Research finds urgent need for ethical AI guidelines in Australia’s property industry

Ethical AI guidelines urgently needed for Australia’s property industry, new RMIT University research finds

The findings are part of a new report we have developed in partnership with RMIT University and supported by the APREF (Australian Property Research and Education Fund) Grant provided by the Australian Property Institute (API). The report, Building Trust: Exploring AI and ethical practices in the property profession – March 2026, has found the rapid adoption of AI across the property sector is creating an urgent need for industry-specific ethical guidelines, governance frameworks and training in today’s workforce.

The report examines AI ethics, governance and adoption in the Australian property industry through literature review, surveys and industry interviews. It highlights growing concerns around overreliance on AI, transparency, accountability, bias, data privacy and workforce disruption, while also identifying significant opportunities to improve efficiency, data analysis and customer experience across the sector.

Using in-depth interviews with senior professionals from property valuation, research, marketing, law and policy, management, and data science, supported by surveys with the same cohort, the study finds that while AI adoption is accelerating, ethical governance remains underdeveloped.

The report identifies overreliance on AI as a key concern emerging from industry feedback, alongside risks relating to undermining professional judgement, transparency, accountability, data privacy, bias and the accuracy of AI-generated outputs.

Researchers found that while AI tools are increasingly being used to support valuation, market analysis, customer engagement and reporting, industry participants consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight and professional accountability.

Jane Wyndham, Chief Growth & Client Experience Officer at M3 Property, said AI should enhance, not replace, professional expertise.

“As a business we are adopting AI, but the human input is incredibly valuable to our business and clients,” said Ms Wyndham. “The strength of our data and metrics is critical. Across the property industry we will see greater efficiencies and better use of data, but there is also an important opportunity for the commercial property sector to come together around ethical standards and responsible adoption.

“At M3 Property we pride ourselves on our relationships with clients, and we build success in property with passionate people and strategic, independent advice,” said Ms Wyndham.

The report concludes that while AI is set to transform the property industry, maintaining public trust will depend on balancing innovation with ethical governance, transparency and human expertise.

View the full report here: Building Trust: Exploring AI and ethical practices in the property profession – March 2026