AI property search firm targets renters wanting homes

Landlords could secure more exposure for homes in areas that renters miss when searching by postcode alone, a new AI firm claims.

The AI-powered property platform nHabit has been launched to take on Rightmove and Zoopla.

It will do so by allowing tenants to describe the kind of place they want to live in ordinary, everyday language.

Instead of starting with a town, district or postcode, renters can search according to local amenities, atmosphere and lifestyle.

That could lead them towards neighbourhoods they had not previously considered.

Natural search for rental homes

The platform was created by Steven Charlton, the former European boss of architecture firm Perkins&Will.

He said: “Instead of following the herd to the same old postcodes, our aim is to enable people to search naturally for a place to live the way they’d discuss their perfect holiday with ChatGPT.

“Renters can now find places they may not have previously discovered.”

Mr Charlton added: “For landlords, it enables them to be able to promote high quality homes that may not get the showcase they deserve due to their postcode.

“For agents, it simply breaks the monopoly of the major platforms whilst opening up the potential for new fees and a much better customer experience.”

Improve reach for landlords

The platform began life by developing mapping technology to measure the vibrancy of areas surrounding proposed developments.

The software references points of interest across London, triangulating the data to assess how attractive a neighbourhood may be.

The mapping system was then combined with a large language model built by the team and adapted for residential property searches.

For landlords, the company says the technology offers another way to promote well-presented homes that receive less attention because of their postcode.

Smaller estate agents could also use the platform as an alternative route to tenants.

It is now targeting landlords, letting agents, build-to-rent operators and co-living providers after its launch this week.