What key trends are still shaping the property and facility management sector this year?

The industry is facing a rapid digital transformation, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and increasingly stringent sustainability regulations. On top of that, the competition for skilled professionals has never been fiercer. We spoke with Tibor Móritz, founder of Propx, about the most exciting changes ahead and how companies can stay ahead in this turbulent environment.

What do you see as the most defining trends in the sector right now that companies need to prepare for?

This year, ESG guidelines, artificial intelligence, and workforce challenges will continue to dominate the agenda.

Right now, ESG compliance is a hot topic in the industry. Companies that fail to transition to sustainable facility management risk not only losing their competitive edge but also jeopardizing their operations.

ESG regulations are still evolving, and there are many unanswered questions regarding reporting requirements. At Propx, we’ve been tracking these changes from the start. Operating with a data-driven approach, we’ve stayed ahead of the market and helped our clients navigate the transition.

Last year, we introduced an internationally recognized, AI-powered Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) platform with a built-in ESG module. This system helps our clients save time and effort when compiling their sustainability reports. The EU Taxonomy, which defines what qualifies as a sustainable investment, is critical for our clients. We support them by providing accurate data and compliant services to help them meet regulations and enhance their sustainability performance transparency.

One of Hungary’s leading logistics developers, HelloParks, has implemented our unique Building Management System (BMS), which integrates a custom-built app. This innovation has caught the attention of several international industry players, highlighting the growing demand for smart facility solutions.

How is AI transforming the facility management industry?

Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize facility management by increasing efficiency, freeing up capacity, and elevating service standards for clients.

The latest AI-driven systems can already function as virtual assistants, helping users navigate facility management tasks. However, these solutions are still in their early stages and require extensive data sets for further development. This transition period provides industry players with time to prepare, but there’s no escaping the future—so companies should start integrating AI sooner rather than later.

At Propx, we are actively involved in the LEO PropTech Working Group (National Association of Facility and Building Management Service Providers). Our goal is to identify and refine AI-driven applications that help our clients stay ahead of the curve while ensuring that our services create real value and support their core business activities.

Our BMS and CAFM systems already incorporate AI-powered features, and we are currently developing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that will include integrated AI solutions.

Additionally, we have partnered with a leading company to develop an advanced AI system. Our proprietary AI solutions will be used to enhance the intelligence and efficiency of supervisory systems. For example, our AI will be able to suggest maintenance schedules and recommend optimal inspection intervals. In the future, these systems will also be capable of detecting organizational inefficiencies.

Will AI replace facility management professionals?

Many industries are concerned about AI replacing human jobs, but in facility management, this is unlikely to be a threat. The reason? Resources are already optimized in our field, but AI can further improve efficiency without reducing headcount.

That said, attracting and retaining skilled professionals remains a major challenge. Experienced professionals capable of handling complex tasks independently, as well as young talent skilled in the latest digital technologies, have an abundance of career options.

Beyond competitive salaries, companies that offer professional growth, a supportive and flexible work environment, transparency, and a strong company culture will have a better chance of attracting the best talent.

Of course, rising labor costs and increasing prices for tools and equipment also present challenges. Our response? Investing in cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency while expanding our service capabilities—a strategy that strengthens our competitiveness in the market.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities across different sectors?

The office market is undergoing a significant transformation. Since the pandemic, construction projects have slowed down as tenant preferences have shifted and demand for office space has declined.

Currently, we’re seeing a shift toward hybrid workplace models, where employees work in the office only a few days a week. As a result, office spaces are being reimagined as collaborative hubs designed for creativity and teamwork. Instead of new office developments, the focus has shifted to renovating older office buildings—enhancing energy efficiency, sustainable operations, modern office layouts, and upgraded services.

At the same time, the residential development sector is seeing a notable surge.

However, logistics, manufacturing, and assembly remain the driving forces of the economy. As supply chains shorten, there is a boom in warehouse and industrial property development across the country. This trend is currently shaping the market.

With the arrival of foreign manufacturing plants, there is also an increasing demand for workforce accommodations, such as hotels and dormitories for foreign workers. This creates a growing need for high-quality property management services in these facilities.