We’re proud that base property specialists was invited to contribute to The Alto Agency Trends Report 2026 – the most robust outlook yet for our sector. And it wasn’t a token quote. Our co-founder Kristjan Byfield was one of the key experts asked to contribute in depth, offering a clear-eyed perspective from the sharp end of lettings, tech and reform.
This blog unpacks key takeaways from the report, with an insider’s lens on how base is not just ready for 2026 – we’re building the future of ethical, efficient, tech-enabled lettings.
Full Report: https://www.altosoftware.co.uk/guides/the-alto-agency-trends-report-2026/
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“Renting Done Right” – A Rallying Call from base’s Viking
In his headline expert contribution to the report, Kristjan Byfield doesn’t pull punches:
“The Renters’ Rights Act? Long overdue. But for us, it won’t change much – we’ve never relied on Section 21, and our tenants already enjoy homes they want to stay in… We’re ready.”
Kristjan goes further – identifying the AI-empowered tenant as a key disruptor that most of the industry hasn’t yet seen coming. With access to ChatGPT-style tools trained on legislation, renters can now articulate their rights better than some landlords. The risk? Litigation-ready renters taking agents by surprise.
But for base, that’s not a threat – it’s validation. We’ve built our processes, tech and training around transparency, fairness, and tenant respect. We don’t fear better-informed renters – we welcome them.
“What will separate the leaders from the laggards in 2026 isn’t compliance – it’s capability… Agents must evolve from task managers to true problem solvers. They need to be sharp on nuance, fast on response and human in how they handle tension.”
That’s the base way.
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Regulation Is Ramping Up – So We’re Doubling Down on Systems
The report is crystal clear: 2026 is a year of regulatory reckoning. From the Renters’ Rights Act to EPC reforms, AML audits and local licensing chaos – agencies must be airtight, accountable and agile.
• 79% of agents rank the Renters’ Rights Act as their top regulatory concern
• 50% are worried about meeting EPC Band C deadlines
• 26% cite anti-money laundering enforcement as a key pressure point
At base, we’ve invested early in tech to turn these pressures into performance. Our central CRM is Alto, and our inspection and compliance workflows are powered by Inventory Base – both featured prominently in the report.
“If it isn’t recorded properly, it didn’t happen. And if it didn’t happen, it’s your risk to carry.”
– Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director, Inventory Base
This philosophy underpins everything we do. From automating key compliance touchpoints to documenting every interaction, we’ve built a lettings machine that’s not just robust – it’s transparent, auditable, and scalable.
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Our Tech Stack: Powered by Alto. Enhanced by Humans.
We’ve used Alto CRM for years – and the report confirms what we already know: the right CRM isn’t just back-office kit. It’s a growth partner.
• 63% of agents are prioritising operational efficiency in 2026
• 51.6% are actively implementing AI tools
At base, we’re excited about leveraging the latest features such as:
• Alto AI Lettings Compliance Agent – auto-tracking certificates and sending reminders
• AI Listings – generating polished, on-brand property descriptions in seconds
• AI 24/7 – responding to tenant and applicant enquiries around the clock
• Alto Marketplace – seamless integrations with Inventory Base, Fixflo, and more
As Kristjan says in the report – tech is only transformative when it frees up your team to bring the magic: care, instinct, humour, humanity. That’s what people remember. That’s what we protect.
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Human-Led. Tech-Enabled. Always Evolving.
The industry is polarising. The report predicts two winners:
• Mega-corporates who scale with systems
• Hyper-effective independents who blend service with smarts
At base, we’re proud to be in the latter camp. We aren’t trying to be the biggest. We’re here to be brilliant, balanced and bold.
We believe in:
• Championing both renters and landlords
• Replacing ‘the way it’s always been’ with better ways
• Standing up for inclusivity, empathy, and ethics in housing
Kristjan’s contribution to the Alto report doesn’t just reflect our opinion – it cements our reputation as one of the UK’s leading voices in modern lettings.
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A Final Word: This Is the Year to Get It Right
2026 isn’t a blip. It’s a turning point.
For landlords: don’t let reform catch you off guard. Partner with an agency that’s been preparing for years.
For renters: expect more. Demand better. And know that with base, you’ll get it.
For agents: evolve – or risk being left behind.
We’ll leave you with Kristjan’s closing thought:
“The industry will polarise. Both ends will win – if they deliver what clients actually value. For those of us doing renting right, this is just another wave we’re already riding.”
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Ready to Rent, Let or Lead Better?
We’re not just keeping up with change. We’re shaping it.
👉 Contact base property specialists on 0207 033 1901
