Real Estate Advice, Asset Management
Article | May 9, 2023
There’s no escaping the importance of sustainability in any investment sector. Globally, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing is worth $30 trillion in assets under management each year, around a quarter of all professionally-managed assets. It is more relevant than ever as the ‘high impact, low probability’ shock imposed by Covid-19 has strengthened the case for prioritising people and planet alongside profits, and illustrated the power of collective action to tackle global problems.
Many investors are unaware how significant this trend will be. If you are an investor, you need to consider why sustainability will be important, what sustainable property investing actually means, and what the major issues and opportunities are, as these will affect your risks and returns.
Why is sustainability so important for investors?
The UK’s legally-binding commitment to achieve net carbon zero by 2050 means that sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’. Our legal obligation is showing up in the form of new rules, regulations and best practices affecting all sectors that contribute to emissions.
40 per cent of UK emissions come from households, which makes the chance of more regulations and policies around the environmental performance of property more likely than not. These regulations will not only affect your ability to operate in a way that is compliant, but fundamentally change the value, performance and risk associated with your investments.
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Real Estate Technology
Article | July 21, 2022
Commercial real estate events assist professionals in enhancing asset management by gaining valuable insights, adopting advanced technologies and effectively navigating current industry landscape.
Commercial Real Estate asset management is dynamic, complex, and constantly evolving. To constantly change with the latest trends and technologies, professionals need access to the best resources and experts. However, staying informed and up-to-date can be challenging, particularly for those new to the industry or having difficulty managing the business. Attending conferences and trade shows can be incredibly valuable and help overcome the challenges of managing assets in real estate. The events from May 2023 to January 2024 provide a unique opportunity to learn about emerging technology, sustainability and climate technology, and property and investment tips. In addition, by participating in workshops and attending conferences led by top experts and networking with industry leaders, one can navigate the current scenarios and gain valuable insights to better manage their commercial real estate assets.
10 Upcoming Commercial Real Estate Asset Management Events
1. Realcomm | IBcon 2023: Past, Present and Future of Real Estate Technology
June 13-15, 2023 | Las Vegas (USA)
Realcomm and IBcon 2023 have formed a prominent group of commercial real estate executives and intelligent buildings experts worldwide to serve on their advisory councils to provide exceptional education on the most important issues affecting the commercial and corporate real estate industries. The event's agenda will cover various themes: intelligent buildings, smart workplaces, digital transformation, sustainability, cybersecurity, and more. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for real estate and asset management professionals to learn from the foremost experts in their field, expand their knowledge and network, and advance their professional development.
2. MRI Ascend 2023
October 24-27, 2023 | Chicago (Illinois)
The MRI Ascend 2023 conference for all real estate professionals seeking to stay abreast of the latest industry insights and master MRI's product offerings. This event presents an exclusive opportunity for attendees to learn from prominent industry leaders, earn valuable CPE credits, and gain insights about the industry's current scenario and trends. In addition, the conference gives a platform to engage with other MRI users, real estate experts, and MRI's partner ecosystem members, including numerous sponsors, in various networking opportunities. The conference's agenda comprises informative sessions, expert-led workshops, and engaging panel discussions, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate technology trends.
3. REAL PropTech Conference 2023
September 7-8, 2023 | Frankfurt am Main (Deutschland)
The REAL PropTech Conference is a highly anticipated event for the real estate and construction industry, offering an overview of GreenTech, ConTech, and PropTech to C-suite representatives, decision-makers, and industry experts. Property managers, portfolio managers and other executives in the industry can gain cross-industry insights, engage with experts, and explore solutions to industry challenges. The conference will offer intensive, creative topics featuring agile methods in a confidential setting, allowing for a unique learning experience. Additionally, a hackathon will enable participants to develop practical and innovative solutions and win prize money of 5,000 euros. This event will be a valuable experience for industry professionals seeking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and drive the industry forward.
4. Inman Connect New York 2024
January 23-25 2024 | Hilton (New York)
Real estate professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, build relationships, and grow their businesses can benefit from attending the upcoming Inman Connect New York event. The three-day conference brings together top agents, brokers, executives, proptech, and financial professionals to share insights, insider guidance, and trends to navigate the current market. With over 75 engaging sessions featuring 250 expert speakers and countless networking opportunities, attendees can gain valuable advice and build essential relationships with peers and industry leaders. In addition, Inman Connect New York offers an immersive experience with crucial newsmakers, visionaries, and trendsetters, providing critical insights and advice to help professionals take their businesses to the next level.
