New Technologies Shaping Commercial Real Estate

Trends & Technologies Transforming the Commercial Real Estate Sector in 2025

The real estate industry, long associated with traditional methods and slow adoption of tech, is now witnessing a paradigm shift. Embracing the power of technology and software integration, the sector has witnessed a surge of disruptive innovations that are redefining the way commercial properties are bought, sold, and managed.

Sustainable Technologies

Sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a central focus in the CRE industry, driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues and the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. 

Energy Efficiency 

Energy efficiency is a primary concern, with technologies such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy management systems gaining prominence. These solutions not only reduce a building's carbon footprint but also result in significant cost savings. Water efficiency is another key area, with low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart irrigation controls helping to conserve this precious resource.

Renewable Energy

The adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, is on the rise in the CRE sector. Rooftop solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are becoming increasingly common, enabling properties to generate their own clean energy and reduce reliance on the grid.

This shift isn't just environmentally motivated; it's economically sound. Properties with strong sustainability credentials often command premium rents. That’s why, as we move towards the new year, the integration of sustainable technologies in commercial real estate is expected to become not just a competitive advantage, but a necessary standard for remaining relevant in the market.

Digital Twins

A digital twin is a virtual 3D model of a property that is connected to sensors installed throughout the building. The network of sensors collects data on a wide range of factors, including energy consumption patterns, occupancy levels, air quality metrics, and equipment performance. 

Actionable Insights

This enables real-time monitoring and analysis of a building's performance, providing property managers with a comprehensive picture of its overall health and the performance of critical infrastructure.

However, the benefits of digital twins extend beyond day-to-day operations. They're also proving invaluable in the leasing process by facilitating virtual tours and remote inspections. 

Future-proofing

And let’s not forget about scenario planning and future-proofing. By running simulations on these virtual models, property managers and owners can test the impact of potential changes or upgrades before committing to costly physical alterations.

As the technology continues to mature over the next few years, digital twins will soon become an integral part of how commercial properties are managed, marketed, and evolved over time.

Blockchain & Smart Contracts

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing CRE transactions by introducing unprecedented levels of transparency and security. This decentralized, immutable ledger system records and verifies transactions, significantly reducing the need for intermediaries and minimizing the risk of fraud or errors.

In practice, blockchain can streamline property searches, diligence processes, and payments. It creates a tamper-proof record of property histories, including past owners, renovation work, and financial transactions. This level of transparency can dramatically speed up the due diligence process, reducing the time and costs associated with property transactions.

Smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, are also gaining traction in the industry. They automate and secure lease agreements and property purchases, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations without the need for manual intervention or oversight.

For example, a smart contract could automatically release rental payments to a landlord once certain conditions are met, such as the tenant confirming they've moved in or building systems verifying occupancy. Similarly, in a property sale, funds could be automatically transferred once all conditions of the sale are satisfied and recorded on the blockchain.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices, such as sensors, smart meters, and connected appliances, are being integrated into commercial properties to enable real-time monitoring at a granular level. These devices monitor temperature, humidity, occupancy levels, and energy consumption, giving you precise control over your building environments. 

From HVAC usage to preventative maintenance, IoT has almost single-handedly brought about the rise of "smart buildings." They make it possible to learn from and adapt to user behavior, adjusting settings based on individual preferences, time of day, or specific events. As we enter 2025, it’s one of the most effective ways to create a responsive, efficient environment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

As with virtually every other industry, the rise of artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning is also transforming the CRE industry, especially when it comes to market analysis to tenant experience. 

AI algorithms analyze market dynamics, consumer behavior, and investment risks, aiding in decision-making and forecasting. By processing large datasets, AI can identify patterns and correlations that may not be apparent to human analysts, providing a competitive edge in investment and development strategies.

In terms of tenant experience, AI can personalize services and amenities based on individual preferences and behaviors. Take smart building systems, for example, which learn and adapt to tenant preferences like temperature, lighting, etc. 

Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming the way properties are showcased, offering a new level of engagement and interaction.

