Partners in tech: Driving innovation and efficiency in real estate with Street Group

Posted by Knight Frank Newcastle on 2nd May 2025 -

At Knight Frank, we work closely with clients, colleagues and partners to use technology as a way to identify and address the challenges facing the real estate sector. We know that developing more streamlined operations and innovative solutions will benefit our customers.

One of our external partners is Street Group, a Manchester-based PropTech company used by thousands of estate agents across the UK. Izzy Puncher, Solution Analyst at Knight Frank explains more about why we chose to work with them: “Street Group’s approach to PropTech is truly impressive. Heather’s story as a female co-founder is inspiring - her confidence and belief in both the company and its product is clear to see. She is constantly striving to improve and push boundaries, especially in developing AI-driven features that set Street Group apart from anything else on the market. Their focus on streamlining processes for both agents and consumers closely aligns with our own commitment to driving innovation and improving performance. By using technology to create more efficient workflows, Street Group is helping agents spend more time where it matters most - delivering expert advice and exceptional service.”

We caught up with Heather Staff, Co-Founder of Street Group, to find out more about her experience of technology in real estate and some of the big themes and innovations on the horizon.

What's your view on the role of technology in enabling and driving real estate experience and performance?
In my opinion, the current experience in real estate, for both agents on the ground and the consumers navigating the market, often leaves much to be desired. On one side, you have agents wrestling with outdated, clunky software that feels decades behind other industries. There's been a startling lack of innovation, particularly around user experience which isn't just frustrating; it's inefficient. Agents are bogged down in manual, low-value tasks – playing "telephone tennis" to book viewings, acting as relays between tenants and contractors – jobs that frankly should have been automated years ago. This isn't what they signed up for; they want to leverage their expertise on the complex, human aspects of a deal.

On the other side, the consumer experience is arguably worse. It’s opaque, frustratingly old-fashioned, relying on email and phone calls just like 25 years ago. Information isn't readily available, updates are slow, and the lack of transparency breeds anxiety.

Technology's role here is huge. It’s about completely overhauling these experiences. By focusing relentlessly on user experience – designing intuitive, efficient tools for both agents and consumers – we can unlock massive gains. Think consumer self-service portals providing 24/7 access to information, freeing agents from repetitive tasks that don’t add value to their client. Think automation handling the administrative drudgery. When you improve the experience, performance inevitably follows. Smoother workflows mean more efficient agents. Empowered consumers mean smoother transactions. Technology isn't just an add-on; it's the fundamental driver for transforming both the daily grind and the bottom line in this sector. The scope for improvement is vast, making it one of the most exciting frontiers for tech right now.

What are the big themes / trends to look out for over the coming 3/5/10 years?

Three interconnected trends stand out:

1. AI: the integration of AI and particularly Agentic AI into what remains a deeply human-centric industry is an unavoidable development. From predictive analytics identifying likely movers (generating significant ROI increases, as we're already seeing) to automating administrative tasks and handling complex queries, AI will reshape roles and capabilities. The key will be finding the synergy between machine intelligence and human expertise.

2. Skyrocketing consumer expectations: The market's tolerance for clunky, non-digital experiences is disappearing. Look at banking – launching a bank today without a slick mobile app is unthinkable. Consumers expect seamless, transparent, on-demand service. Real estate is rapidly entering this territory. Agents clinging to outdated methods under the guise of serving an "older demographic" are making a critical error. Consumers, regardless of age, will increasingly choose the path of least friction, demanding tech-enabled convenience. Ignoring this shift in my opinion is a mistake.

3. Workforce transformation (5-10 year horizon): As AI, traditional automation, and consumer self-service strip away the non-value-add tasks, the very structure of estate agencies will change. The need for large administrative teams will diminish. What remains – and becomes even more critical – are the core skills: negotiation, strategic advice, market insight, and guiding clients through emotionally charged decisions. We're likely looking at a future with fewer people employed within agencies, but those individuals will be higher-skilled, operating more like expert consultants. The industry needs to prepare for this evolution, focusing on upskilling and adapting business models now.

What quantifiable benefits and examples are you particularly impressed with in the real estate technology space?

While hype is easy, tangible results are what truly matter. The application of AI in propensity-to-move models are delivering staggering results. The propensity to move data within Spectre is generating a 340% increase in marketing ROI by identifying homeowners most likely to sell before they even actively start looking. That’s not just incremental improvement; it’s transforming lead generation.