MIPIM 2025, held last month in Cannes, brought together real estate professionals from around the globe, and while the atmosphere was notably more serious than in previous years, reflecting the current economic climate, the event was a crucial platform for discussing the industry's future and how it can innovate in order to navigate the changes that real estate markets are experiencing.
Remit Consulting was at the forefront of the discussions around innovation and technology, launching the findings of our highly anticipated AI in Property Survey 2025, undertaken in association with Antony Slumbers and the UK PropTech Association (UKPA).
The survey revealed critical insights into AI adoption within the sector. While 72% of firms now provide access to AI tools, only 9% have fully integrated them into workflows. Data quality emerged as a significant barrier, and while AI is largely seen as a career enabler, concerns about job displacement, particularly in property management, persist. A key message heard throughout the AI sessions was "AI is not magic; it's maths," highlighting the importance of robust data and effective change management.
You can download the full report here: AI in Property Survey Results
Beyond AI, MIPIM 2025 highlighted several key trends shaping the real estate landscape:
Net-Zero Standards: The UK is pioneering a unified net-zero building carbon standard, focusing on eliminating fossil fuel use and driving transparency in carbon reporting.
Investment Shifts: The industry is witnessing a shift towards data centers, green energy, and logistics hubs, reflecting a convergence of real estate and infrastructure.
Economic Realities: Political instability and the need to decouple energy prices from fossil fuels are significant concerns, demanding strategic policy alignment.
Workplace Evolution: Culture and team dynamics are paramount in talent retention, with workplaces needing to reflect employee values.
Tenant Strength: The value of real estate is increasingly tied to tenant stability and demand, as highlighted by Philippe Cervesi's memorable quote: "The value of real estate investment reflects the tenant, not always the quality of the property. In France, we had the best building in the world in Versailles, but we beheaded the tenant - after that, it was not so popular! The moral of the story is, don’t cut the heads off your tenants.”
Purpose-Driven Business: There’s a growing emphasis on purpose, from integrating art into urban spaces to supporting LandAid initiatives.
Middle Eastern Investment: Investors from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East are driving market activity with rapid decision-making.
Proptech innovation: The UK government is funding local authorities to invest in proptech solutions – particularly in the area of town planning.
The overall mood at MIPIM reflected an industry in transition, facing economic uncertainties and a scarcity of large-scale deals. However, amidst these challenges, innovation and a focus on sustainable, people-centric real estate are driving the sector forward.