Housing trends 2026: Building digital foundations

The housing sector is entering a pivotal phase. Rising tenant expectations, tighter regulations, and the drive for efficiency are reshaping priorities. Our Housing Trends Report explores how providers are responding and highlights the opportunities that could redefine the future of housing.

Automation: progress with purpose

Almost half of housing organisations have automated and integrated most processes, and another 50% report improvements underway. This marks a significant shift from previous years, where manual workflows dominated. Yet the picture isn’t perfect. Fifteen percent still struggle with poor system integration despite heavy investment. For these organisations, disconnected processes continue to create inefficiencies that tenants notice.

What’s next? The conversation is moving beyond basic automation. Providers are now looking at how integrated platforms can unlock predictive insights – anticipating maintenance needs, reducing downtime, and improving tenant satisfaction before issues arise.

AI: redefining tenant experience

Artificial intelligence is moving from concept to capability. Housing providers are prioritising tools that make life easier for tenants – from self-service portals to automated routine tasks and data-driven decision-making. AI is also being deployed to strengthen security monitoring, forecast demand for housing stock, and even identify fraud risks.

However, progress isn’t without hurdles. Compliance concerns top the list, followed by budget pressures and skills gaps. Trust remains a sticking point, with a third of organisations unwilling to use AI solutions that store data outside the UK. Choosing partners who understand the regulatory landscape is critical for success.

Cybersecurity: the silent priority

Cyber-attacks remain the most significant risk, far ahead of concerns about AI misuse. With sensitive tenant data at stake, robust protection measures are no longer optional. Providers are moving towards proactive threat detection and real-time monitoring, taking cybersecurity beyond traditional firewalls and into a new era of resilience.

Legislation: the compliance challenge

Meeting new and upcoming legislation is a major pressure point. Outdated systems are the single biggest obstacle, followed by excessive administration and skills gaps. For housing providers, modernising technology isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about staying compliant in a fast-changing regulatory environment. The next wave of compliance will demand systems that can adapt quickly and provide auditable transparency at every step.

The bottom line

Housing providers are making progress, but the pace of change must accelerate. Integrated platforms, predictive analytics, and AI-driven services will define the next era of housing. Those who act now will be best placed to meet tenant expectations and regulatory demands.

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This is just a snapshot of the report’s findings – for deeper analysis, emerging themes, and practical insights, download your copy of the Housing Trends Report 2026 today.