An Engadine entrepreneur has launched a startup using drone technology and artificial intelligence to transform how property inspections are conducted, already winning contracts with several Sutherland Shire real estate agencies.

SkyInspect, founded by former real estate agent Marcus Thompson, uses commercial drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging to inspect roofs, gutters, and building exteriors without the need for ladders or scaffolding.

“I spent 15 years in real estate watching buyers miss problems because proper inspections were too expensive or too slow,” Thompson explained. “A roof issue that would have taken half a day with traditional methods takes us 20 minutes.”

How It Works

SkyInspect’s process combines drone footage with AI analysis:

1. Licensed pilots fly the drone around and over the property
2. Cameras capture thousands of images including thermal data
3. AI software analyses images for common issues: cracked tiles, blocked gutters, weathering, heat loss points
4. A detailed report is generated within 24 hours, complete with annotated images

The AI has been trained on thousands of Australian properties to recognise issues specific to local building styles and materials. “It knows what a terracotta tile should look like versus concrete,” said Thompson. “It can spot repointing issues that even experienced inspectors might miss from the ground.”

Market Response

The company launched in September and has already completed over 200 inspections. Real estate agents have been early adopters, using the service for pre-listing inspections and vendor reports.

“It’s a selling point,” said Miranda agent Jennifer Walsh. “When I can show buyers a comprehensive drone inspection report, it builds trust. They know we’re not hiding anything up on the roof where they can’t see.”

Building inspectors have also partnered with SkyInspect to supplement their traditional services. Rather than competing, the technology handles the time-consuming external work while inspectors focus on internal structural assessment.

Local Hiring

Thompson has hired four Sutherland Shire residents, including two licensed drone pilots and two office staff. He plans to expand the team as the business grows.

“I wanted to build something in my community,” he said. “We could have set up anywhere, but Engadine is home. My kids go to school here. My pilots know these suburbs, know the architecture, know the conditions.”

Regulatory Compliance

Operating drones commercially requires CASA certification and careful attention to airspace regulations. SkyInspect maintains all required licenses and carries comprehensive insurance.

“Safety and compliance are non-negotiable,” Thompson emphasised. “We don’t fly near airports, schools when children are present, or over people. Every flight is planned and documented.”

Future Plans

The company is exploring additional applications including strata building assessments, insurance claims documentation, and solar panel efficiency monitoring. Thompson is in discussions with several Shire strata management companies about ongoing inspection contracts.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “Anywhere you need to see something that’s hard to reach, drones make sense. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”

The intersection of drones, AI, and property is part of a broader PropTech revolution transforming Australian real estate.

Interested parties can contact SkyInspect through their website for quotes and booking.