According to new research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across construction and commercial property has accelerated over the past year, but firms are struggling to turn pilot studies into routine practice.
The RICS AI in Commercial Property and Construction Report 2026, based on over 3,100 responses from industry professionals worldwide, found that roughly two-thirds of construction professionals are using AI in some form, up from just over half in 2025. In commercial property, over three-quarters report some level of AI use.
Both sectors have the same proportion of organisations running early-stage AI pilots, at 39%, but commercial property is proving more successful at converting these into regular use. Regular AI use stands at 29% in commercial property compared with 19% in construction.
Investment intentions suggest adoption will continue. 47% of commercial property respondents plan to increase AI investment over the next 12 months, compared with 37% in construction.
“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. 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.
“This is the moment for the profession to lead, not follow.”
Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS CRE, President Elect, RICS
RICS says the findings illustrate the industry’s challenges have shifted from getting organisations to experiment with AI to successfully embedding it into professional practice.
Construction has seen progress, as the proportion of organisations reporting no AI use has fallen by over a third since 2025, while regular use has risen from 12% to 19%. A lack of skilled personnel continues to be an issue, whilst privacy and security concerns in construction increased from 22% to 30% over the past year.
RICS calls on organisations to consider how successful AI pilots will become routine practice, including the data, integration, professional supervision and governance they require. The report also highlights the importance of the RICS professional standard, the responsible use of AI in surveying practice, which came into effect in March 2026.
