Impact of Information and Communication Technology On Real Estate Practice in Akwa Ibom State: Acase Study of Estate Firms in Uyo (Published)
This study examines the Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Estate Agency Practice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. With the increasing reliance on digital tools in the real estate sector, this research investigates how ICT adoption impacts estate agency efficiency, productivity, and client engagement. The study adopts a survey research design, collecting primary data through structured questionnaires distributed to estate surveyors, real estate developers, and agents within the study area. A total of 226 questionnaires were administered, with 200 valid responses analyzed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to evaluate the relationship between ICT adoption and estate agency efficiency. The findings reveal that 85% of estate agents utilize ICT tools, with social media, online property listings, and internet-based transactions being the most widely adopted (Mean score = 3.60). ICT significantly enhances efficiency by improving client engagement, reducing transaction time, and increasing business performance (Mean score = 3.68). However, key challenges such as poor internet connectivity, high costs of digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and cybersecurity concerns hinder widespread adoption (Mean score = 3.42). The chi-square test (χ² = 28.57, p < 0.05) indicates a significant relationship between ICT adoption and the efficiency of estate agency operations. The study concludes that ICT adoption enhances estate agency operations by improving communication, property visibility, and transaction efficiency. However, challenges such as high internet costs, inadequate ICT training, and slow adoption of digital tools hinder full ICT integration in the sector. It recommends capacity-building programs, investment in digital marketing, government support for ICT infrastructure, and the adoption of e-governance in land transactions to optimize ICT usage in estate agency practice.
Keywords: Akwa Ibom State, Chi-Square, Digital Marketing, ICT, Real Estate, estate agency