AI & Data Freedom: The Future of Real Estate Operations
Cherry Pick People
Putting People First | Global Real Estate, PropTech, & ESG Talent Solutions
?? Why real estate leaders must rethink their approach to data & AI adoption
AI adoption in real estate isn’t just about automation or efficiency, it’s about control, strategy, and survival. In our latest episode of AI Adoption in the Built Environment (in partnership with The RED Foundation), Tom Shrive, Chief AI Officer at Adiuvo sat down with Tripty Arya, Founder & CEO of Travtus to explore the true power of AI, the challenges of data access, and what leaders must do to stay ahead.
?? The Biggest Hurdle? Data Freedom.
One of the most striking points raised was data ownership and access. As Tripty pointed out, data is an asset, yet many real estate companies still treat it as an operational byproduct rather than a strategic advantage.
Too often, real estate firms find themselves locked into vendor ecosystems, where their own data is held hostage. The result? Limited innovation, restricted AI adoption, and missed opportunities to optimise operations.
Tripty argued that this needs to change. Companies that want to harness AI effectively must first own their data, structure it properly, and break free from closed systems. The most forward-thinking firms are already building data warehouses to centralize and leverage their information, giving them true data freedom.
?? "If your data is trapped with a vendor, you’re already behind."
?? Integration Isn’t Just a Tech Problem, It’s a Business Problem.
Tom highlighted another critical challenge, integrations. The real estate industry is flooded with different Building Management Systems (BMS), many of which lack true interoperability.
Most tech vendors will claim they have APIs, but as Tom put it, "There are APIs, and then there are APIs." In reality, many are restrictive, incomplete, or create more friction than they solve.
The key takeaway? Real estate leaders need to start asking the right questions. Instead of blindly requesting integrations, they must challenge vendors:
? Why do we need this integration? ? What specific business problem does it solve? ? Is there a more direct way to access this data?
?? "AI adoption isn’t just about plugging into an API—it’s about rethinking workflows and optimizing how data is used."
?? AI Won’t Replace Jobs, But It Will Change Them.
A major concern in the industry is AI replacing jobs, but Tripty and Tom made it clear:
AI isn’t about job loss, it’s about augmentation.
Historically, every major technological shift, from tractors in farming to automation in manufacturing, has changed how people work, not eliminated work altogether. AI in real estate will be no different.
Those who understand AI’s potential and learn to integrate it into their worksflow will thrive. Those who resist it? They risk becoming obsolete.
?? What Should Real Estate Leaders Do Next?
The conversation made it clear: AI isn’t a futuristic concept—it’s already here. The companies leading the charge are:
?? Investing in data ownership & structuring their data properly
?? Challenging vendors on integrations & API limitations
?? Embracing AI to enhance operations, not replace people
?? Reframing AI as a business tool, not just a tech solution
The real question isn’t if AI will transform the built environment, it’s how quickly companies can adapt.
?? What Do You Think?
Are real estate companies doing enough to take control of their data? What’s the biggest challenge holding AI adoption back?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s keep the conversation going. ??
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/JG2-daI0Mg8?si=x3uKl48AjHgH8CHE
I develop HR strategy for SMEs that minimise risk, protect profits and add value .............. speaker | author | HR business strategist
1 周Fascinating discussion! AI has the potential to transform real estate, but data freedom and integration challenges are real barriers.
Head of Research and Marketing- Experienced property professional, specialising in networking with the top talent in the industry ?????
1 周Such a fascinating discussion! Tripty Arya & Tom Shrive really got to the heart of one of the biggest challenges in AI adoption and why real estate businesses need to take ownership of their own data strategy. One of the key takeaways for me was how AI isn’t just a tech problem, it’s an operational and cultural shift. Companies that embrace this now will have a huge competitive edge, while those who delay could find themselves left behind. Brilliant insights from Alex Wiffen in this article, definitely worth a read!