The property sector is long-established with legacy players now battling with new market entrants, known as PropTech. These are often dynamic start-ups that are quickly gaining ground through their use of new technology. 

But PropTech and its legacy competitors may have more in common than they realise when it comes to inefficient processes. While many startups are pushing boundaries with smart digital platforms, the industry continues to struggle with operational friction in areas like payments, reimbursements, and expense management.

These are the kind of inefficiencies that FinTech pioneer B4B Payments can help resolve.

A vital global industry

The property sector is vast, encompassing sales and rentals across domestic and commercial purposes globally. On an average day in the UK alone, more than 2,500 homes are purchased.

But for all its significance, the sector remains one of the slowest to adapt to technological change. 

Some forward-thinking start-ups have entered the market armed with new technology. These PropTechs are using their new tech to streamline and improve property-related services, driving long-overdue innovation in the sector.

A spectrum of tech adoption and resistance

The appetite for technology and automation varies greatly across the property sector.

Many traditional estate agencies still operate with outdated systems and manual workflows, including around payments. Some internal procedures may not have been changed for years, making them vulnerable to PropTechs eating into their profitability and market share. 

Common barriers to the adoption of technology include the complexity of integrating new systems and a lack of technical expertise, as well as data privacy or regulatory hurdles.

Manual processes also mean higher costs and create opportunities for human errors.

On the other end of the scale, PropTechs have taken major strides in solving some common pain points caused by outdated processes.  Remote property viewings and 3D virtual tours have eliminated the need for in-person appointments. This enables the sales teams to engage more potential buyers in the sales process. 

Paper forms and physical signatures, such as tenant referencing, contract signing, and rent payments, are now automated. They can now be completed in minutes via integrated online platforms. This creates efficiency benefits for the PropTech while making the whole process far more convenient for customers.

The common issue across the sector is payments

While they have solved some big problems, PropTech start-ups share some underlying issues with their less tech-savvy competitors.

Both rely on making and receiving payments and managing expenses as part of their business processes. Specific examples are likely to include:

• Paying maintenance providers or tradespeople
• Sending refunds to tenants or landlords
• Issuing incentives to estate agents
• Managing internal staff expenses

While PropTech businesses are competing by offering greater speed, better pricing, and a stronger customer experience, they often neglect the inefficiencies in these payment processes that happen every day. Legacy players in the property market could consider implementing technology and automation into their payment process as an entry point for the wider implementation of modern digital processes.

How smart payments accelerate property innovation

While most PropTech discussions focus on AI, automation, and data, a less visible—but equally critical—enabler is expense management and payment infrastructure.

B4B Payments makes a real impact in this area with its card-based payout solution. With virtual or physical Mastercard cards, payments can be made in real time. A virtual card can be issued within minutes. Whether it’s a refund or urgent maintenance job, the funds are there instantly—no waiting, no bank delays.

Plug-and-Play solution for legacy players and disruptors alike

B4B Payments offers a turnkey, fully regulated solution, authorised in both the UK and EU. Our clients don’t need third-party issuing partners or complex setups. Our system integrates easily via API and offers branded or unbranded cards that can be loaded and controlled in real-time.

For legacy estate agents, the product streamlines internal workflows, particularly for non-urgent payouts like commissions. For PropTech startups, our speed and tech compatibility provide a seamless way to embed fast payments directly into their platforms.

Payments that drive customer satisfaction

Payments may happen behind the scenes, but they shape frontline experience. With real-time payout options, PropTech firms can respond faster to customer needs, resolve issues on the spot, and differentiate themselves with better service.

That’s a key advantage in a market where customer loyalty is hard-won and easily lost.

The FinTech Boost for PropTech 

The future of property isn’t just about AI, automation, or digital forms—it’s also about how fast and efficiently businesses can move money. From managing your team’s expenses to supporting end-to-end customer journeys, FinTech is the backbone of modern PropTech.

As PropTech companies compete on speed, flexibility, and user experience, smart payments aren’t just operational tools; they’re strategic enablers. No matter what stage of tech adoption your business has reached, get in touch to find out how we can help make your property business more efficient.