5. I.CON East 2023
June 7-8, 2023 | New Jersey (USA)
I.CON Is one of the largest events in New Jersey focused on developing, operating, and expanding industrial real estate. As an industrial real estate professional, attending this premier conference offers a unique opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in real estate asset management and industrial development from top industry leaders. Additionally, the event provides a platform to network with like-minded professionals in a vibrant and enthusiastic environment. Attending the event will help with investment management solutions for real estate investors. The event features a range of activities, including a happy hour with exhibitors and a keynote speech on 'The Future of Economic Growth: Identifying Emerging Opportunities and Risks.' Keynote speakers include Matt Brady from Ware Malcomb, Luke Corsbie from PE, PLS, Frank Di Roma from OAA, James Geshwiler from Catalyze, Nicolette Jaze from Galvanize Climate Solutions, and Madeline O'Donnell from Principal Real Estate Investor, among other well-known speakers.
6. Future of Digital Asset Management Summit
October 18, 2023 | London (United Kingdom)
The Future of Digital Asset Management for Businesses is a highly informative event focusing on essential solutions for real estate professionals seeking to streamline their digital asset management processes. This event brings together experienced experts from international brands to share their insights and knowledge on the software systems that can enhance campaign productivity and ensure brand consistency. In addition, attendees will comprehensively understand digital asset management, digital delivery, data analytics, security, and more. This event is designed for CXOs, VPs, Directors, Managers, and professionals from various domains, such as asset management, digital technology, IT, business development, and more. The event's key speakers are from leading companies such as Tesco, Nordia, ExxonMobil, Atkins, and Ashley.
7. Expo Real
October 4-6, 2023 | Munich (Germany)
Expo Real is an international trade fair dedicated to property and investment, attracting professionals worldwide from the entire real estate industry. Held annually for three days in Munich every October since 1998, it is one of the most significant events of its kind in Europe. Expo Real provides the perfect platform for networking and sharing the latest real estate insights with fellow professionals meaningfully. The event will allow one to discover the latest trends in property and investment, attend panel discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals worldwide. Renowned industry experts will share their insights on current and future trends in the real estate market. The event will feature over 500 speakers from various sectors of the real estate industry, including leading investors, developers, operators, and service providers.
8. Canada PropTech Show 2023
August 22-23, 2023 | Toronto (Canada)
The Canada PropTech Show is a two-day event that includes an exhibition, networking sessions, and awards, providing an ideal platform for PropTech companies, real estate owners, investors, service providers, startups, and other players in the real estate ecosystem to engage in productive discussions, share ideas, and build partnerships. The real estate conference will cover topics such as smart buildings, AI, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, and IoT. Through these sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into how technology transforms the real estate industry and discover ways to leverage technology to drive their businesses forward. By attending the event, real estate professionals can gain a competitive advantage, forge new business relationships, and discover new opportunities for growth and success.
9. Mortgage Star Conference
July 10, 2023 | Orleans (Los Angeles)
The Mortgage Star Conference is a tailored event designed to empower and support successful women in the real estate industry. This immersive conference offers a unique opportunity for real estate professionals to enhance their skills, network with like-minded industry professionals, and gain valuable insights to achieve superior results. With esteemed speakers such as Olympic Medalist Amanda Beard, SVP Operations at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions Alysse Prosnick, and Managing Editor at Mortgage Women Magazine Kelly Hendricks, attendees can learn from industry leaders and share experiences in an environment that fosters lifelong connections. This conference will help to sharpen abilities, build relationships, and enhance business in the mortgage industry.
10. Digital Mortgage 2023
September 26-28, 2023 | Wynn (Las Vegas)
Digital Mortgage 2023 is a leading event that assists businesses in transforming the mortgage industry by providing actionable insights and effective networking opportunities for industry professionals. The real estate leaders and managers will be able to connect with the mortgage community and collaborate to address the industry's digital evolution by attending this event. In addition, participants will learn how to prioritize personalization in mortgage portfolio management and how data contributes to a more personalized customer lending experience.
Conclusion
The real estate industry faces several challenges, including adapting to technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and environmental concerns. These challenges make it difficult for professionals to stay competitive and profitable. However, attending industry conferences can help professionals gain a futuristic approach to tackling these challenges. The events provide access to experts and valuable insights into commercial real estate new trends, technologies, and sustainability practices that can help businesses stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, networking opportunities at these conferences can help real estate professionals build essential relationships to develop their portfolio performance further and manage real estate assets.
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Real Estate Technology
Article | July 12, 2022
The spring selling season might be pushed back for a couple of weeks or even months as lockdowns restrict activity in some states and territories, according to CoreLogic. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, sales and listing turnouts typically rise from September to November. Over the ten years to December 2019, the growth in new listings during spring averaged 15.7% while sales hit 6.8%.
