| Smart solutions for smart buildings
The coronavirus crisis has accelerated the adoption of technology at work and at home, and the real estate sector is no exception. In this week's newsletter we report on how technology is transforming everything from building management to landlord-tenant communication.
Moda, a UK-based provider of 'next generation neighbourhoods' of rental properties has partnered with tech giant Samsung to make the 'smart home' a reality across its GBP2.5 billion residential portfolio. Moda's new neighbourhoods will offer fully furnished tech-enabled apartments featuring a range of connected appliances including fridge-freezers, dishwashers, and 4k smart TVs.
"Championing innovation and beautiful design, Samsung presented a natural partner to supply appliances in-keeping with our future-thinking values and aesthetics," says Oscar Brooks, Director at Moda Living.
Proptech company Equiem has its sights set on the rental market too with the launch of new Leasing Analytics Dashboards, which are designed to provide landlords with direct insights into what their tenants want, think and feel. Equiem says the dashboards can help owners segment and profile individual tenants, understand their past behaviours, anticipate their future needs and formulate tailored engagement strategies aimed at long-term retention.
Finland's largest construction company, YIT meanwhile, has acquired a 20 per cent stake in proptech company Nuuka Solutions, whose SaaS platform and apps are in operation in 3,000 buildings in six different countries, helping real estate owners and developers, retail chains, and whole cities to increase asset value, optimise indoor conditions, improve energy efficiency, and save operational costs.
"Real estate is responsible for almost 40 per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions. By helping the real estate industry reduce energy consumption Nuuka is making a significant positive environmental impact,” says Lassi Noponen, Chairman of Nuuka.
And in the real estate funds sector, independent fund and corporate services administrator Aztec Group, said this week that it has increased its operational efficiencies and client-focused services since adopting Yardi real estate technology solutions.
"Technology is a critical component of real estate administration and plays a central role in how we service and engage with our clients," says Paul Conroy, Group Head of Real Assets. "Since implementation, the Yardi platform has enabled us to deliver a range of successes. We are extremely happy with what's been achieved."
In other news this week, we report on a new report from JLL and Skanska which says that the outlook is positive for the flexible office market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), as business owners reassess their needs in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Although the flex segment is going to experience limited growth in 2020, the demand for such solutions will remain robust. As a matter of fact, we expect that 30 per cent of global companies’ CRE portfolio will be flexible by 2030," says Adam Lis, Flexible Office Solutions Manager, JLL.
And finally, new research from Savills has revealed an uptick in investment into the Swedish and German care homes sectors between January and September. These countries accounted for 42 per cent (Germany) and 23 per cent (Sweden) of the total investment volume of EUR3.6 billion in the European care homes sector during the first three quarters of the year.
“Despite the current health crisis, the care home sector remains very attractive for investors seeking a secure income," says Marcus Roberts, Head of Europe, Savills Operational Capital Markets.
Property Funds World
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