While 2025 marked the moment AI entered the mainstream, the property management sector has been applying AI-driven technologies for several years. It enables portfolios to be managed more efficiently, reduces time spent on administrative tasks, and improves decision-making through better data insights.

AI in Action

Across Europe, several practical applications already demonstrate the impact of AI and technology on building performance.

AI-controlled ventilation systems
In Sweden, Savills implemented an AI-controlled ventilation system in a retail park managed for Savills Investment Management. By integrating the existing building automation system through standard protocols such as BACnet and APIs, sensors monitor indoor and outdoor air quality and automatically adjust HVAC settings.

Data optimalisation

The data collected by sensors is processed through an optimisation engine that continuously analyses thermal performance and air quality loads. Based on this analysis, new optimal setpoints are automatically sent to the HVAC system. Over time, performance data—including energy consumption, air quality and fault detection—is analysed to further optimise building systems. At one site of approximately 30,000 sqm, this approach resulted in annual savings of 470,065 kWh and 2.12 tonnes of CO₂e.

AI can detect water leaks before tenants even notice them. In shopping centres, predictive analytics can anticipate when lifts or escalators require maintenance, allowing property managers to intervene before equipment fails. In retail parks, it can also analyse footfall data, providing valuable insights into visitor patterns and helping owners and tenants better understand how spaces are used.

Smart metering
At a shopping centre in Italy, smart meters allow property managers to monitor energy consumption in real time across both common areas and individual tenants. The system is currently being expanded to include gas and water monitoring, providing greater transparency for both owners and occupiers. And if energy consumption suddenly increases in a specific unit, the property manager can quickly identify the issue and work with the tenant to resolve it.

Resident apps
Technology is also improving residential property management. In Italy, a resident app allows tenants to manage building services, communicate with relevant stakeholders, and submit requests through a single central platform: helping to speed up response times and improve the overall experience. For example, residents can report maintenance issues directly through the app, which are automatically logged and forwarded to the relevant maintenance contractor. They can also book shared facilities or receive building updates instantly, ensuring clear and efficient communication between residents, property management and service providers.

Weather forecasting
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, AI can also support property managers by forecasting potential operational risks. This allows teams to proactively communicate with occupiers and prepare buildings for potential disruption.

Supporting better Property Management 

As adoption grows, AI is moving beyond isolated use cases and becoming an integrated part of property management. Applications now include predictive maintenance, ESG monitoring, occupancy analysis and automated workflows; helping property managers and owners make faster, more informed decisions.

The Future of Property Management

The future of property management lies in combining human expertise with intelligent technology. By automating repetitive/administrative tasks and providing actionable insights, AI enables property managers to focus on what truly adds value: client service, tenant satisfaction, sustainability improvements and the efficient operation of buildings.

Further information

Contact Anne Brom or Tim Bretten

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