What Is PropTech?
PropTech is a Cutting-Edge Approach to Real Estate in which Technology optimises the way people Research, Rent, Buy, Sell, and Manage Properties.
What Paradigm Shifts Have PropTech Companies Already Brought Into The Industry?
With over four decades of experience in the Real Estate Industry, I would say it is thus far the World’s Largest Asset Class and as a result, New Trends are constantly emerging across the Industry. From Coworking to Coliving, the Real Estate Market innovates and shapes its endeavours to meet the increasing demands.
The PropTech Industry growth has been on the rise since 2014. The pandemic has accelerated this growth even further. Why?
The COVID-19 Pandemic has set the bar high for keeping a building operational. Concerned about this, Landlords and Property Managers have identified a critical need to Integrate Technology into Facilities Management like for example i4T Global.
Real Estate Market Growth Despite COVID-19
According to the Real Estate Market Report published by MSCI in June 2020, the size of the professionally managed global real estate market is worth $9.6 trillion in 2019. This reflects a 4.1% 4.1% Growth Rate from 2018.
Despite a year of unprecedented challenges, the managed Real Estate Market is expected to grow to $10.5 Trillion in 2020.
It is now 1.6 times larger than it was in 2010. The convincing expansion of the Real Estate Market in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to highlight investors’ steadfast search for returns across asset classes.
I personally feel that investing in this market in a post-pandemic world, however, may necessitate some adjustments. Lockdowns and stay-in-place mandates appear to have crystallised previously brewing cultural shifts, particularly in Retail and Office Space.
Revolution Of PropTech In The “New Normal”
There is a rapid demand for Touchless Access Control Systems in the Post COVID-19 Era. These are systems that use Smartphones and Face Recognition Credentials to gain access as opposed to a Fob or Key Card.
While it’s critical to avoid physical interaction with high-traffic surfaces in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 (or any disease for that matter), this is the direction that Facility Security is taking regardless. While Real Estate has historically been slow to adopt a Digital Transformation, COVID-19 has accelerated that process from 0 to 100.
The Industry was forced to reassess its old and outdated practices. As we witness the rise of PropTech, it is critical for Property Managers to remain adaptable and responsive to Tenant Behavior. Embracing New Technological Tools and Digitally Transforming will make their lives easier and the lives of their residents better.
Biggest Disruptors Of The Property Management Industry In Terms Of PropTech
1. Big Data
Big Data is completely upending the Real Estate Industry – obviously in a good way I mean. From the ability to make more Accurate Appraisals on a Large Scale to more Personalized Real Estate Marketing, better Risk Mitigation, and Faster Application Processing Times, Big Data is profoundly changing the Real Estate Industry.
With Big Data comes enhanced Predictive Analytics, or the Capacity to Use Sophisticated Computer Algorithms that can predict Market Fluctuations.
2. AI And Machine Learning
In the PropTech Space, AI and Machine Learning continue to gain interest and traction as it is used in many processes such as Building Operations and Performance, Tenant Experience, Robotics and Drones, Real Estate Investment, and more.
For example, Conversational AI can be used for Work Order Management through a Human-Like Conversation in which the person can obtain the information they require from the comfort of their desktop, mobile device, or similar method, or through a voice assistant like Alexa.
3. Augmented And Virtual Reality
One of the most powerful tools that are cutting through the clutter in the Real Estate Industry is certainly represented by Immersive Reality, which uses technology to create simulated environments that feel real. Immersive Reality comprehends Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The user is completely involved in a rich visual experience that can resemble the real world or enhance it.
Virtual Reality tours and the use of Augmented Reality offer the chance to connect with customers on a more personal level and deliver memorable experiences while letting you gain a competitive advantage. Offering lifelike interactive experiences and a clear presentation for a better understanding of the product will make the client feel involved and so more interested.
4. CGI Rendering
5. Internet Of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a Global Network of Physical Assets – 'things' like Sensors and Devices – linked by the Internet. These 'things' are used to Monitor their surroundings and Collect and Exchange Data.
6. Remote Monitoring
7. Drones
Drones are Remote-Controlled or Software-Controlled Robots that collect and monitor data in the air. Drone Technology captures Data in Real-Time as well as 3D Modeling.
Historically, the Real Estate Industry has needed to relieve on-field information for different purposes. Usually, that process implied inspectors going to the site or building itself to take photos and use specialised equipment to take measures. They did so to detect energy inefficiencies, identify potential maintenance needs, and look for areas of improvement.
What’s the best thing about it? Using Drones significantly cuts down the costs of relieving information, as there’s no need to use planes or helicopters anymore. Besides, Drones can be used to create virtual replicas (known as “digital twins”) that can be of tremendous benefit.
8. 5G Technology
The Value In Time Within Property Management
Abraham Lincoln once said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my axe.”
A well-honed tool completes the task quickly. To get the job done, you’ll need a well-honed, system-based strategy. Without such a plan, time can elude you, and what should take minutes can take hours, if not days.
Smart Time Management is essential for carrying out your Property Management Strategy. Effective Time Management provides a variety of benefits, some obvious and some less so. It increases overall efficiency, provides valuable strategic advantages, and creates space for logical, creative thinking.
