May 5, 2025
Advisory and Building Surveying

Implementing AI in Property: From Buzzword to Practical Tools

Alex Wallin

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming how we plan, design, build, and manage property. But with change happening fast, many property professionals are asking: How do we implement AI tools and optimise our work today?

As conversations around AI continue to grow across the sector, the Property Council New Zealand’s The Future of AI in Property upcoming event in Wellington on 8 May will bring together property professionals to explore how these tools are being applied in practice and what they mean for the future of the industry. Whether you’re a developer, consultant, advisor or asset owner, this is your chance to take AI from a buzzword into tools you can put into practice.

One of the AI tools that will be explored at the event is digital twins. Among the most impactful and accessible technologies in New Zealand today, digital twins are playing a key role in enhancing asset performance and optimising life cycle planning.

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What is a digital twin?

At their core, digital twins blend AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to create a living model of an asset. In construction advisory, this means recommendations are no longer based on static models or one-off reports, they use dynamic environments that respond to real-time change.

From predictive modelling and rapid simulations to automated reporting, digital twins are already enabling Facilities Managers and maintenance teams to access real-time insights, test scenarios, and make faster, data-driven decisions to mitigate risk and generate value.

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*An example of a building's digital twin, as shown in Twinview.*

Digital twins in practice

Digital twins are increasingly being implemented globally to unlock operational, economic and sustainability benefits.

It is recommended by WT’s Advisory Team to start digital twin conversations during the design stage of a project. Doing so ensures all asset and facilities datapoints are captured accurately and efficiently for future operational success.

Implementing a digital twin for a building is more cost-effective than you may think. As modern design processes utilise digital 3D tools, for as little as 0.5% of your overall development cost, you can leverage this information and gain access to a tool that will help you manage your property more effectively and efficiently over its entire lifecycle. The return on investment (ROI) is so high that it justifies the small upfront cost in the design phase.

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Join the conversation

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On 8th May, join Property Council New Zealand’s The Future of AI in Property in Wellington to explore how AI is being applied across the sector today and what you need to know to stay ahead. You'll gain practical insights, hear real-world experiences, and walk away with ideas you can start using in your work right now.

AI is about more than technology, it’s a mindset shift in how we work, collaborate, and deliver outcomes for the future. We hope you can join us on 8 May.

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For any questions, please contact Nikki Livesey at nikki@propertynz.co.nz

For any questions about digital twins or AI within asset and facilities management please contact Alex Hampshire at alex.hampshire@wtpartnership.co.nz

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