Due to technological advancements, increasing client demands, legal regulations, and the need for faster responses to economic changes, the commercial real estate market is increasingly influenced by AI-driven solutions. According to the report “Artificial Intelligence in Commercial Real Estate” by BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland, modern technological solutions are becoming and will continue to be crucial at every stage — from investment planning, construction, and tenant verification to property and energy resource management, and even investing.
Among the many trends observed in commercial real estate, broadly understood PropTech solutions leveraging AI are poised to revolutionize the industry in the coming years. Property technology refers to the use of IT techniques and technologies in all areas related to the real estate lifecycle. It focuses on changing traditional business models and improving the quality and efficiency of existing processes. In 2022, the global PropTech market was valued at $30.16 billion, and it is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 16% between 2023 and 2032.
As shown in the report prepared by BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland, the number of AI-based solutions applicable to commercial real estate is vast. Already, the office real estate market is utilizing AI solutions. “In my opinion, the office market will be one of the main beneficiaries of AI development,” emphasizes Adam Jakubowski, Operational Director of the Property Management Department at BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland.
Predicting Trends and Property Management
The commercial real estate market is a multi-dimensional structure. Purchasing land, constructing, managing, leasing, and selling a building is just the facade behind a series of processes necessary for the market to function effectively. Market and financial analyses are essential even at the investment stage. AI solutions will help predict market trends, identify potential investment opportunities, and forecast demand for specific types of commercial real estate.
Operational property management processes will also be modernized. AI can help manage facilities by monitoring systems and building components in real time. It can predict maintenance needs, improve energy efficiency and building safety, redefine office space, and enhance tenant comfort.
“AI solutions also allow the collection and analysis of user preferences regarding temperature, lighting, and other working conditions. Additionally, these systems monitor air quality, noise levels, and other environmental factors to ensure optimal working conditions. For example, they can automatically adjust ventilation or activate air filtration systems when detecting pollutants. AI can also optimize maintenance schedules, minimizing downtime and maximizing system availability,” explains Adam Jakubowski.
Examples of these solutions are increasingly common. In the United States, Kastle Systems provides insights into the actual use of office buildings by employees. HoxtonAI helps retail property owners and managers collect and analyze data on foot traffic in shopping centers. In Poland, REDD collects and processes data from the commercial real estate market, serving as the foundation for AI-based predictive systems. Advanced building management systems (BMS) equipped with modern sensors also provide essential data to fuel AI.
AI: Tangible Benefits for Finances and the Planet
As emphasized by the authors of the BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland report, AI solutions will offer the greatest benefits in energy management. Systems already exist to monitor, analyze, and optimize energy consumption in buildings. Data collection also yields environmental benefits. In 2016, Google-owned DeepMind designed an AI-based system that reduced energy consumption in its data centers by 40%. Earlier this year, BrainBox AI introduced the Artificial Responsive Intelligent Assistant (ARIA), which makes real-time adjustments to reduce energy consumption. The company claims that optimized building operations can cut energy costs by 25% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
AI can also assist with non-financial reporting compliant with the CSRD directive. The challenge in this area is developing a model for obtaining and verifying information, structuring ESG reports, and assessing them. The quality and timeliness of environmental data will largely depend on implemented AI-based systems.
AI in Warsaw’s Real Estate Market
For the real estate market, AI is no longer just a buzzword but increasingly a reality. The BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland team was likely the first in the Polish commercial market to develop a predictive model for absorption changes and vacancy rates using intelligent machine learning algorithms. Ghelamco, a pioneer among office building developers, incorporates AI at the early stages of real estate development. For example, the system used in The Bridge office building on Grzybowska Street in Warsaw employs an industrial robot to drill holes and install precise mounting elements in elevator shafts.
“In the Warsaw UNIT building, new AI-based solutions were tested for broader BMS-level property management. We approached these tests cautiously, prioritizing user safety and comfort. We are optimistic about the potential for CO₂ emission optimization and operating cost savings in other buildings, which will translate into savings for tenants while significantly reducing our environmental impact. Similar solutions are planned for The Bridge,” notes Jarosław Fiutowski, Deputy Technical Director at Ghelamco.
The company also uses advanced environmental monitoring and facial recognition systems. These systems prevent unauthorized site access by monitoring the construction perimeter and notifying security when necessary. The Bridge will also feature CCTV cameras and AI systems that detect unattended items left in common areas (e.g., packages), which could pose a terrorist threat.
Source: ManagerPlus.pl
