Trust Remains the Missing Link in Australia’s Property AI Adoption
Australia’s property sector faces a growing challenge in balancing technological innovation with consumer trust, as new research shows local homebuyers remain among the most cautious globally when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence in housing decisions. According to Cotality’s AI in Housing: 2026 report, only 40% of Australian buyers are willing to accept AI-generated property valuations, significantly below the levels recorded in Canada (62%), the United States (52%), and the United Kingdom (46%). The findings suggest that while artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly embedded across property search, valuation, lending and insurance processes, Australian consumers continue to demand higher standards of transparency, accuracy and accountability before placing trust in automated systems.
Australia’s Trust Gap in Property AI
The study indicates that Australian buyers are not opposed to AI technology itself. Rather, they appear to have a lower tolerance for risk when AI influences high-value financial decisions.
When asked about errors in property-related information, 42% of Australian respondents reported having zero tolerance for mistakes in listing data, valuations or risk assessments, compared with a global average of 33%.
This reflects the increasingly digital nature of the housing journey, where buyers rely heavily on online platforms to compare properties, assess market conditions and evaluate financial commitments before engaging directly with agents, lenders or advisers.
As AI adoption expands across the sector, maintaining confidence in data quality is likely to become a critical competitive advantage for property service providers.
Source: Cotality Global Property AI Study 2026
Buyers Expect Transparency and Human Oversight
Despite concerns, buyers broadly recognise that AI is already influencing the property market.
Globally, three in four respondents believe artificial intelligence plays some role in the homebuying process, while 86% assume property websites already use AI-driven tools and algorithms.
However, acceptance does not necessarily equate to trust.
68% want disclosure when AI generates listings, valuations or mortgage recommendations.
The same proportion would independently verify AI-generated information before making a housing decision.
44% would pay additional fees for expert verification of AI outputs.
These findings highlight the continued importance of human oversight in high-stakes property transactions.
Source: Cotality AI in Housing Report 2026
Implications for the Property Industry
The findings suggest that the next phase of AI adoption in real estate will be shaped less by technological capability and more by trust, governance and explainability.
As AI tools expand into valuation modelling, forecasting and lending assessments, pressure will grow to demonstrate how decisions are generated and who is accountable.
Organisations combining advanced analytics with transparency and human expertise are likely to build stronger long-term trust.
Source: Cotality 2026 Property AI Analysis
Market Outlook
AI will play an increasingly important role in Australia’s property ecosystem, improving efficiency and decision-making.
However, consumer confidence, regulatory accountability and transparency will be equally important.
The industry focus is shifting from whether AI should be used to how it is applied and how trust is maintained.
For Australia’s property sector, the challenge is no longer introducing AI—it is demonstrating that AI can be trusted.
Source: Cotality Global Study 2026
References & Data Sources
Cotality (2026). AI in Housing: 2026 – Global Study of Recent and Prospective Homebuyers.
Cotality (2026). Australia Lags Global Peers on Property AI Adoption. Published 26 May 2026.