CoreLogic head of research Eliza Owen said both sales and listings tend to be most seasonal in the capital cities, particularly in Sydney and the ACT. With the lockdowns, however, the in-demand locations might not witness the same level of activity this upcoming spring, which is only two weeks away. "Observing housing market performance through lockdowns reveals that both sales and listings volumes will fall through lockdowns," Ms Owen said.
What can be learned from last year's Melbourne lockdown?
The extended lockdown in Melbourne last year could provide a glimpse as to what could happen in this year's lockdowns. Melbourne was in lockdown from mid-July to late October. During the period, listings dropped consistently, hitting the lowest at 1,411 in the four weeks to September, which was 80.7% lower than the previous five-year average.
There are several factors that contributed to the slowdown during the period.
Aside from the obvious restrictions that have limited inspections and auctions to virtual sessions, the low levels of consumer confidence also dampened the overall market sentiment, with vendors being unsure whether they would get an optimal price for their properties. Mortgage repayment deferrals and other government support also contributed, as these prevented distressed sales. However, when restrictions in Melbourne got lifted by late October, there was a sudden shift in the market mood, with listings quickly recovering. "New listings volumes through December 2020 trended an average 40.4% higher than the previous five-year average, suggesting the spring selling season of 2020 was 'pushed back' into the final months of the year," Ms Owen said.
Lockdowns to only postpone market activity
Ms Owen said the trend in sales and listings through a lockdown indicate the relative stability of the economy and the housing market amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "This has meant that housing purchasing decisions were more likely to have just been postponed through lockdowns, rather than abandoned all together.” In fact, the muted sales activity through lockdowns actually led to an uplift in sales across Melbourne in December of 2020 and July 2021, a time when seasonally, sales volumes would usually be far more subdued.
"There are tailwinds in place for housing market demand to suggest this may happen again; household savings rates remain elevated, new average mortgage rates continue to reach new record lows, and many government fiscal stimulus and broader institutional responses have been resurrected amid renewed lockdowns," Ms Owen said.
Affordability might become a concern
The consistent surge in prices across capital cities in recent months have already resulted in the inevitable constraints in affordability. CoreLogic's Hedonic Home Value Index in July showed a 1.6% gain in dwelling values, a retreat from the previous growth of 1.9%. Ms Owen said some support schemes that supported consumer sentiment, such as JobKeeper and HomeBuilder have already ended which could dampen the expected rebound in demand.
The rising threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19 might also be a major headwind, as it could result in further lockdowns which will ultimately impact the incomes of Australian households. "With affordability constraints becoming a larger obstacle in the market, as well as the potential for tighter credit conditions further down the track, if buyer activity does not match the lift in listings we could see a gradual rebalancing between sellers and buyers," Ms Owen said.
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Real Estate Technology
Article | July 6, 2022
Proptech, or property technology, comprises digital solutions that help facilitate buying, selling and leasing of commercial real estate. It is also called CREtech or REtech for commercial real estate technology, respectively. It usually refers to the digital tools and software used in real estate. With digitalization growing at an exponential rate across the real estate sector, proptech is evolving, here are three topmost trends in proptech that real estate solution providers must keenly follow.
1 3D House Tours
Both prospective buyers and real estate agents love this technology. 3D house tours simulate a real house tour and can be viewed either on virtual reality (VR) headsets or one’s computer screen. They simplify initial interactions by enabling users to confirm their interest in a property, saving both time and visits for buyers and agents. They also allow agents to better market their properties and schedule multiple visits from the comfort of their offices. The ensuing process ensures that agents are able to provide realistic walkthroughs of their properties and eliminate friction from the get-go, making the showing as painless as possible.
2 Automated Service Desks
Exceptional customer service is the name of the game in real estate and agents are expected to provide their clients with white glove service wherever possible. Conversational AI is one way that many real estate solution providers are achieving this. With round-the-clock contact channels to assist clients with the information they need, agents and brokers are better equipped to deal with queries and reduce their response time. The automation of menial tasks also ensures that they don’t have to be everywhere all the time.
3 Digital Transaction Management
Real estate comes with its share of sky-high paperwork. With digital transaction management, agents can now reduce the significant amount of legwork that goes into managing paperwork. It also helps in signing documents digitally, which means physical presence isn’t needed to execute agreements and registration processes, making the process smoother and faster. Real estate clients with multiple properties will no longer need to be inundated with massive amounts of paperwork and travel.
For the Record
Digitalization is transforming industries at lightning speed and real estate is a frontrunner in adopting new technologies. The impact that proptech has on RE is visibly vital. The above trends are revolutionizing the real estate technology landscape. Keep an eye out to see how these trends change the way people buy and sell property.
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