Week 50: The Building as a Platform โ Why CREโs Future Looks More Like Software
In this weekly series, we explore how the commercial real estate industry is being transformed by data and digital infrastructure. Guided by the principles in Peak Property Performance (Podcast & Best-Selling Book), we unpack a new idea every week to help owners unlock value, reduce risk, and digitally future-proof their portfolios. Learn more about OpticWise and Bill Douglas, the authors of this series.
For decades, commercial real estate has been viewed primarily as a physical asset business:
- Land
- Buildings
- Mechanical systems
- Location
- Leasing
But something fundamental is changing.
Modern buildings are evolving into dynamic, connected environments powered by software, sensors, automation, and real-time data. In many ways, the next generation of CRE assets will operate less like static structuresโand more like digital platforms.
And owners who understand this shift early will have a major advantage.
What Does โBuilding as a Platformโ Actually Mean?
Think about the smartphone in your pocket.
The hardware mattersโbut the real value comes from the platform:
- Applications
- Data
- Connectivity
- Integrations
- Continuous updates
- User experience
Buildings are moving in the same direction.
The physical asset becomes the foundation.
The digital layer becomes the multiplier.
The Shift From Static Buildings to Adaptive Environments
Traditionally, buildings were designed to remain mostly unchanged for decades.
Todayโs tenants expect something very different:
- Seamless connectivity
- Personalized experiences
- Real-time responsiveness
- Flexible environments
- Intelligent services
Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR
โFineMarginsโ research by Lichfields shows costings now critical in new home delivery
Robust viability testing will be essential to housing delivery as build costs and policy requirements continue to affect development margins, new research has found. The research, conducted by national planning and development consultancy Lichfields, finds that viability is critical to meeting the Governmentโs target of building 1.5 million new homes in England during this parliamentary term.
The second edition of Fine Margins reviewed 144 viability assessments prepared since 2016 to examine how local authorities, developers and inspectors are assessing the financial viability of housing schemes across England and Wales. It found that increased build costs and policy costs are not being matched by corresponding increases in Gross Development Values (GDVs), creating a need for careful assessment of viability, particularly on more marginal schemes.
Between Q3 2021 and Q3 2025, BCIS data showed build costs increasing by 21.8%, compared with average sales value growth of 13.1%. Since Lichfieldsโ first Fine Margins research in 2021, a series of policy changes with cost implications has also been introduced, including Biodiversity Net Gain, nutrient neutrality, sustainability requirements and updated Building Regulations.
Further cost considerations will include the Building Safety Levy, which is due to be introduced in England from 1 October 2026. The levy will apply a per sqm charge averaging ยฃ30-ยฃ40 on most new residential developments, with discounts for many brownfield sites and exemptions for affordable housing, small schemes and specialist housing.
Simon Coop, Senior Director at Lichfields, said: โThe Governmentโs housing target will only be achieved if development is viable. That means the costs associated with new housing must be properly understood, tested and kept under review.
โMany of the new requirements placed on development are important, but they also carry cost implications. Where those costs are not matched by increased values, it becomes even more important that robust viability assessments are undertaken, drawing on realistic, well-evidenced assumptions.
โClear viability evidence helps local authorities and developers understand what can be supported, where flexibility may be needed and how policy requirements can be delivered alongside new homes.โ
Affordable housing is one of the areas most closely linked to development viability, particularly where delivery relies on Section 106 contributions. In 2023/24, Section 106 contributions fully funded 45% of affordable homes delivered in England, down from an average of 48% over the previous five years.
The findings also show a high degree of consistency in many of the assumptions used in viability appraisals, giving a robust basis by which to respond to the requirement for standardised inputs to viability assessments. Across the assessments reviewed, 95% used BCIS data as the basis for calculating build costs. For sales values, 67% of studies that provided details used HM Land Registry price paid data cross-referenced with Energy Performance Certificate records.
Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR
Premium estate agency brand Fine & Country has expanded its network with the launch of Fine & Country South Bedfordshire, led by licensee Christopher Naylor and supported by branch manager Sam Mills.
Launched in Spring, Fine & Country South Bedfordshire will serve Leighton Buzzard, Redbourn, Edlesborough, Eaton Bray, Markyate, Toddington and the surrounding villages, offering a bespoke service for the regionโs premium property market.
According to Christopher Naylor, with experience across both UK and international property markets, the business brings a broad understanding of buyer behaviour, strategic marketing, and premium client service. โProperty has always been a genuine passion, particularly helping clients navigate moves with confidence and clarity,โ he adds.
Fine & Country South Bedfordshire will represent a broad range of homes, from character cottages and village properties to larger detached and executive homes, with an emphasis on tailored marketing and high-quality presentation.
Commenting on the launch, Naylor said: โLaunching Fine & Country South Bedfordshire is an exciting step for the region. The goal is simple: to offer clients a more personal, professional and enjoyable property experience from start to finish.
โSouth Bedfordshire has some fantastic homes, and there is a growing expectation from sellers for quality, bespoke marketing, and a more tailored service. Buyers are also increasingly lifestyle focused, making presentation and positioning more important than ever.
โWhat attracted me to Fine & Country was its focus on quality over volume. The marketing, presentation and attention to detail are exceptional, but equally important is the personal approach behind the brand,โ he adds. โPeople want more than simply having their property listed online. Sellers expect honest advice, clear communication and marketing that genuinely reflects the quality of their home. Buyers also expect professional presentation and accurate information from the very beginning, which aligns perfectly with the Fine & Country approach.โ
Naylor added that the business aims to establish Fine & Country South Bedfordshire as a recognised name for premium homes across the region, building a reputation for straightforward advice, strong marketing and excellent service.
โClients can expect a highly personal and hands on service, supported by exceptional marketing and consistent communication throughout the process. From professional photography and video marketing to targeted online exposure, every property is presented to stand out in a competitive market,โ says Naylor. โWith Fine & Country, sellers have access to a recognised brand alongside marketing that elevates the presentation of their home and helps it reach a wider audience, both locally and further afield. The aim is always to create the strongest possible first impression and attract the right buyers.โ
Nicky Stevenson, (Pictured) Managing Director of Fine & Country, said: โWe are delighted to welcome Christopher Naylor and Sam Mills to the Fine & Country network with the launch of Fine & Country South Bedfordshire. Christopherโs passion for property, combined with his commitment to delivering a highly personalised service, makes him an excellent fit for the brand. South Bedfordshire is a strong and growing market for premium homes, and we are confident the new office will bring tremendous value to buyers and sellers across the region.โ
Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR
