Unlocking Housing Solutions with AI: Highlights from UKREiiF 2025
Last week in Leeds the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) once again proved why it’s the definitive event for the built environment. The forum brought together thousands of professionals from across real estate, infrastructure, investment, and government to explore how innovation can drive sustainable, inclusive growth in our cities and communities.
We were proud to be a visible part of the UK PropTech Association (UKPA) exhibition space, where we connected with peers, partners, and policymakers. Our presence was further amplified by hosting a standout panel session that tackled one of the most urgent questions facing the sector today: Can AI Be a Catalyst to Unlock Solutions to the Housing Challenge?
Panel Spotlight
Our panel brought together a powerhouse of forward-thinking founders and innovators, each offering a unique perspective on how AI is already reshaping the housing value chain — and how much further it could go.
Chaired by Isabelle Chatel de Brancion (Geovation), Ewa Moskwiak (PlanningHub), Morgan Lewis (Material Index), Soma Baján Tamás (Clio Ventures), and Nikita Dabizha (VOLTQUANT) shared insights into the most pressing challenges in housing delivery and post-occupancy. From planning bottlenecks to inefficiencies in materials sourcing and long-term building performance, the panellists explored how AI is being deployed to address these issues in real time.
A key theme that emerged was the contrast between startups building AI into their solutions from the ground up, versus more established players retrofitting AI into legacy systems. This distinction highlighted the transformative potential of AI when it’s embedded from the outset — not just as a tool, but as a core design principle.
Key Takeaways
The energy at UKREiiF was unmistakably optimistic. There was a strong sense of momentum as the sector considers dual pressures of housing demand and economic transformation — bolstered by recent UK Government announcements supporting innovation and housing delivery, including funding and reforms aimed at meeting the 1.5 million homes target.
It was also the perfect moment to introduce the PropTech Innovation Challenge open call encouraging innovators to submit their proposals for developing digital and scalable solutions to help accelerate housing delivery, especially on small sites.
Throughout the event, we reconnected with accelerator alumni — including GRYD Energy, iknowa, RenKap, SearchLand, and Verna — and forged new relationships that will help strengthen our dynamic ecosystem. These connections underscore the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
Looking Ahead
UKREiiF 2025 made one thing clear: the future of housing lies at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and bold thinking. As AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping how we plan, build, and live in our homes will only grow. The conversations we sparked in Leeds are just the beginning, and we’re excited to be part of a movement that’s reimagining what’s possible for housing in the UK and beyond.
