IT Support for Estate Agents
Security-First IT Infrastructure for Property Professionals
Estate agents handle sensitive client data, substantial transaction values, and are prime targets for conveyancing fraud. Generic IT support isn't enough - you need security specialists who understand property transactions.
We're cloud security specialists for estate agents across Liverpool, Wirral, and Cheshire. We don't just fix computers - we architect secure infrastructure that protects your clients, your transactions, and your reputation.
Not sure which tier fits your business? Book a free 20-minute consultation - we'll assess your setup and recommend the right fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Why Estate Agents Are Prime Cyber Targets
Property transactions involve large sums, tight deadlines, and multiple parties exchanging sensitive information. Criminals know this - and they're exploiting it.
Conveyancing Fraud
Criminals intercept email chains between agents, solicitors, and buyers. They send fake bank details at the critical moment, diverting deposits and completion funds. Average loss: £1.2 million per successful attack. Once the money's gone, it's rarely recovered.
Email Compromise
Attackers gain access to agent email accounts through phishing or credential theft. They monitor conversations for weeks, learning your communication style, then strike when a transaction is about to complete. Your clients trust emails from your domain - criminals exploit that trust.
Ransomware Attacks
Property data is valuable - client details, transaction histories, financial information. Ransomware encrypts everything, demanding payment for release. Even if you pay, there's no guarantee of recovery. Meanwhile, your business is paralysed and completions are delayed.
Data Breaches
Estate agents hold significant personal data - ID documents, financial details, employment information from tenant references. A breach triggers ICO investigation, potential fines, and devastating reputational damage. Clients won't trust an agent who lost their data.
The Reality for Estate Agents
You're handling transactions worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, communicating sensitive details via email, and coordinating between multiple parties under time pressure. Every exchange completion day is a window of vulnerability.
Basic antivirus isn't enough. You need proactive security monitoring, email protection that catches impersonation attempts, and backup systems that can recover your business when things go wrong.
Why Estate Agents Choose HiltDigital
We're not a generic IT company that happens to support estate agents. We're cloud security specialists who understand property transactions, completion deadlines, and the specific threats your industry faces.
Security-First Approach
We lead with security, not break-fix support. Proactive threat monitoring, email protection, and ransomware defence - not waiting for something to go wrong.
Property Sector Knowledge
We understand conveyancing fraud patterns, portal integrations (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket), and the pressure of exchange and completion deadlines.
Cloud & Azure Specialists
Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, cloud-based estate agency software - we architect secure, modern infrastructure that works from any branch or home.
Co-Managed IT Model
Already have IT support? We work alongside them as your security specialist layer. Keep your existing relationships, add our expertise where it matters most.
Local to Liverpool & Cheshire
Based in the North West, supporting estate agents across Liverpool, Wirral, Chester, and surrounding areas. On-site when you need us, not just remote support.
Cyber Essentials Certified
We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves - we practice what we preach. We can guide you through certification to satisfy insurance requirements and win corporate instructions.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
Choose your starting point:
How Our Co-Managed IT Model Works
Many estate agents already have IT support - whether that's an internal person, a local IT company, or head office systems. We don't replace them. We add the specialist security layer they can't provide.
Your Existing IT Handles
- Day-to-day user support
- Password resets and access issues
- Printer and hardware troubleshooting
- Basic software installation
- Network connectivity issues
- New starter setup (basic)
HiltDigital Handles
- Security architecture and monitoring
- Email protection and phishing defence
- Ransomware protection and backup
- Dark web monitoring for breached credentials
- Cloud infrastructure (Azure, M365)
- Cyber Essentials certification
- Incident response and recovery
- Security awareness training
Why This Model Works for Estate Agents
Your existing IT knows your systems and your people. No need to disrupt those relationships.
Most IT providers are generalists. They don't specialise in security. We fill that gap.
No confusion about who handles what. Security issues come to us. Everything else stays with your IT.
You don't pay us for password resets. You pay us for specialist security expertise that protects your business.
Don't have existing IT support? No problem. We offer fully managed IT packages too - complete coverage from helpdesk to security. Ask us about our Fully Managed IT options.
Cloud Infrastructure for Modern Estate Agencies
Your staff work from multiple branches, from home, from viewings. They need secure access to property listings, client data, and transaction documents from anywhere. We architect cloud infrastructure that makes this possible - securely.
Microsoft 365 for Estate Agents
Email, document storage, and collaboration tools - properly secured. We configure Microsoft 365 with security policies that protect against email compromise, enforce multi-factor authentication, and prevent data leakage. Your team gets modern productivity tools; you get peace of mind.
- Secure email with advanced threat protection
- SharePoint for document management across branches
- Teams for internal communication
- OneDrive for secure file sync
Azure Virtual Desktop
For agencies using traditional desktop software or needing higher security, Azure Virtual Desktop provides a secure, cloud-hosted Windows environment accessible from any device. Perfect for multi-branch operations or hybrid working.
