New research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) indicates a significant acceleration in AI adoption across the construction and commercial property sectors over the past year. However, the RICS AI in Commercial Property and Construction Report 2026, based on over 3,100 global responses, highlights difficulties in transitioning AI pilot studies into routine operations.
Approximately two-thirds of construction professionals now use AI in some capacity, an increase from just over half in 2025. In commercial property, more than three-quarters of professionals report some level of AI use. While 39% of organisations in both sectors are running early-stage AI pilots, commercial property has been more successful in converting these into regular use, standing at 29% compared to 19% in construction.
Investment intentions suggest continued adoption, with 47% of commercial property respondents and 37% of construction respondents planning to increase AI investment over the next 12 months. Despite progress in construction, where organisations reporting no AI use have fallen by over a third since 2025, barriers persist. A lack of skilled personnel remains a significant issue, and privacy and security concerns in construction rose from 22% to 30% over the past year.
RICS is urging organisations to consider from the outset how successful AI pilots can become routine practice, including the necessary data, integration, professional supervision, and governance. The RICS professional standard, Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Surveying Practice, which came into effect in March 2026, is highlighted as important for guiding responsible AI use.