AI adoption across construction and commercial property has accelerated significantly over the past year, but firms are struggling to turn pilot studies into routine practice, according to new research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The RICS AI in Commercial Property and Construction Report 2026, based on more than 3,100 responses from industry professionals worldwide, found that about two-thirds of construction professionals are using AI in some form, up from just over half in 2025. In commercial property, more than 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.
RICS says the findings show the industry's challenge has shifted from getting organisations to experiment with AI to successfully embedding it into professional practice.
Construction has nevertheless seen substantial progress. The proportion of organisations reporting no AI use has fallen by more than a third since 2025, while regular use has risen from 12% to 19%.
But barriers remain. A lack of skilled personnel continues to be a major issue, whilst privacy and security concerns in construction increased from 22% to 30% over the past year.
RICS is calling on organisations to consider from the outset 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, Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice, which came into effect in March 2026. Greater awareness and adoption of the standard will be increasingly important as AI becomes embedded in professional work.
Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS CRE, President Elect of RICS, said: “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.”
