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Harnessing the power of AI in commercial real estate

AI is a useful tool to identify market trends, it leads to smarter investment choices and enhance commercial real estate returns

Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) ability to analyse large data sets and uncover hidden patterns is revolutionising commercial real estate is managed, marketed and leased.


Traditionally reliant on manual processes and intuition-based decision-making, the commercial property sector is now witnessing a paradigm shift.


In early November, a year after the launch of ChatGPT, the AI chatbot had its biggest update so far – a powerful new AI model which gives the ability to create AI assistants and a marketplace that’s effectively an App Store for chatbots.


Data analysis enables the chatbot to understand specific user needs and preferences – which leads to generation of customised contracts tailored to specific transactions or relationships.


By automating routine tasks such as drafting standard contract clauses, chatbots save time and reduce the workload on legal teams. Legal teams can now focus on more complex aspects of contract negotiation and drafting.


Chatbot data analysis in the context of contracts enhances efficiency, accuracy, compliance and personalisation, making the contract management process more streamlined and effective.


Below are some ways in which AI is a game changer.


Contract analysis


Inospace recently acquired a new industrial property in Cape Town, and the company used AI to analysis contracts.


Legal contracts with numerous clauses and conditions can be efficiently decoded using AI-powered chatbots. These bots are not just tools for quick reviews - they revolutionise contract management by highlighting potential risks, offer insights for negotiation – this empowers businesses to make informed decisions and negotiate better terms.


Inospace used the latest AI-powered chatbots to analyse the document to identify key clauses, terms and conditions. The technology allows for speedy reviewing of lengthy contracts while ensuring all-important elements are covered. The chatbot also analyses contract language to identify potential risks or unfavourable terms.


Due diligence and valuations


When it comes to acquisitions and valuation, AI offers an unmatched edge. It analyses factors from location to historical data enabling a more nuanced property valuation. This technology is crucial in identifying undervalued properties and future hotspots, guiding investors to lucrative opportunities.


Leasing

AI has sped up the leasing cycle
AI has sped up the leasing cycle

Through sophisticated algorithms, AI transforms the search and match process by aligning tenant needs with suitable properties.


Interactive AI chatbots provide instant responses to queries, setting up viewings and even conducting virtual property tours. They provide 24/7 engagement with prospective tenants, vastly boosting the customer experience.


AI’s predictive analytics provide insights into rental price movements and shifts in demand. This has been a game changer for Inospace.


Following the success of Inocircle derived tenant-experiences, Inospace developed Pulse, an internal leasing software in 2020. It was launched in 2021 to market and lease out its more than 50 high-volume multi-let property portfolios of branded logistics parks in Cape Town and Johannesburg.


In October, Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV launched its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform (Pulse) from Inospace.


Lisa is a leasing, marketing, asset management and tenant experience platform for the commercial real estate industry. Its tenant-lifecycle leasing software helps property owners, managers, brokers and tenants align in a unified platform to execute leasing transactions.


One of the most notable contributions of AI lies in its ability to manage and analyse lease documents. AI-driven systems automate the review process, ensuring legal compliance and highlighting key contract clauses, which minimises human error and saves considerable time in contract management.


Market analysis


Using AI in market analysis transforms reactive strategies into proactive insights. Advanced algorithms dissect extensive data, including market trends and economic indicators to forecast property values and rental demand shifts. For example, Inospace’s successful leverage of AI in identifying market trends exemplifies this transformation, leading to smarter investment choices and enhanced returns.


Property management


Smart building technologies driven by AI optimise energy use, predict maintenance needs and enhance tenant experiences. These AI-powered systems adapt to occupancy changes in real time – a futuristic approach to building management.


AI Challenges


Despite its vast potential, integrating AI in commercial real estate comes with challenges, including data privacy concerns and the accuracy of AI predictions. Ethical considerations around AI decision-making also demand thoughtful navigation. The industry must strive for a responsible and inclusive approach to harnessing AI’s potential.


AI is undeniably transforming commercial real estate, offering deeper insights, enhanced efficiency and smarter investment strategies. As we embrace this technological revolution, we must balance our enthusiasm with caution, recognising both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI integration.


The future of commercial real estate powered by AI is not just about adapting to new technologies - but about harnessing them to create more efficient, responsive and intelligent property ecosystems.

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