How Alto Prospecting’s New Data Tool Could Transform Your Letting Strategy

What is Alto Prospecting and Why It Matters to Landlords

Alto Prospecting is a newly launched data-driven feature integrated into the Alto CRM system, designed primarily for letting and estate agents. It uses real-time property intelligence and verified landlord data across England and Wales to identify which properties and landlords are likely to come to market before they appear on public listings.

For landlords, especially those who are private or accidental, this development signals a shift in how agents source potential instructions and could affect engagement with landlords earlier in the process. It is important to understand how this tool works and what it means for your privacy and property management.

Practical Implications for Landlords

1. Increased Early Contact from Agents: Agents using Alto Prospecting can approach landlords proactively, often before a property is officially marketed. This means you may receive outreach earlier than before, offering letting or sales services.

2. Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance: Alto emphasizes that their marketing tools are GDPR-compliant, incorporating controls like the Marketing Preference Service (MPS). However, landlords should be aware that their property ownership data is being analysed and utilised for targeted marketing, and they have rights to opt out of such communications.

3. Accuracy and Legitimacy of Data: The tool relies on verified landlord data, but errors can occur. It’s advisable for landlords to check that any data held about them is accurate, especially if contacted based on this intelligence.

4. Impact on Different Landlord Profiles:

• Single-Unit Landlords: May find themselves contacted more frequently as agents seek easy-to-list properties.
• HMO and Portfolio Landlords: Could experience more competitive approaches from agents wanting to secure larger portfolios.
• Accidental Landlords: Might be surprised by early marketing outreach and should understand their rights clearly.

Compliance and Operational Considerations

Agents must ensure any marketing outreach adheres to GDPR and MPS regulations, avoiding unsolicited communications. For landlords, this means you can request to be excluded from marketing lists and should keep a record of such preferences.

Recommended Next Steps for Landlords

• Review Your Data Privacy Settings: Check with your local authority’s land registry or your managing agent to confirm what data about your properties and ownership is publicly accessible.
• Prepare for Early Outreach: Decide in advance how you want to respond to unsolicited offers from agents. Consider drafting a standard reply or engaging a trusted agent proactively.
• Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with GDPR provisions related to marketing communications and how to lodge complaints if necessary.
• Monitor Communications: Keep a log of contacts from agents and evaluate the legitimacy of their claims before sharing personal information.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support You

Navigating this evolving landscape can be complex. Rentals & Sales offers portfolio reviews to help you understand your property data footprint, compliance audits to ensure your information is managed correctly, and pricing strategy consultations to position your properties advantageously. Our experts can help you respond confidently to early market approaches and maintain control over your landlord journey.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult professional advisors on compliance and data protection matters.