Ah, the world of deep research – it's not just a catchy phrase anymore, but a burgeoning product name for some of the tech giants out there. Google, OpenAI, and now Perplexity have all jumped on the bandwagon, each offering their own version of 'Deep Research'. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill search engines, mind you. They're reasoning models, designed to take your query, sift through the vast expanse of the internet, and deliver a comprehensive report as if penned by a particularly astute intern.
Now, while the academic world might see this as a boon for students grappling with complex research topics, here at the ModelProp we're more interested in its implications for the property market. Imagine a world where you don't have to trawl through endless property listings, but instead, articulate your dream home and let AI do the legwork.
Picture this: you're after a coastal property with a sea view, a mere 30-minute jaunt from Chichester station, complete with a lush garden and a parking space. These aren't typical filters you'd find on Rightmove or Zoopla, but they're certainly the kind of attributes that make a house a home. Enter deep research. These AI models scour the internet, pulling data from property portals, estate agent websites, and even news articles to find properties that tick all your boxes.
We've been putting these models through their paces, and while OpenAI's offering comes with a hefty price tag, Perplexity's version is free, making it accessible to the masses. The beauty of these models is their agnostic approach to data sources. They don't favour one portal over another, instead casting a wide net to ensure no stone is left unturned.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. Some estate agent websites aren't quite up to scratch, either lacking in detail or being too cumbersome for the AI to navigate efficiently. But as with all tech, this is as rudimentary as it's going to get. Improvements are inevitable, and soon enough, these models will be able to deliver a completeness of listings that could render traditional property searches obsolete.
For estate agents, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in ensuring your website is AI-friendly – easy to navigate, with comprehensive data that's readily accessible. The opportunity, however, is immense. With AI doing the heavy lifting, the need for the most-expensive portal listings - I'm looking at you, Rightmove - could diminish, allowing agents to focus on what they do best: selling homes.
Moreover, as consumers become more accustomed to interacting with AI for everything from holiday planning to cinema recommendations, it's only a matter of time before they turn to these models for property searches. The key for agents is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their digital presence is primed for this new era of search.
In the end, while deep research is still in its infancy, its potential to revolutionise the property market is undeniable. So, as we stand on the cusp of this technological leap, it's worth taking a moment to assess your digital strategy. Ensure your website is AI-ready, review your portal spending, and perhaps start shifting the vendor/landlord conversation away from 'being on Rightmove'.
After all, in this new AI world, it's not about where your properties are listed, but how easily they can be found.
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