You know the feeling. You’re sitting at your desk, looking at the time. “Already three o’clock? What happened to time?” Another day of hard work, but the tasks are not completed.
You may find yourself falling into task-focused thinking in the midst of all the activities.
Your list of repairs and maintenance grows longer, so you spend more time running around trying to get everything done. Or you get stuck in either-or scenarios, such as saying, for example, “I only have time to do the repairs.
I have less time for preventive maintenance the more time I spend on repairs. But the more repairs I do, the more I realise I need to do preventive maintenance.”
Since your time is valuable, it is critical to plan how you will spend it. Your abilities should not be wasted on inefficient tasks or tasks that others could perform.
This is where planning comes into play. Can you combine tasks in order to complete them more quickly? Can you delegate certain responsibilities to others? Can you devise a system for locating staff or participants to assist with certain aspects of maintenance?
How PropTech Can Make Lives Easier?
1. Automation
2. Agile Workflow Management
3. Real-Time Communication with Stakeholders
4. Improves Management Of Co-Working Spaces
Under the new hybrid working model, the office will be transformed from a regular workplace to the centre of collaboration. Dedicated offices are being replaced by co-working spaces.
To efficiently manage these coveted spaces, Proptech software should be used. This centralised app also facilitates employees as it allows them to collaborate efficiently with co-workers and manage everything from memberships, payments and bookings to information sharing.
For Property Managers, this means improved customer tracking, space utilisation, time and money savings on administrative tasks, and marketing strategies.
5. Simplifies Space Occupancy
Returning to work after the COVID-19 pandemic means less space occupied. By digitising the process, proptech can assist organisations in optimising their limited space. With the use of a digital access management system, employees can allocate and book rooms in advance to secure their spot. Furthermore, a system like this can show which spaces are still available for use, allowing facilities to make the best use of them.
6. Cost Efficiency
7. Time Management
8. Increases Innovation In the Real Estate Industry
9. Reduces Physical Contact
People are no longer shaking hands at work and using your fingerprints to access the office. Contactless solutions are the new norm limiting physical interactions. In Proptech, this means a wider use of smartphones or facial recognition to access facilities as opposed to keycards.
Now there are systems available that are capable of tracking and recording when high-traffic surfaces are cleaned. This makes workplaces safer for employees by making them germ free.
A good example of this would be QR codes that can track the use of desks and other areas. They app can then notify cleaning staff how frequently they need to be sanitsed and when they are clean and ready for use again. These systems can also provide cleaning analytics to organisations, allowing them to make informed, data-driven decisions.
10. More Transparency
Transparency is especially improved by new technologies such as big data and blockchains. At the touch of a button, a variety of tools can assist people in tracking their property transactions.
Greater transparency is possible because each party involved will have visibility into every transaction. It comes as no surprise that the Global Real Estate Transparency Index was created. It has established itself as the industry standard for assessing market transparency and continues to guide the sector toward higher standards.
11. Creates Higher Value
All of these scenarios have the potential to increase the value of a property, resulting in higher rental returns.
Consider this. Buildings that use PropTech are likely to be associated with quality and regarded as more valuable than buildings that do not use PropTech. Proptech applications can have a significant impact on real estate. The strength is in the combinations of them, which adds value.
12. Enhances Promotion
13. Financial Control
14. Legal Benefits
Introducing i4T Maintenance PropTech
i4T Maintenance is an all-in-one powerful software for Authorized Service Agents who have been juggling between Maintenance Requests, looking for the right Field Service Suppliers for the Work Order, tracking work quality, and everything else that goes into completing a service request placed by the Property Occupants.
Why Choose i4T Maintenance As Your PropTech Solution Provider?
- Multi-Stakeholder Eco System
- Efficiency
- Compliance
- Reliable & Safety
- Transparency
- Real-Time Communication
- Alignment with your Business Models
The Future Of PropTech
Embracing New Market Opportunities & Bridging The Gap In Property Management
Globally, an increasing number of real estate firms are focusing on identifying innovation and proptech opportunities, as well as incorporating digital solutions into their primary business processes.
We’re adopting more proptech solutions in various parts of the sector, and there’s every likelihood that a digital-first approach to the property will become more pervasive in the coming months and years, particularly as we look for innovative ways to strengthen and grow the industry amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
PropTech can help make the industry more efficient and resilient, with the goal of delivering more value to clients in the most relevant way possible.
More real estate and property management firms are expected to embrace proptech in the future.
From a more defined digital strategy and road map to a cultural shift within organisations, real estate agents must figure out basic data capture mechanisms.
Proptech investment is expected to continue as traditional real estate market players recognize the importance of digital solutions. As new technologies continue to impact and advance the real estate industry, real estate service providers can stay ahead of the curve by working to develop and implement effective strategies to meet today’s and tomorrow’s demands.
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With our cutting-edge technology and in-depth knowledge of how the Field Service Management sector operates, the i4TGlobal Team loves to share industry insights to help streamline your business processes and generate new leads. We are driven by innovation and are passionate about delivering solutions that are transparent, compliant, efficient and safe for all stakeholders and across all touch points.
