Despite assumptions that AI is becoming more common, the survey suggested that UK buyers still prefer to keep professionals involved at the points they consider most consequential. Cotality said 71% of UK respondents would rely on a human professional over AI when identifying the mortgage option that best fits their needs, 69% for legal assistance and 50% for home insurance. It also found that 48% of UK buyers would pay an additional fee for a human expert to verify AI-generated housing decisions, compared with 44% globally.
“AI offers a real opportunity to speed up the homebuying journey, cutting months from what is often a slow and complex process in the UK,” said Jim Driver (pictured right), managing director at Cotality UK.
“However, UK buyers don’t want AI-driven efficiency at the expense of accuracy or accountability. By combining AI with expert human oversight, the market can deliver faster, more seamless transactions that will benefit both buyers and lenders.
“What the UK data shows is that buyers are clear on where they want AI involved – and where they don’t. While nearly three quarters of homebuyers globally want AI in the process, UK buyers still value human oversight. In a market where transactions are complex and drawn out, that’s understandable. The industry’s opportunity is to use AI to speed up administrative parts of the process, while keeping buyers in control.”
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