City Residential needed more than a software upgrade — they needed a system that could unify their operations and future-proof their business. Here’s how Alto became their strategic partner for productivity and growth.
Alan Bevan, Managing Director of City Residential, knew their estate agency needed a transformative shift. Despite their strong presence in Liverpool’s thriving city centre, the agency grappled with legacy software, fragmented workflows, and severely limited remote capabilities.
“We were constantly fighting disconnected systems,” Alan explains. “Sales and lettings information lived in different silos, costing us at least 12 hours each week in unnecessary admin.”
Legacy Systems Slowed Growth
Before Alto, City Residential with various challenges. Teams struggled with where to find data, how to complete repetitive tasks, and the inability of working on the move.
Bad data
Over 15 years of fragmented data, risking critical information loss during migration.
No remote working
Near-zero remote working capability, which would have been hugely damaging if they had not migrated to Alto before COVID lockdowns in 2020.
Confusing processes
Complex workflows, requiring repetitive, manual tasks that drained staff productivity.
Choosing Alto: A Strategic Leap Forward
Migrating to Alto became a strategic imperative. Alto integrated sales, lettings, and financials into one streamlined platform, immediately saving 12+ hours weekly. Its cloud-first design drastically boosted remote productivity by an estimated 50%, enabling teams to function effectively from any location. Alto’s proven heritage and reliability reassured Alan the transition would be smooth and supported.
“We required a robust, cloud-based system that empowered our team to work from anywhere,” Alan highlights. “Alto delivered precisely that.”
“Alto isn’t just another software—it’s our strategic growth partner. It empowers our team to deliver exceptional service consistently.”
Immediate Gains, Tangible Results
The impact of Alto was felt almost instantly:
- 12+ hours reclaimed weekly: Administrative tasks streamlined into a single, efficient system.
- 50% increase in remote productivity: Uninterrupted workflows, even during disruptions like lockdowns.
- 80% faster financial oversight: Simple and intuitive accounting features saved significant time, empowering senior management.
- Client response times improved by 60%: Seamless Outlook integration and better CRM visibility enhanced client engagement dramatically.
“Our daily operations transformed,” Alan confirms. “What once took hours now takes mere minutes. The difference in client satisfaction is noticeable and immediate.”
Positioned for Sustainable Growth
Alan views the switch to Alto as foundational for City Residential’s future.
Alto’s structured migration not only preserved all historical data but also enhanced its accuracy, ensuring nothing was lost in the transition. With personalised training, the team achieved a 100% adoption rate, fully embracing the new system from day one. Alto’s robust cloud solution also gave City Residential complete flexibility, positioning them to handle any future market uncertainties with confidence.
Alan’s advice for other agencies is clear:
“Don’t underestimate the importance of an integrated, cloud-based system. It’s no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential for competitive advantage.”
