Let’s cut through the noise. The commercial real estate world is saturated with buzzwords — AI, ESG, proptech disruption. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly chasing the next big thing. But what if the real game-changers aren’t the flashy trends, but the fundamental shifts happening right under our noses? How do you separate the fleeting fads from the foundational strategies that actually drive value for the rest of the year?
In our recent CRE Pulse webinar, we gathered a panel of industry experts to dissect the findings from our new report “The state of commercial property management technology, 2026“, produced in partnership with BOMA International. The conversation, featuring insights from JLL, Link Logistics, and Grace Hill, revealed three critical areas shaping the future of property management.
1. AI adoption: Closing the gap between interest and action
It’s no surprise that AI is the topic on everyone’s mind. Our research found that 46% of CRE professionals feel they have a good understanding of AI’s potential, yet only 28% have actually implemented it in their buildings.
So, what’s causing this gap? The panelists agreed it’s not a lack of curiosity but a question of readiness and practical application. Luci Smith, BOMA Fellow, RPA, FMA of Link Logistics and BOMA International noted that “the gap is less about the curiosity of the tool… and more about operational readiness,” highlighting the need to bridge generational dynamics within teams.
The consensus was clear: teams don’t need buzzwords; they need outcomes. As Aliza Carpio from JLL’s product team put it, we must “move beyond the promise of AI” and create solutions that solve painful, everyday problems, like the hours spent gathering data for monthly reports. For AI to be truly adopted, it must be seamlessly embedded into existing workflows, making teams more efficient without adding complexity.
2. Tenant satisfaction: Are your tenants as happy as you think?
The good news is that 41% of property managers believe tenants are more satisfied now than they were 12 months ago. However, our experts urged caution. As Luci Smith wisely pointed out, we must be careful not to “confuse quiet with happy.”
Katie Morris Jeffirs from Grace Hill KingsleySurveys confirmed that while satisfaction is trending up, the core drivers remain unchanged: communication and problem resolution. With email still the primary communication method for nearly two-thirds of respondents, there’s a significant risk of critical information getting lost, delaying resolutions and frustrating tenants.
The key takeaway? A well-run building is the ultimate tenant experience. Sharon Hunt, VP of Product at Building Engines, emphasized that technology’s role is to create a more proactive and transparent environment — from using predictive maintenance to prevent issues before they occur to automating work order updates so tenants are always in the loop.
3. Sustainability: Good for the planet, great for the bottom line
Sustainability is no longer just an environmental initiative; it’s a core business priority. Our report shows nearly three in ten professionals rank energy management and sustainability as a top priority for tech investment, right behind building operations and tenant experience.
The focus is squarely on areas with measurable returns: energy efficiency, utility data capture, and water conservation. As Sharon Hunt explained, these initiatives are “deeply aligned with overall improving NOI.” A green building not only reduces operating expenses but also commands higher rents and valuation, creating a virtuous cycle.
The panelists stressed that data is the backbone of any successful sustainability program. By unifying data and using AI-driven tools, teams can confidently calculate ROI, make smarter capital decisions, and meet the growing demand from tenants for sustainable spaces.
What’s your priority for 2026?
The rest of the year promises to be a turning point for CRE. The organizations that thrive will be those that invest in adaptable systems, empower their teams with seamless technology, and bridge the gap between data and decisive action.
For a deeper dive into these trends, including sector-specific data for industrial and retail, download the full report “The state of commercial property management technology, 2026.”
