Stephanie Wood
Vice President,
Alate Partners
Rachel Yuen
Community Manager,
Proptech Collective
Proptech is not just a buzzword—it’s a revolution in the real estate space. From more personalized home searches to seamless financing and even smarter maintenance, technology is making homeownership more accessible and efficient.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the real estate market, you know things are changing fast. From how homes are built to the way we search, finance, and manage properties, technology—better known as proptech—is reshaping the home-buying experience in ways that seemed unimaginable a decade ago.
Every year, Proptech Collective, Canada’s largest proptech community, surveys the industry for its Proptech in Canada report. The 2024 edition highlights more than 530 active proptech startups across the country, with 40% focused on residential real estate. These companies are tackling inefficiencies across the homeownership journey—from the first home search to closing the deal and long-term maintenance.
It all starts with finding the right home. Real estate portals are integrating advanced technology to refine search results, surfacing listings that match buyers’ preferences—sometimes even before they hit the market. Platforms like Local Logic provide deeper insights and a more data-driven search experience, helping improve every real estate decision, from consumers seeking a neighborhood that aligns with their lifestyle to investors aiming to pinpoint the best locations for development. At the same time, on the brokerage side, AI platforms like Mave are equipping real estate agents with real-time data and marketing tools at their fingertips to ensure they can focus on what matters most—their clients.
Financing is a critical step in the home-buying process, and proptech is making it more accessible and efficient. Digital mortgage platforms like Nesto, Perch, and Homewise analyze credit histories quickly, recommend the best financing options, and streamline what was once a complex, manual process. Closing a home purchase has also seen major improvements. Traditionally a paperwork-heavy process, startups like Ownright are simplifying it with technology-driven legal services, offering buyers, sellers, and industry professionals a seamless, transparent experience—all accessible from anywhere.
Even after the keys are handed over, there are ways technology can support homeownership. AI-powered management platforms are making maintenance easier, using predictive tools to flag potential issues—like an aging roof or inefficient insulation—before they become costly problems. These platforms also consolidate warranties, maintenance records, and even insurance policies, making it simpler to stay on top of coverage. Digital insurance providers like Duuo by the Co-operators and Apollo are streamlining the process of obtaining and managing home insurance, offering flexible coverage tailored to homeowners’ needs.
Meanwhile, affordability remains a pressing issue, making homeownership more challenging for many Canadians. The good news? Alternative financing models are gaining traction. Rent-to-own platforms like Requity Homes help buyers build equity before committing to a purchase, while companies like Ourboro offer down payment assistance, bridging financial gaps for those otherwise locked out of the market.
These innovations aren’t just about convenience; they’re fundamentally reshaping expectations. Buyers now have more data, better financial options, and smarter tools to navigate homeownership from start to finish. As the way Canadians buy and own homes continues to evolve, proptech’s role in shaping that future is only growing.
For more insights from the Proptech in Canada report, visit www.proptechcollective.com.
