That’s why our recent podcast with Graham Paterson, co-founder of the AI-powered portal Jitty, sparked such a valuable conversation.
Graham’s mission? To reinvent the property search experience by replacing clunky filters with intuitive, emotionally intelligent search tools. And as landlords and operators competing in a digital-first world, that evolution affects us all.
Why Search is Broken - and Why It Matters to Landlords
Traditional portals serve listings - not lifestyles. They’re built on static filters: number of bedrooms, price range, property type. But tenants today are searching for more:
• A layout that suits remote work
• Natural light and outdoor space
• Proximity to lifestyle amenities
Jitty uses AI to surface properties based on how people think and feel - not just what they tick.
For landlords, this is a shift that changes how properties are marketed, matched and monetised. And for our clients, it’s a change base is already preparing for.
AI Meets Asset Management
By harnessing computer vision and machine learning, Jitty is able to extract more meaning from each listing - analysing floorplans, photos and descriptions to match tenants more intelligently.
Why does this matter for your portfolio?
• Higher match quality = better tenant fit
• Better fit = longer tenancies, fewer voids
• Reduced churn = stronger yield over time
As a landlord, your income depends on occupancy, satisfaction and retention. And that starts with the right tenant finding your property in the first place.
Rethinking How We Present Properties
This shift in search behaviour challenges landlords and agents to improve how they:
• Photograph and describe properties
• Capture layout, flow and key lifestyle features
• Present the property journey online, not just in person
At base, we already invest in high-quality media and detailed listings. But as the portal space evolves, we’re doubling down on strategies that go beyond aesthetics - aligning presentation with what actually drives decision-making.
Why base Believes in Smarter Tech
We work with many NRLs and portfolio landlord investors who rely on us to deliver results - not just reports. That’s why we’re paying attention to what innovators like Jitty are doing.
Graham’s approach - shaped by his time at Deliveroo - is to build systems that understand users deeply, iterate fast, and deliver relevance over volume. That’s the same philosophy we apply in our lettings and asset management service.
Because when the tools get smarter, so must the strategy.
Final Thought: Search is the Start of Performance
The way tenants discover properties is evolving. And in that evolution lies opportunity.
At base, we’re not just watching the future of portals - we’re preparing our landlords to thrive in it. By embracing platforms that understand the modern renter and working with partners who prioritise clarity and context, we’re ensuring our clients’ assets stay visible, valuable and in-demand.
Because better search isn’t about clicks. It’s about connection - and that’s what lets great lettings happen. Graham has promised to get in touch as soon as they look at the rented/lettings/PRS space and we are already excited!
