In a significant move for the UK's property technology sector, Newcastle-based firm iamproperty has announced the acquisition of The ValPal Network, a Kent-based automated valuation and lead generation specialist. The undisclosed deal marks a strategic expansion for the Gosforth-headquartered company, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive provider of digital tools for estate agents.
Strategic Expansion for iamproperty
The acquisition of The ValPal Network is described as a key milestone for iamproperty, which employs approximately 700 people at its Regent Centre base in Newcastle. This move adds advanced lead generation capabilities to iamproperty's existing suite of marketing and operational tools, designed to streamline the property buying, selling, and lettings process.
Ben Ridgway, co-founder of iamproperty, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating: "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The ValPal Network. This represents an excellent strategic fit for iamproperty, as we continue to enhance our AI capabilities and broaden our digital ecosystem to improve the buying and selling process for everyone."
Enhancing Lead Generation with AI
The ValPal Network, established over a decade ago, brings sophisticated AI-powered software services that transform lead generation for estate agents. Its technology automates communication through calls, texts, and emails to contact and nurture vendor and landlord leads. By collecting data, qualifying prospects automatically, and prioritising the most motivated sellers, it reduces manual effort and helps agents secure valuation appointments more efficiently.
Ridgway added: "The ValPal Network's portfolio of AI powered software services transforms the lead generation process for estate agents, driving revenue and saving both time and costs. Integrating these capabilities into iamproperty further bolsters our existing tech-driven marketing and lead generation services and will ultimately unlock enhanced profitability for our partner agents."
Synergies and Future Growth
Nat Daniels, founder and CEO of The ValPal Network, highlighted the strong relationship between the two companies and the potential for accelerated growth. "We are thrilled to be joining iamproperty, having enjoyed a great relationship with the team for many years," Daniels said. "The combination of our technology and advanced AI, their technology, and our combined expertise and creativity will help The ValPal Network to accelerate growth."
Daniels emphasised that the synergies extend beyond business innovation to include shared culture, vision, and commitment to service excellence. This alignment is expected to foster a collaborative environment that benefits estate agent clients across the country.
Building on Recent Success
This acquisition follows iamproperty's recent financial achievements, including the publication of its 2024 accounts. The firm, which partnered with private equity backers Perwyn in 2023, reported a 22% increase in underlying earnings to £15.1 million in that year alone. Additionally, the company expanded its workforce by approximately 120 employees in 2024, reflecting its robust growth trajectory.
iamproperty now offers end-to-end support for the property process, encompassing auction services, onboarding, compliance, conveyancing, lead generation, and customer relationship management (CRM). Last year, the firm reported assisting estate agents in selling over £1 billion worth of property from more than 10,000 sales, underscoring its impact on the industry.
The integration of The ValPal Network is poised to enhance these services further, providing estate agents with more efficient tools to drive profitability and improve client outcomes in a competitive market.
