ADVERTORIAL
Local PropTech company The Virtual Agent is steadily simplifying the way property practitioners work by turning complex data into practical, usable insight. The platform has expanded its subscriber base to include both large corporate agencies and independent operators, all of whom rely on enriched data, dashboards and CRM functionality to operate more efficiently.
The Virtual Agent develops its own property technology, enabling practitioners to work with information that is relevant, accurate and easy to interpret. According to CEO Terence Sewraj, the focus has always been on adapting sophisticated software into tools that agents can use without needing technical expertise.
Founded in 2015, the company identified an early gap in the market. Property practitioners were surrounded by data from multiple sources, but lacked meaningful information that could be used quickly and confidently in day-to-day decision-making. By working closely with agencies across the country, The Virtual Agent refined its offerings to improve accuracy, relevance and usability.
As demand evolved, practitioners requested a CRM component that matched the realities of their workflow. This led to the development of a CRM system designed specifically around agent needs, rather than generic sales processes. The guiding principle behind the platform remains that legacy industries require seamless simplicity.
The long-term ambition is to act as a single service provider for property practitioners, supporting them throughout the entire lifecycle of their work. From sourcing stock and canvassing, to syndicating listings, managing sales and maintaining client relationships, the aim is to allow agents to operate from one central platform. An agile development approach means features can be refined or adapted quickly when improvements are identified.
Being locally developed, The Virtual Agent is well aligned with South African market conventions. In-house developers allow for customisation, white labelling and integration with existing systems used by agencies, ensuring flexibility without compromising efficiency.
Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act has been another key focus. The shift to POPIA required significant adjustments across the industry, particularly for practitioners who rely on accurate, up-to-date information. In response, The Virtual Agent introduced a POPIA module that balances compliance with continued access to actionable data. While access to certain information now follows stricter protocols, the platform has been structured to make compliance straightforward and to educate users on acceptable data practices.
The system is device-agnostic and can be accessed on laptops, tablets or mobile phones, making it suitable for agents working remotely or in the field. Access is restricted to practitioners who are properly accredited with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority. During registration, agents are required to submit their Fidelity Fund Certificate number, which is verified before access is granted.
The platform operates on a subscription basis, offering both prepaid and contract options with flexible terms. More advanced packages include CRM functionality, customisation and additional reporting tools. New users are able to activate a 30-day free trial when signing up.
Digital tools are increasingly becoming a differentiator in the property industry. Sewraj notes that one practitioner recently secured ten new listings in just three days using the platform. Additional modules, including DealTracker, are currently being tested and are expected to further streamline transaction management.
By combining local market understanding, compliant data practices and practical technology, The Virtual Agent continues to position itself as a valuable digital partner for property practitioners looking to work smarter and faster.
