How AI real estate managers helps to meet a challenging market
One factor is on the rise as a game changer: artificial intelligence (AI). According to Appfolios 2025 Benchmark reportHas the AI adoption risen, with more than a third of the real estate managers who use it to streamline operations, to better communicate with residents and make data-inspired decisions. This leverage AI automation not only tasks – they get a strategic lead by having more time to concentrate on what is important: making contact with residents and growing companies.
These insights are just the tip of the iceberg. Based on research results of more than 2,000 professionals in the field of real estate management, the Benchmark report of 2025 reveals four important trends that shape the future of real estate management.
1. The rise of AI and the new landscape of real estate management
Challenging occupancy retention percentages, changing the needs of the inhabitants, accelerating technology: these are the primary factors that form the landscape of real estate management. To keep track of these changes, efficiency is the key. Forty -eight percent of real estate managers are looking for possibilities to lower the costs on an annual basis, and 42% want to streamline maintenance activities. From operationalizing leasing and maintenance to improving the communication of the resident, real estate managers turn to AI for a new level of efficiency.
As AI-tools become more advanced, real estate managers who embrace automation and data-driven decision-making is better positioned to improve efficiency, reduce costs and remain competitive. Thirty-four percent of the real estate managers have ai-one increase of 21%last year-to increase operational efficiency (66%) and use data more effectively (52%).
Communication, maintenance and leasing remain effective use cases for AI, which results in efficiency and time savings for both real estate management teams and residents.
2. Resident experience is now crucial
Despite the consistently low supply of affordable homes, an increase in new rental properties in certain markets is intensifying competition, making it more difficult to maintain the occupancy rate. In fact, 43% of real estate managers now rank a high occupation as a top challenge, an increase of 35% last year. By retaining rent growth and climbing at 6.8%, real estate managers must give priority to the satisfaction of the residents to attract and retain tenants.
To overcome the challenge of occupancy retention, real estate managers must concentrate on delivering a personalized resident experience that goes beyond the basis. Flexible lease options, financial services and increased relocation support help to meet the various needs of contemporary tenants. Moreover, the convenience becomes an important distinctive factor, with AI-driven maintenance planning, self-service leasing and smart home technology that streamline daily life.
Of the 34%of real estate managers who use AI, some of the most important results include improving the communication of tenants (60%) and increasing the satisfaction of the tenant (51%). In a competitive market, these strategies are not only fun for the resident-first to have are essential for long-term retention.
3. Technology stimulates security and fraud prevention
As applicant fraud becomes more widespread, advanced technology is now crucial to give priority to security. Forty percent of real estate managers are more concerned about fraud than last year, while 37% are more concerned about protecting their and their residents’ data. To prevent lost income due to fraudulent applicants, teams for real estate management must implement consistent and efficient screening and fraud prevention technology. And to protect against payment fraud and theft of sensitive financial information, real estate managers must implement new security initiatives.
Cyber security solutions and secure technology for real estate management are evolving the approach to the industry for fraud prevention and data protection. On the payment side, the use of multi-factor authentication strategies and the use of secure payment platforms will help protect the safety of transactions. And to the application, real estate managers must apply proactive strategies for detecting fraud, such as identity verification and solutions for income verification that can mark fraudulent application information. The right strategy should include these security initiatives with high priority and still give priority to a smooth and flexible experience for payments and applications.
4. Industrial players adapt for growth
Despite economic pressure, real estate managers remain optimistic. Seventy -five percent anticipate the turnover increases and 65% expect the growth of NOI. To achieve this growth, real estate managers must understand and adapt the direction of the market. Those who embrace AI and give priority to operational efficiency, security and resident experience will be best positioned to thrive. The companies with which these trends are confronted today will be the market leaders of tomorrow.
Stacy Holden is the VP and industrial director at Appfolio.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial department of Housingwire and the owners. To contact the editor who is responsible for this piece: [email protected].
