthen CRM and direct relationship systems

The agencies that enter 2026 with modern technology foundations will have substantial advantages over those playing catch-up.

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Linda Powers tracks PropTech developments to help agencies anticipate and prepare for technology changes that will shape competitive position.