A recent JLL study concerning design inclinations for 2025 highlights the Asia-Pacific region’s leading position in property technology progress. The report indicates that a remarkable 90% of surveyed firms in APAC intend to boost their financial commitment to artificial intelligence within the next five years, with Australia demonstrating the highest intent at 94%. Alan McKay, a Managing Director at Project & Development Services ANZ, suggests that enterprises in APAC are acknowledging the vital role of AI and data-informed design in the creation of adaptable spaces that cater to occupant requirements. This understanding is reportedly instigating a substantial reassessment of conventional real estate design methodologies, emphasizing the development of ecological, streamlined, and people-focused settings.
The Australian market is witnessing a significant move in work environment regulations and capital expenditure in current buildings. Data reveals that 83% of Australian organisations have instituted policies mandating a minimum of three days of in-office presence per week. This figure is slightly lower than the average across the Asia-Pacific region, which stands at 85%. These shifts underscore a regional trend towards integrating technological advancements and evolving workplace norms within the real estate sector.
In Australia, a significant surge in investment for building improvements is evident, with 63% of employers intending to allocate more resources to enhance their current properties over the next five years. This figure stands well above the 54% average across the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing Australia’s proactive approach to property upgrades.
Moreover, there has been a marked increase in funding for Generative AI, particularly in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where the allocation for 2024 reaches $840 million and $600 million, respectively. This growing capital infusion signals a deepening commitment to AI technologies in these regions.
As this trend gains traction, the PropTech sector is experiencing rapid innovation, driven by an increasing number of AI-driven firms. Alana Hannaford, Head of Project & Development Services Advisory in Australia, highlights that developers and property owners across the region, especially in Australia, are turning to evidence-based design strategies that blend artificial intelligence, data analytics, and neuroscience to create spaces that respond more effectively to user needs.
The research emphasizes how essential local character and community engagement have become. A striking 89% of Australians express a preference for living in places that carry a distinct sense of identity, outperforming other regional cities like Singapore (79%) and Hong Kong (75%).
Furthermore, a large majority—82%—of Australians feel strongly that businesses should contribute positively to the communities where they operate. This shift reflects an increasing demand for developments that prioritize social impact alongside economic success.
Looking ahead, the report posits that the future prosperity of Asia-Pacific metropolises and their real estate sectors will be intricately linked to the adept incorporation of advanced computational intelligence and evidence-based design strategies. As workplace norms evolve and the needs of employees become more sophisticated, these innovative tools are expected to be instrumental in shaping the evolution of business-related properties across the region, fostering environments that are both efficient and attuned to human factors.
