AI-Adopting Firms Project 31% Portfolio Growth and 34% Headcount Increase
81% of property managers report positive outlook and 77% expect unit count growth in 2026, but 55% cite elevated vacancy rates squeezing NOI. Firms adopting AI expect 31% portfolio growth and plan 34% headcount increases, versus 12% growth and 25% headcount rises for non-users.
1. Positive Outlook and Growth Expectations
Property management professionals enter 2026 with strong sentiment: 81% of managers report a positive outlook and 77% plan to increase unit counts despite 55% naming elevated vacancy rates as the top threat to net operating income.
2. AI Adoption Sparks Efficiency and Scaling
Firms that have broadly adopted AI anticipate 31% portfolio growth in 2026—nearly triple the 12% expected by non-users—and 34% of AI adopters plan to increase headcount versus 25% among those without AI-enabled workflows.
3. Trend Toward Unified Tech Stacks
45% of operators plan to consolidate technology stacks to move beyond isolated task management toward unified outcomes across leasing, maintenance and finance, aiming to bridge performance gaps and unlock measurable NOI improvements.
4. Resident Experience and Fraud Challenges
65% of residents want security deposit alternatives but only 29% of managers offer them, while 56% of managers faced application fraud last year, highlighting gaps in service offerings and security measures.