The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched an insight paper which explores the impact of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the built environment, and the urgent need for industry professionals to understand how it will influence their areas of operation, as technology has a far greater role to play in the future.

Commercial property authority Sapoa plans to launch research and education programmes this year, to help the industry overcome serious skills shortages

Though often accused of being staid and resistant to change, the property industry is beginning to alter its profile. Its representative body, the SA Property Owners' Association (Sapoa), is for the first time being presided over by a woman, Finlay & Associates CEO Lynette Finlay. And the number of women and black property professionals running it this year has doubled.