- Access your full desktop from any location
- All data stays in the cloud - nothing on local devices
- Consistent experience across branches
- Scales easily as you add branches or staff
Estate Agency Software Integration
We ensure your cloud infrastructure works seamlessly with the tools you use daily:
- Property portals: Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket feed integration
- Agency software: Reapit, Alto, Jupix, Expert Agent, Dezrez
- Lettings management: Goodlord, Fixflo, Arthur Online
- Compliance tools: AML checking, ID verification platforms
Cloud Migration Done Right
Still running on-premise servers? We handle the migration to cloud infrastructure - securely, with minimal disruption to your business. Typical migration takes 2-4 weeks for a standard estate agency setup.
We audit your current systems and design the target architecture
Detailed migration plan with minimal business disruption
We move your data and systems, typically over a weekend
Testing, training, and sign-off before go-live
Security & Compliance for Estate Agents
Estate agents face unique compliance requirements - AML regulations, GDPR obligations, and increasingly, cyber security demands from insurers and corporate clients. We help you meet them all.
Multi-Layered Security Protection
Email Security
Advanced phishing protection that catches conveyancing fraud attempts, impersonation emails, and malicious attachments before they reach your inbox. Critical for preventing payment redirection fraud.
Endpoint Protection
Next-generation EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) on every device. Detects and blocks ransomware, malware, and suspicious behaviour in real-time.
Credential Exposure Monitoring
24/7 scanning for your company email addresses and credentials in criminal marketplaces. Immediate alerts if employee passwords are compromised.
Backup & Recovery
Automated backup of endpoints and cloud data. Tested recovery procedures so you can bounce back from ransomware or data loss without paying criminals.
Compliance Support
Cyber Essentials Certification
Many corporate relocation clients and insurers now require Cyber Essentials certification. We implement the technical controls and guide you through certification - typically achieving certification within 6-12 weeks.
GDPR & Data Protection
Estate agents hold significant personal data - ID documents, financial information, tenant references. We help you implement appropriate technical measures: encryption, access controls, data retention policies, and breach response procedures.
AML Compliance Support
Anti-Money Laundering regulations require secure handling of client verification documents. We ensure your ID checking processes and document storage meet security requirements for AML compliance.
PI Insurance Requirements
Professional Indemnity insurers increasingly ask about cyber security measures. We provide documented evidence of your security controls, making renewals smoother and potentially reducing premiums.
We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves. We practice what we preach - and we can help you achieve the same certification.
Investment in Security-First IT for Your Agency
Transparent, predictable monthly pricing. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Security-first IT infrastructure designed for estate agents handling property transactions.
H-Protect Essentials
Core protection for smaller agencies
Essential security foundations
- Endpoint monitoring & patching
- Device backup
- Ransomware protection
- Remote support quota
5-user minimum (£200/month)
Note: Does not include helpdesk support or security tools (Keeper, vulnerability management)
H-Protect Standard
Complete security for estate agents
Full security stack with helpdesk
- Helpdesk support (calls answered under 30 seconds)
- EDR endpoint protection on all devices
- Email security & anti-phishing
- Proactive patching & updates
- Endpoint & SaaS backups
- Microsoft 365 management
- Monthly security scorecard
- Dark web monitoring
10-user minimum (£550/month)
Example: 12-person agency = £660/month
H-Protect Complete
Premium security with 24/7 monitoring
24/7 SOC + compliance support
- Everything in H-Protect Standard, plus:
- 24/7 security monitoring & response
- Vulnerability management (continuous)
- Regular phishing simulation exercises
- Priority support & SLA
- Cyber Essentials preparation support
10-user minimum (£890/month)
Example: 20-person agency = £1,780/month
Add-On: User Cyber Training
Available as an add-on
Reduces human-error incidents by 70%+. Monthly security awareness training with simulated phishing campaigns - essential when your staff handle property transactions and client financial details daily.
Fast Start
Onboarding is scheduled so your protection lands fast
What's NOT Included (Transparency)
We believe in clear pricing. These are separate costs you'll need to budget for:
- Microsoft 365 licensing - typically £10-20/user/month depending on your plan (Business Basic, Standard, or Premium)
- Azure consumption - if using Azure Virtual Desktop or cloud infrastructure, usage costs go direct to Microsoft
- Hardware - laptops, monitors, printers etc. are your responsibility (we can advise and procure)
- Agency software - your property management, CRM, and portal subscriptions
Our pricing covers the security, management, and support layer - not your underlying software licenses or infrastructure.
