In the UK, chartered surveyors and valuation professionals are increasingly adopting digital tools to enhance accuracy, efficiency and compliance in their work. From automated data aggregation to virtual property inspections, these technologies are reshaping how properties are appraised. This article explores key PropTech trends in property valuation, with a focus on UK-based platforms and solutions, and provides references to illustrate their impact.

Data Gathering and Integration Tools

Efficient data gathering is a fundamental part of modern property valuation. Rather than relying on multiple manual sources, firms are turning to platforms that centralise data and automate client workflows. Workflow automation tools are streamlining how valuation instructions are managed. Survey Booker, for example, is a UK-based CRM for surveyors that automates many of the administrative steps in the valuation process. It can generate instant fee quotes, integrate with firm websites and CRMs, and auto-send engagement terms and invoices. According to The Negotiator, Survey Booker reduces the administrative burden and improves client communication across residential valuation practices. By unifying lead management, client communication and data entry, tools like this ensure surveyors spend less time on paperwork and more on analysis.

AI-Powered Report Writing and Compliance

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in the report-writing phase of valuations. Preparing a detailed valuation report, particularly one that complies with the RICS Red Book, can be time-intensive. AI-driven software now assists by auto-generating first drafts, performing calculations and checking compliance with industry guidelines.

Valos is a platform designed to automate key aspects of the valuation process. Valos uses AI to manage data gathering, report writing and templating. This enables comprehensive valuation reports to be produced in minutes rather than days. The platform automates repetitive tasks such as statutory enquiry searches and inclusion in reports, ensuring compliance with client specific requirement, and automating the case file and due diligence folder which help ensure report structure and compliance. Surveyors can then focus on higher-value analysis and expert input.

AI also supports consistency and quality. Machine learning models improve pricing accuracy by analysing large datasets and identifying market trends. Document checking tools flag inconsistencies or missing information before submission. Natural language processing ensures reports align with required professional tone and terminology. According to recent insights from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), AI is set to transform the way surveyors approach their work, but human oversight remains key to validating outcomes. These efficiencies reduce turnaround times and help firms maintain a high standard of reporting.

Digital Inspections and Remote Valuation Technologies

The inspection phase is being reshaped by digital and remote technologies. Traditionally requiring in-person site visits, inspections can now be conducted remotely using live video, virtual tours and 3D models.

SurveySphere is a UK platform enabling remote property inspections. It supports live video walkthroughs, allowing surveyors to guide the inspection in real-time while a homeowner or contractor operates the camera. Features such as AI defect detection and privacy protections (e.g. face and number plate blurring) enhance both accuracy and data handling. UKPA highlights that SurveySphere enables surveyors to conduct accurate inspections while cutting travel emissions and saving time, especially for repeat or desk-based valuations.

Matterport provides 3D scanning technology that creates a detailed digital twin of a property. These virtual walkthroughs allow surveyors to inspect properties from any location, revisit details at their convenience, and support accurate documentation. For complex sites or inaccessible properties, this can significantly improve efficiency and reduce the need for repeat visits. According to RICS Property Journal, the use of Matterport in professional surveying is gaining traction for reducing site visits and enabling evidence-backed reports.

Drones also support remote inspections, capturing high-resolution imagery of roofs, elevations and land boundaries. Combined with AI analysis, this provides detailed assessments of external conditions. RICS has explored the benefits of drone-based imaging for both residential and commercial surveying in its Tech Partner Programme. These tools do not fully replace physical visits but enhance or supplement them, especially in high-volume or remote valuations.

Future-Focused Innovations: Blockchain, Predictive Analytics, and Cloud Collaboration

Several emerging technologies promise further transformation of the valuation profession.

Blockchain and Smart Contracts: Blockchain offers a secure way to store and share property data. In time, valuations may be cryptographically signed and stored on decentralised ledgers, improving transparency and reducing the risk of fraud. Smart contracts could automate parts of the instruction and approval process. HM Land Registry has already run trials to test blockchain applications in conveyancing, suggesting the wider infrastructure is gradually moving in this direction.
Predictive Analytics and AI Valuation Models: AI models can forecast market movements and future property values by analysing trends in local data, supply-demand patterns and macroeconomic indicators. Automated valuation models (AVMs) are already assisting lenders in pricing decisions and helping valuers validate assumptions. Reports such as the JLL Global PropTech Survey confirm that AI-driven decision support tools are becoming mainstream in institutional property valuation.
Cloud-Based Collaboration: Cloud platforms enable real-time collaboration among valuation teams, clients and lenders. These systems provide secure, centralised access to data and reports, improve version control and allow teams to coordinate across locations. According to Property Technology Magazine, cloud-based solutions underpin the modern PropTech ecosystem, enabling seamless integration across valuation, legal and asset management tools.

PropTech innovations are driving more efficient, data-driven and transparent valuation practices. UK surveyors are adopting tools like Survey Booker for workflow automation, Valos for AI-assisted report writing, and SurveySphere and Matterport for remote inspections. These technologies reduce the burden of administrative tasks and allow professionals to focus on expert analysis and client advice.

Valos plays a critical role in this transformation by offering an AI-powered platform that handles the time-consuming components of valuation reporting. As the industry moves forward, solutions like Valos will be essential in enabling faster, more compliant and insight-rich valuations that meet the expectations of clients and regulators alike.