Artificial Intelligence Application in Construction and Real Estate Finance

Closes:
Journal
Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction
Guest editor(s)
Padmi Nagirikandalage, Arnaz Binsardi, Gareth Carr,

Introduction

This special issue aims to explore the evolving landscape of construction and real estate finance, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to promote sustainability in the built environment. The construction and real estate industry plays a critical role in shaping the built environment, yet it faces numerous challenges related to its financing, performance, efficiency, and environmental impact. In response, there has been a growing emphasis on harnessing AI-driven insights to address these challenges and drive sustainable practices within the industry. In this era of rapid technological advancement, the convergence of AI, financial technology (fintech) and digitalisation offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise construction and real estate finance towards fostering a sustainable built environment. Thus, today’s construction and real estate industry now stands at a critical juncture: traditional practices must evolve to meet the pressing demands of AI, fintech and digitalisation and to promote sustainability.

The integration of AI technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, fintech and data analytics, has transformed traditional practices within the industries (Kang et al., 2020). As a result, the use of AI and fintech has become a growing area of research, with applications in the construction and real estate finance industry. The application of AI and fintech in this sector allows for the development of sophisticated predictive models, enhancing accuracy in market analyses and providing valuable insights for risk management, cost reduction, fraud detection and prevention and project optimisation with increased efficiency (Odunfa et al., 2021; Treleaven et al., 2021). AI's capability to process extensive datasets helps in identifying patterns, foreseeing possible disruptions, and streamlining project timelines and budgets, thereby promoting a more effective decision-making process and sustainable practices within the industry (Kakinuma, 2024; Sajjad et al., 2024; Álvarez-Pozo et al., 2024).

Despite these advancements, AI's potential in construction and real estate finance is yet to be realised, with ongoing needs for research into its integration with decision-making processes, regulatory frameworks and addressing ethical concerns and data privacy issues (Kang et al., 2020; Treleaven et al., 2021). Bridging this gap requires a continued exploration of the application of AI that is tailored to the specific needs of the construction and real estate sectors, especially in the area of financial management and fintech.

The integration of AI-driven technologies is crucial for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it enhances economic, social, and environmental outcomes. In the construction sector, AI supports the achievement of SDGs by fostering sustainable development initiatives (Goubran, 2019; Pigola et al., 2021). This special issue explores how AI applications in construction and real estate finance can specifically advance SDGs related to clean energy, innovation, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, and life on land. Embracing AI in these fields not only leads to improved performance and resource management but also plays a pivotal role in promoting societal well-being and environmental sustainability. The potential of AI in these sectors indicates a promising future for enhancing global sustainability efforts.

Preliminary Reference List

Álvarez-Pozo, A.H., Parma-García, M.I., Ortiz-Marcos, I., Bautista, L.F. and tanes-Sánchez, E. (2024). ‘Analysis of Causes of Delays and Cost Overruns as Well as Mitigation Measures to Improve Profitability and Sustainability in Turnkey Industrial Projects’. Sustainability, Vol.16(4), pp.1-16 https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041449
Andronie, M., Iatagan, M., Uță, C., and Hurloiu, I. (2023). ‘Big Data Management Algorithms in Artificial Internet of Things-based Fintech’. Oeconomia Copernicana, Vol.14(3), pp.769–793. https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2023.023
Goubran, S. (2019). .On the role of construction in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’. Journal of Sustainability Research, Vol.1(2). https://doi.org/10.20900/jsr20190020
Kakinuma, Y. (2024). ‘Text Mining and Index Construction: Insights into Digital Transformation in Banking Industry’. SSRN Electronic Journal. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4720265 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4720265
Odunfa, V., Fateye, T., & Adewusi, A. (2021). ‘Application of artificial intelligence (ai) approach to african real estate market analysis opportunities and challenges’. Advances in Multidisciplinary & Scientific Research Journal Publication, Vol.29, pp.121-132. https://doi.org/10.22624/aims/abmic2021p9
Pertseva, S. (2023). ‘Digital Technologies in International Finance’. SSRN Electronic Journal.
Pigola, A., Costa, P., Carvalho, L., Silva, L., Kniess, C., & Maccari, E. (2021). ‘Artificial intelligence-driven digital technologies to the implementation of the sustainable development goals: a perspective from Brazil and Portugal’. Sustainability, Vol.13(24), pp.1-28. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413669
Sajjad, M., Hu, A., Alshehri, A.M., Waqar, A., & Khan, A.M. (2024). ‘BIM-driven energy simulation and optimization for net-zero tall buildings’, Sustainable Construction Management, Vol.10, pp.1-16.
Treleaven, P., Barnett, J., Knight, A., & Serrano, W. (2021). ‘Real estate data marketplace’. AI and Ethics, Vol.1(4), pp.445-462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-021-00053-4

List of topic areas

  • AI Applications in Construction Finance: Utilising the concepts of machine learning, deep learning and predictive analytics to assess project risks, optimise resource allocation and develop data-driven strategies for sustainable construction finance.
  • AI Applications in Real Estate Finance: Utilising the concepts of machine learning, deep learning and predictive analytics to assess project risks, optimise resource allocation, fraud detection and prevention and develop data-driven strategies for sustainable construction finance.
  • AI in Decentralised Finance Application in Construction and Real Estate Finance: Employing models of innovation in fintech, such as blockchain, smart contracts, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending and digital payment systems, to streamline construction financing processes and enhance access to capital for sustainable projects.
  • AI Links to Sustainable Finance and Its Environmental Impact: Examining the role of financial institutions, green bonds, impact investing and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in promoting environmentally responsible practices within the construction industry.
  • AI Relating to Regulatory Frameworks and Policy Implications: Analysing the regulatory challenges and policy interventions needed to foster the integration of AI, fintech and digital transformation in construction finance, while ensuring compliance with sustainability standards and ethical considerations.

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here.

Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to "Please select the issue you are submitting to".

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 1st June, 2024

Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31st March, 2025