CRE Survey Shows 66% Use AI, but Only 5% Trust It for Deal Decisions

Why It Matters

The trust deficit highlighted by the CRE Industry Pulse Check underscores a pivotal inflection point for the PropTech ecosystem. While AI tools have already proven their value in data aggregation and predictive analytics, the reluctance to let them drive dealmaking means that a large segment of potential revenue remains untapped. Overcoming this barrier could unlock faster transaction cycles, lower due‑diligence costs, and more data‑driven investment strategies. Moreover, the survey’s insights arrive as regulators worldwide are drafting guidelines for AI use in financial services. Early alignment with emerging standards could give forward‑thinking PropTech firms a competitive edge, positioning them as trusted partners for large institutional investors who demand both speed and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• 66% of CRE professionals use AI weekly or daily (CRE Industry Pulse Check, May 2026).
• Only 5% trust AI enough to inform real deal decisions.
• 53% use AI for support only; 17% apply heavy verification before acting on AI output.
• Matt Key, VP of property data at First American Data & Analytics, said "AI adoption in CRE is no longer the question — trust is."
• Survey indicates a market gap that could shape PropTech investment and product development.

Pulse Analysis

The survey’s numbers reveal a classic technology adoption curve where early enthusiasm outpaces practical confidence. In the CRE sector, AI’s rapid diffusion—evidenced by two‑thirds of professionals using it daily—mirrors the early‑adopter phase seen in fintech and insurtech. However, the 5% trust rate signals that the technology is still perceived as a black box, a perception that can be mitigated only through transparency and rigorous validation.

Historically, PropTech breakthroughs have hinged on solving a pain point with clear ROI. AI’s promise of faster, more accurate deal analysis is compelling, but without demonstrable reliability, firms risk regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Vendors that embed explainable AI (XAI) frameworks, provide audit logs, and align with forthcoming regulatory standards will likely convert the current support‑only users into decision‑makers. This shift could compress transaction timelines by weeks, a competitive advantage in a market where speed translates directly into yield.

Looking forward, the next 12‑18 months will be decisive. As the industry standardizes AI governance and as institutional investors demand higher assurance levels, we can expect a gradual rise in the trust metric—potentially moving from 5% to double‑digits. Companies that pre‑emptively invest in trust‑building infrastructure will capture a larger share of the AI‑driven dealmaking market, while laggards may find themselves relegated to niche analytics roles.