VR enables virtual property tours, where potential tenants can experience the layout, finishes, and amenities as if they were physically present. This not only saves time and resources but also expands the reach to a global audience, as potential tenants or buyers can virtually tour properties from anywhere in the world.

On the other hand, AR-enabled devices (like smartphones or tablets) allow users to visualize potential renovations, furnishing options, or even future developments. This helps buyers better understand the possibilities and potential of a property.

Big Data & Analytics

Historically, most data analytics applications for commercial real estate have focused on measuring the performance of existing buildings to optimize facility operations and systems.

But, more recently, some firms have begun to use data analytics to support the following land and building development decisions: 

Site Selection

Data analytics can help identify optimal locations for new developments by analyzing factors such as demographics, traffic patterns, and market trends.

Design Optimization

Analyzing data on tenant preferences and behavior can inform building design decisions, such as determining the most valuable amenities or optimizing space utilization.

Valuation and Rent Premiums

Data analytics can help evaluate the potential rent premiums associated with different building features and amenities, aiding in pricing and investment decisions.

Adaptive Reuse

Analyzing a building's characteristics and market demand can help determine its suitability for conversion to a new use.

CRE Technologies & Software We’re Using this Year

At Intelica, we've always been at the forefront of embracing transformative technologies—here’s some tools and software that have become integral to our day-to-day workflows.

Placer.AI

At the heart of our technology stack is Placer.AI, a tool that transforms raw location data into a powerful decision-making tool for our retail real estate strategies.

This location intelligence platform goes beyond basic foot traffic data, offering nuanced insights into consumer behavior patterns. We leverage these insights to assess retail property performance with precision, quantify the impact of neighboring businesses, and pinpoint tenants likely to flourish in specific locations.

This data-driven approach sharpens our property evaluations, helps us craft optimal tenant mixes, and allows us to offer our clients strategic recommendations rooted in hard data rather than guesswork.

Yardi

From lease management to accounting, Yardi centralizes our operations, cutting through the usual red tape. It's particularly useful for keeping tenants in the loop—whether it's about rent or repairs.

The platform's reporting tools give us a clear financial picture, helping us stay on top of performance metrics. We're able to fine-tune our operations, make smarter decisions, and build stronger connections with clients and tenants alike. It's not just software; it's a key part of how we deliver value in property management.

Buildout

Buildout has become an indispensable tool for our team, especially when it comes to property marketing and deal management. It’s what we use to create stunning marketing materials, including brochures, websites and email campaigns, all while maintaining consistent messaging across our communications.

But it's not just about pretty pictures — Buildout also keeps our deal pipeline organized. We can track progress, collaborate with team members, and pull insightful reports all from one central hub. This means we can give our clients clear, data-backed updates throughout the entire transaction process.

Crexi

Crexi opens doors to a global audience of potential buyers and tenants. By listing properties on Crexi, we’re able to tap into a vast audience of potential buyers and tenants across the globe, maximizing exposure for our clients' assets. Crexi's suite of tools for managing leads, transactions, and due diligence further streamlines the deal process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all parties involved.

CoStar

Of course, no discussion of CRE technologies would be complete without mentioning CoStar, the gold standard in commercial real estate data and analytics. Need to figure out what a property's really worth? Check. Want to see where the market's heading? Got it. Looking to turn complex data into easy-to-understand visuals? It does that too.

We rely on CoStar's extensive database and powerful analytics to deliver reliable insights to our clients, empowering them to make informed investment and leasing decisions. From property valuation tools and market forecasts to data visualization and reporting capabilities, CoStar is an invaluable resource that elevates our presentations, enhances our client communications, and supports our strategic advice.

Embrace Technology, Empower Your Future

As we enter the new year, one thing is clear: the traditional ways of doing business are no longer sufficient in a world where technology is redefining every aspect of the built environment. You need a partner who not just embraces innovation, but leverages it for your success. That partner is Intelica. Book a consultation today to learn how we can help you face the challenges of the future by seizing today’s opportunities.