The Property Industry Is Going Remote — But Is It For The Better?

11 February 2026

Toby Patrick

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Let’s face it, the world is going remote. Remote jobs, remote companies and even remote industries are quickly becoming the norm in business. There are both challenges and opportunities that come with this, which will differ from one case to the next. Today, we’re going to take a look at the property industry, an industry that is going nowhere but one that is certainly evolving. A large part of this evolution is seeing the property market become increasingly remote; it’s even possible to go through the whole process of buying a property without any human contact. In this article, we’re going to explore this shift and discuss whether this change is for better or for worse.

Red brick apartment building with black railings and small balconies. Potted plants line the front. A clear sky and lampposts in view.

A Quiet Shift

Some industries’ move to operating remotely has happened quite drastically, brought about by the need to work from home during the pandemic. But in the case of property, it’s been heading this way long before lockdown. Online-only estate agents emerged over ten years ago, and virtual viewings grew in popularity prior to them becoming the norm during COVID. While some industries are shifting towards virtual because it’s “on-trend”, the property industry’s move is one that offers genuine benefits in the form of speed, cost and convenience.

The Dangers Of A Remote Property Industry

Where there’s opportunity, there is often danger too. The convenience of using a remote agent or conveyancer is balanced out by the rise of remote providers who hide behind faceless personas to offer substandard services. If we travel back to the start of the 21st century, buyers had to meet with their solicitor, estate agent and so on. Nowadays, deals can be done over the phone or via email, and while this offers convenience, it also creates ambiguity around the work being completed and who is to be held accountable when mistakes occur. It must be said that in most cases, remote service providers do offer efficiency and convenience, but the small selection of bad actors in the industry is preventing remote workers from gaining 100% trust over those who still deal face-to-face with clients.

The Case for Hybrid Approaches

If physical environments provide trust and remote ones offer convenience, then the ideal solution possibly lies in a combination of the two, which is probably where we’re currently at. A hybrid offering in the property industry combines technology with human judgment, providing both speed and accuracy. Take a property valuation for example, AVMs have allowed us to get near instant valuations for properties, but often fall short in terms of accuracy when compared with a RICS valuation, which is carried out by a chartered surveyor. A RICS desktop valuation however offers the best of both worlds, using vast quantities of data but also the expertise of a qualified human.

Remote Isn’t The Problem

Ultimately, just because something is remote doesn’t mean it should be avoided. That includes services within the property sector, and we’re not saying you should avoid remote agents or advisors. However, when there is a lot to lose, like there is when buying or selling a property, it’s imperative that you do your due diligence. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

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Is Liverpool the Heir to London’s Business Throne?

Toby Patrick
Sep 18, 2025
2 min read

For the last hundred years, London has reigned supreme as the UK’s business capital. But is the tide changing? As more workers shun big city callings for remote jobs, and business is increasingly done over video calls, is London losing its value? If London’s reign is over, which UK city is heir to the throne? In this article, we analyse the credentials of Liverpool.

Skyline view of Liverpool waterfront with historic buildings under a clear blue sky. The calm river reflects the structures at sunset.

Affordability and Value

As with any UK city outside London, there’ll always be the pull of affordability. But even compared to its northern sibling, Manchester, Liverpool’s cost of living holds up. From office rental fees to house prices, Liverpool offers far more affordability than both London and Manchester, which simultaneously lowers startup costs and helps to attract talent.

Given the factors listed below, along with the preference of employees to work remotely, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify the ‘London tax’. While all businesses will benefit from these factors, lower costs are particularly helpful to startup businesses, something that is supported by Liverpool’s strong startup survival rate.

Access to Business Services

When comparing locations in terms of their suitability to start a business, it’s the more logistical factors that are often the most significant. For instance, the ecosystem of a city is crucial to growth. While it’s hard to top London’s vast ecosystem, Liverpool punches well above its weight.

The access to high-quality business services particularly elevates Liverpool above many other major cities. The city is quickly developing a reputation for creativity, with many leading service agencies based in Liverpool.

There are also a number of reputable law firms, including Bond Turner, operating out of Liverpool as well.

A Strong Talent Pool

Despite being smaller than London, Manchester, Birmingham, and many other leading cities, Liverpool offers access to a thriving pool of young talent thanks to its four universities. Coupled with the city’s well-regarded, buzzing nightlife, Liverpool is an easy sell to young talent, whether that’s keeping graduates in the city or attracting employees from outside.

Networking and Community Support

As a city, Liverpool’s emergence as a startup city is no accident. Access to mentors, incubators, and funding opportunities have all come on leaps and bounds in recent years and further helps the city to rival larger competitors in terms of business infrastructure.

Liverpool City Council is a great place to start in terms of business support. Whether you’re looking for support in starting a new business in the area or you need to be pointed in the direction of financial support, Liverpool’s council is one of the most supportive in the UK.

Final Thoughts

It’s fair to say that Liverpool hasn’t quite taken London’s business crown just yet, but more businesses are starting to consider alternatives to England’s capital when it comes to doing business, and Liverpool does more than hold its own. From talent to support and everything in between, don’t be surprised to see Liverpool become the UK’s home of startups in the next ten years.