December 16, 2025
Reflections for the New Year: Proptech on the horizon
How Holt Meadow Group is using AI and proptech to augment property management services and consulting
With the new year looming, we’re looking to the future – specifically, at the ways innovations in AI and property technology may influence the commercial real estate industry in 2026.
We’re paying special attention to Canada’s rental housing sector, where competition is on the rise as more developers invest in purpose-built rental buildings and tenants are faced with ever-growing options of where to live.
It’s exciting to think about the ways AI may unlock new approaches to seamless property management – and with smart-lock technology in our buildings we do mean that literally.
However, at the end of the day, a human touch is essential for a business built on relationships. Today’s rental market demands a customer-service-driven experience, supported by modern systems that make day to day life easier for both tenants and owners.
At Holt Meadow, our team’s new year’s resolution is to continue exploring, investing in and expanding our use of proptech and AI-driven property management solutions to deliver the best value to all our clients.
Here are some of the proptech trends we’re paying attention to and how they might influence the rental housing space in the coming year.
Facilities management and predictive maintenance powered by AI
Building operators are increasingly employing proactive, sensor-based equipment monitoring technologies to predict system maintenance needs and failures before they happen.
This helps to reduce the amount of time a building asset – like furnaces or water pipes – needs to be shut down during maintenance. It also extends equipment life cycles and minimizes emergency repair costs.
We’d call this a win-win for maintaining tenant comfort and owner ROI.
Proptech industry consolidation
Until recently, the propetch industry both within and outside of Canada has been fragmented at best and difficult to navigate at worst.
In 2025, companies in this space ramped up their business mergers, while simultaneously pursuing platform integration and consolidation.
Centralizing services across fewer platforms and portals is making it easier for building tenants, owners and operators alike to navigate building systems, cutting down on friction and frustration.
We predict that this trend will continue through 2026.
Smart building-to-human interactions
We’ve addressed building-wide systems, but what about the impact of proptech on individual renters?
Within suites, we’ve seen how voice-activated platforms like Alexa and Google Home can be integrated with building-specific systems, allowing residents to lock doors, book amenities, submit requests and receive building updates using smart technology.
These amenities might not be flashy, but they can make all the difference in attracting and retaining more residents than the competition. As rental property developers continue to compete for lease contracts, we expect we’ll see more of them step up their game with small, technology-driven comforts that demonstrate their attention to detail.
The future is now with AI and proptech enhancing property management
Holt Meadow thrives in the in-between.
We see value in blending both traditional and contemporary approaches to property management. AI and proptech represent promising evolutions in the industry, but to be effective, they need to go hand-in-hand with ensuring tenant comfort and building owner ROI.
As we enter 2026, we are optimistic about the future and the ways that technology will help us build both communities and connection.
Happy holidays – we will see you in the new year, rested and ready to get down to business.