At TechEx Global, we had the opportunity to sit down with Ricky Bartlett, UK Lead for Artificial Intelligence and Automation at CBRE GWE, to discuss how AI is revolutionizing business operations in the real estate sector. As one of the world’s largest real estate firms, CBRE is leveraging AI to optimize workflows, enhance customer experiences, and streamline decision-making.
AI in Real Estate: Practical Applications
AI is transforming property management, asset optimization, and predictive analytics, enabling CBRE to make data-driven decisions that improve operational efficiency. Some of the most impactful applications include:
- Automated Property Valuation – AI models analyze market trends, historical data, and economic indicators to provide more accurate real estate valuations.
- Smart Building Management – AI-powered systems optimize energy consumption, predict maintenance needs, and improve tenant experiences.
- Enhanced Customer Service – Chatbots and virtual assistants handle client inquiries, freeing up human agents for more complex interactions.
- Predictive Market Analysis – AI identifies investment opportunities and helps forecast real estate trends before they happen.
Overcoming AI Skepticism in Business
Despite AI’s potential, businesses often hesitate to adopt it due to concerns over cost, complexity, and integration challenges. Ricky Bartlett emphasized that education and strategic implementation are key to overcoming skepticism. CBRE approaches AI adoption by:
- Focusing on ROI – Implementing AI solutions that drive measurable business impact.
- Gradual Integration – Phasing in AI tools alongside traditional systems to ease the transition.
- Data-Driven Decision Making – Using AI to enhance, not replace, human expertise.
The Future of AI in Real Estate
CBRE sees AI as a long-term game changer in the real estate sector. With advancements in computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning, the industry will continue to see innovations in automated leasing processes, enhanced risk management, and AI-powered investment strategies.
For businesses considering AI, Bartlett advises starting with a clear objective, ensuring data readiness, and maintaining a balance between automation and human oversight.
AI as a Catalyst for Business Growth
Whether you’re a global corporation or a small business, AI presents immense opportunities to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. CBRE’s success in leveraging AI serves as a testament to the power of strategic implementation, proving that AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a business imperative.
