The Viking Chats: Why Property Sales Are Broken & How Tech Could Fix Them with guest, Phil Farrell

In this episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan sits down with Phil Farrell from Offr to unpack a question many in the industry quietly ask… why is the property sales process still so slow?

Despite advances in technology across almost every sector, property sales have moved in the opposite direction. What used to take around 10 weeks can now stretch to six months or more, creating frustration for buyers, sellers, and agents alike.

Phil brings a unique perspective. With over 20 years in agency before moving into proptech, he understands both the operational realities of running an estate agency and the potential of technology to improve it.

One of the most striking insights from the conversation is how much consumer behaviour has already changed. Offr’s data shows that 42% of offers are submitted outside traditional working hours . Buyers are no longer operating on the industry’s schedule, they expect flexibility, transparency, and speed. This shift is forcing the industry to adapt.

A major theme throughout the discussion is the idea of “front-loading” the transaction. Too many sales fall apart because key information only surfaces months into the process. Phil argues that much of this could be solved if essential data was available from the outset, reducing uncertainty and building trust earlier.

The conversation also challenges a long-held belief in agency, that it is purely a people business.

While relationships still matter, Kristjan and Phil explore where agents genuinely add value. The reality is that much of the day-to-day process is administrative and repetitive, areas where technology can outperform humans. The real value lies in negotiation, reassurance, and guiding clients through complex decisions.

Another key takeaway is the importance of long-term thinking. Most agents focus heavily on winning instructions, but far fewer invest in maintaining relationships with buyers over time. With the average person moving every 8 to 10 years, there is a huge opportunity for agents who stay connected and build trust beyond the initial transaction.

Ultimately, this episode is not about replacing agents with technology. It is about redefining their role.

The future of the industry will likely combine both, streamlined digital processes supported by skilled professionals who focus on the moments that truly matter.