Centrick kicked off its UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2005 events with a packed-out breakfast panel exploring how AI and PropTech are transforming the property sector. Hosted at The Centrick Arms (at Bridge End Social in Leeds), our morning session brought together some of the industry’s leading minds to share practical insight into the impact of digital innovation on operations, resident experience, and investment performance.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Impact of AI and PropTech in the Property Sector
Moderated by Centrick Managing Director, Phil Johns, the panel featured:
- Clare Johnson – Director of Build to Rent, Centrick
- Connor Scherer – Director of Building Safety, Centrick
- Jack Seton – Head of FlatGuard, Bridge Insurance Brokers
- Mark Field – Senior Fire Risk Consultant, Cardinus Risk Management
- Guy Ackernley – MD of Development & Residential, Urban Splash
- Josh Warwick – Co-Founder & CTO, Ark
The discussion tackled everything from regulatory readiness and operational efficiency to the future of AI in resident experience. Here are the top takeaways:
1. From Reactive to Proactive
AI and PropTech are shifting the property management model from reactive to predictive. Tools like automated risk reporting, predictive maintenance, and AI-led compliance platforms are already helping teams pre-empt issues, reduce costs, and improve safety.
Integrating software systems should sit at the heart of any AI development strategy, however beyond regulatory compliance, the primary objective must remain ensuring the safety and well-being of all occupants and users of your buildings.
Mark Field, Cardinus Risk Management
2. Enhancing Resident Experience
Whether through smart apps, virtual assistants or predictive maintenance, AI and PropTech solutions are enabling a more responsive and personalised service. Resident-first tech is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s fast becoming essential for retention and reputation.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
Panellists emphasised the importance of harnessing AI-powered analytics in helping landlords, operators and investors gain a clearer view of asset performance and market trends, supporting everything from acquisition and development to asset management and operations.
4. The Barriers to Change
Adoption remains uneven across the sector, held back by legacy systems, siloed data and skill gaps. Change management and upskilling were highlighted as crucial to ensuring technology is used to its full potential.
5. Balancing Tech with Trust
Panelists highlighted the need to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and ethical AI implementation to ensure responsible innovation in the PropTech space.
6. Smarter Safety & Compliance
With increasing scrutiny around building safety, integrated tech is playing a key role in risk reduction. From real-time issue tracking to AI-assisted inspections, PropTech is supporting a more robust and proactive compliance culture.
Our sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees who contributed to this forward-thinking session.
Across the Day at UKREiiF
Alongside our breakfast panel, Centrick also hosted relaxed midday meet-ups and the popular ARL evening social. We thoroughly enjoyed the energy and conversations throughout the day and would like to thank everyone who stopped by The Centrick Arms to say hello.
If you’d like to continue the conversation, or explore how Centrick can support your journey with smarter, safer property management, get in touch with our team.
