AI adoption in construction and commercial property has increased substantially over the past year, though organisations continue to struggle with converting pilot programmes into regular operational practice, according to research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The RICS AI in Commercial Property and Construction Report 2026, based on responses from more than 3,100 industry professionals globally, found that approximately two-thirds of construction professionals now use AI in some capacity, up from just over half in 2025. In commercial property, more than three-quarters of respondents report some level of AI implementation.
Implementation gap persists
Whilst both sectors show equal proportions of organisations running early-stage AI pilots at 39%, commercial property demonstrates greater success in converting these trials into regular use. Regular AI deployment stands at 29% in commercial property compared with 19% in construction.
Investment patterns suggest continued growth, with 47% of commercial property respondents planning to increase AI investment over the next 12 months, compared with 37% in construction. These trends mirror broader industry digitalisation efforts across the property sector.
RICS stated that the findings indicate the industry’s challenge has evolved from encouraging initial experimentation to successfully embedding AI into standard professional practice.
Construction sector progress
Construction has recorded substantial progress, with the proportion of organisations reporting no AI use falling by more than a third since 2025, whilst regular use has risen from 12% to 19%.
However, obstacles remain. A lack of skilled personnel continues to present difficulties, whilst privacy and security concerns in construction increased from 22% to 30% over the past year. These workforce challenges align with operational pressures facing the property industry more broadly.
RICS has called on organisations to consider implementation pathways for successful AI pilots from the outset, including requirements for data, integration, professional supervision and governance.
Professional standards framework
The report emphasises the significance of the RICS professional standard on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice, which took effect in March 2026. Greater awareness and adoption of the standard will become increasingly important as AI becomes embedded in professional work, according to the institution.
Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS CRE, president elect of RICS, said: “A year ago, this report described an industry approaching an inflection point. The conditions for AI to take hold were in place, but adoption itself was still limited. This year’s data shows that point has been crossed.”
She added: “This shift matters, as does the responsibility that comes with it. RICS’ professional standard, Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Surveying Practice, which came into effect in March 2026, provides members with a well-defined framework for acting with confidence.”
The findings suggest that whilst AI experimentation has become widespread across property and construction sectors, the industry faces a critical phase in translating pilot programmes into sustained operational benefits.