Why This Investment Makes Sense
Cost of Getting It Wrong
- Conveyancing fraud average loss: £1.2M
- Ransomware recovery: £15,000 - £50,000
- ICO data breach investigation: £5,000 - £20,000
- Client compensation claims: £25,000+
- Increased PI insurance premiums
- Lost instructions and reputation damage
Single incident cost: £50,000 - £100,000+
Cost of Getting It Right
- H-Protect Standard (15 users): £825/month
- Annual investment: £9,900
- 24/7 protection and monitoring
- Tested backup recovery
- Compliance documentation for PI insurance
- Peace of mind on exchange day
Annual investment: Fraction of one incident
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear from estate agents considering security-first IT infrastructure:
What IT support do estate agents actually need?
Estate agents need security-first IT infrastructure, not reactive break-fix support. This includes: secure cloud architecture (Azure Virtual Desktop or Microsoft 365), proactive threat monitoring, email protection against conveyancing fraud, ransomware protection, and support for portal integrations (Rightmove, Zoopla). Generic IT support lacks the property sector knowledge and security expertise required to protect agencies handling high-value transactions.
We already have an IT person/company. Can you work with them?
Yes - this is our co-managed model. Your existing IT handles day-to-day support (user issues, basic troubleshooting, password resets). We provide the specialist layer: cloud security architecture, email protection, Cyber Essentials certification support, and threat monitoring. Think of us as the escalation tier for security and cloud projects your current IT can't handle.
How much does IT support cost for an estate agency?
Security-first IT infrastructure for estate agents is priced as one monthly number for your whole business, agreed before we start and shaped by the level of protection you need. You get the exact number in the first conversation, before anything begins.
How do you protect against conveyancing fraud?
Conveyancing fraud typically works by compromising email accounts and redirecting payments. We protect against this through: advanced email security that detects impersonation attempts, multi-factor authentication on all accounts, credential exposure monitoring for leaked credentials, and staff training to recognise fraud attempts. We also advise on verification procedures for bank detail changes.
What's the difference between your service and cheaper MSPs?
Commodity MSPs offer reactive break-fix support at £25-45 per user/month. They fix things after they break. We're cloud security specialists, priced as one monthly number, who prevent problems through proactive architecture. The difference: they wait for your call when something breaks; we call you when we've already fixed it. They treat security as an add-on; we build security-first infrastructure. Yes, we cost more - but a single conveyancing fraud incident can cost £1M+.
Do you support our estate agency software?
Yes. We support all major property software platforms: Reapit, Alto, Jupix, Expert Agent, Dezrez, Vebra Alto, and others. We also ensure proper integration with property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket) and lettings management tools (Goodlord, Fixflo, Arthur Online). We don't train you on the software - your vendor handles that - but we ensure it's secure, backed up, and integrated properly.
Can you help with Cyber Essentials certification?
Yes - this is core to what we do. Corporate relocation clients and some insurers now require Cyber Essentials certification. We implement the technical controls required, prepare for the assessment, provide evidence documentation, and maintain ongoing compliance. We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves. Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks from starting to achieving certification.
What happens on exchange or completion day if something goes wrong?
We understand property deadlines are non-negotiable. Critical issues (email outage, system down, suspected fraud) receive fast response year-round. Standard support hours are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Friday with calls answered in under 30 seconds. We also provide emergency after-hours support for deadline-critical work. H-Protect Complete clients get full 24/7 SOC coverage.
We have multiple branches. Can you support all of them?
Yes. Cloud-based infrastructure is ideal for multi-branch operations - staff access the same systems securely from any branch. We design architecture that works across locations with consistent security policies, centralised management, and the same level of protection everywhere. Whether you have 2 branches or 20, the setup scales.
What about GDPR and data protection?
Estate agents hold significant personal data - ID documents, financial information, tenant references. We help you implement appropriate technical measures: encryption, access controls, data retention policies, and breach response procedures. This protects you from ICO investigations and helps demonstrate compliance to clients who ask about your data protection practices.
How quickly can you get started with our agency?
You're fully protected within days of signing up, not months. Timeline breakdown: Security deployment: Core protection active within 48 hours. Full stabilisation: complete security stack deployed within days. Cloud migration projects: 2-4 weeks for assessment, planning, migration, and cutover. Cyber Essentials standards: 6-12 weeks to implement and evidence the controls.
Get a Straight Review of Where You Stand
We'll review your current IT infrastructure, identify security risks and compliance gaps, and provide a no-obligation roadmap tailored to your accounting practice.
Infrastructure Security Review
Comprehensive assessment of your current setup: servers, cloud services, backup systems, and access controls.
Risk Identification
We identify vulnerabilities: weak passwords, missing MFA, unpatched systems, ransomware exposure, and compliance gaps.
Compliance Gap Analysis
Review against Cyber Essentials requirements, GDPR obligations, ICO guidelines, and PI insurance requirements.
Prioritized Roadmap
Clear action plan: what to fix immediately (critical risks), what to plan (strategic improvements), and estimated investment.
⏰ Don't wait for a security incident to force action. Ransomware doesn't care if you're busy with tax season. Book your assessment today.
