Welcome to a new issue of the Unlocking Real Estate Value newsletter. Each week I will provide you with exclusive advice and professional insights to help you realise long-term value through real estate development.
This week I’ve curated stories at the intersection of AI and real estate, plus market signals you shouldn’t ignore.
On AI, we focus on what’s working: turning trusted Excel DCFs into Python for transparent, faster underwriting; building GPTs for CRE workflows; how leaders integrate ChatGPT into daily tasks; and the infrastructure implications—from sovereign AI data centers to specialized AI campuses.
On markets and strategy, we cover Manhattan’s flight-to-quality surge, conversions tightening supply, why well-structured LADs matter, the value of members-only experiential assets like NYAC, and Riyadh’s Vision 2030 playbook for livability and investment.
Now, let’s dive in together.
Latest Deep Dive
Latest Unlocking Value Bulletin
Ultra-prime London’s £1bn bet on wealth inflows | LinkedIn
Ultra-prime London developments continue to command exceptional premiums, with Valouran’s new £1bn scheme illustrating the trend. The argument: global wealth inflows indirectly support wider housing delivery. Critics question trickle-down benefits, urging a closer look at whether amenity-laden towers for UHNW buyers address, or exacerbate, London’s broader affordability and housing supply challenges.
Liquidated Damages Clauses Explained | LinkedIn
Liquidated damages clauses safeguard clients when projects overrun but must be grounded in a genuine loss estimate to hold in court. This explainer highlights market benchmarks, common pitfalls such as punitive or blank clauses, and innovations like stepped rates or grace periods—tools to balance enforceability with fair risk allocation.
The Value of Members-Only Assets: NYAC | LinkedIn
The New York Athletic Club demonstrates how exclusivity and community can outperform flashy design. By combining heritage, curated programming, and member belonging, it illustrates why private institutions often deliver stronger loyalty and returns than public venues. The case reframes experiential real estate as scarcity plus culture—a durable value driver.
How Professionals Use ChatGPT | Antony Slumbers | LinkedIn
OpenAI’s study shows professionals integrate ChatGPT into drafting, editing, research, and data tasks, with productivity gains strongest when paired with domain expertise. Key lessons: embed it in workflows, set clear acceptance criteria, and maintain verification loops. The message—AI augments judgment, accelerates output, and raises standards when implemented with discipline.
Sovereign AI & Data Center Bottlenecks | Sikander Rashid | LinkedIn
Meeting AI’s exploding compute demand requires more than capital—grid access, permitting, and site control are decisive. Governments push for “sovereign AI” data centers to secure sensitive data, while hyperscalers and investors race to deliver capacity. Collaboration across policy, infrastructure, and capital is emerging as the real unlock for deployment.
The Rise of AI Campuses | LinkedIn
AI firms are clustering into specialized “AI campuses” with tailored space, startup-friendly services, and VC connectivity. The model mirrors life sciences hubs but is still maturing. Product-market fit remains fluid, yet incumbent tech-park operators may win early, shaping a new asset class that blends infrastructure, innovation, and community.
AI in the C-Suite: Four Lessons | LinkedIn
Executives share four realities: AI compresses timelines for complex work, early adopters win through practice not talent, career ladders must flex for AI-augmented apprenticeships, and job change will be steady not sudden. Leaders should codify role-specific workflows, train teams systematically, and measure learning velocity as adoption scales.
Turning DCFs into Python for Faster Underwriting | LinkedIn
A workflow case study shows how to translate Excel DCFs into Python for rapid, transparent underwriting. Users can test assumptions, expand models, run programmatic risk analysis, and integrate external datasets like flood risk. With Python-in-Excel bridging usability, even non-coders can leverage code-driven models for repeatable, explainable decisions.
Custom GPTs for CRE Workflows | LinkedIn
This practitioner example demonstrates how quickly GPTs can be tailored for CRE—summarizing documents, streamlining deal workflows, and freeing up hours weekly. Beyond the tech, it stresses prompt frameworks, workflow training, and community learning. The takeaway: bespoke GPTs are no longer niche—they’re a mainstream productivity tool for brokers.
Riyadh’s Vision 2030: Livability at Scale | LinkedIn
Riyadh’s Vision 2030 reimagines the capital through livability, sustainability, and green infrastructure. King Salman Park anchors this shift, introducing vast green space, integrated transit, and 15-minute city planning. The model blends public benefit with co-development, drawing investment into hospitality, culture, and wellness while creating a globally distinctive urban identity.
Manhattan’s Office Market: Flight to Quality | LinkedIn
Manhattan’s office recovery hinges on “flight to quality.” Prime Class A+ towers see strong leasing and tighter supply, helped by conversions reducing stock. Meanwhile, secondary assets struggle with vacancy and heavy concessions. The lesson: office demand isn’t dead, it’s bifurcating—prime thrives, non-prime lags, especially across Midwest metros.
— Carlo
Founder and Managing Director Benigni
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Sustainability: Integrate ESG strategies to increase tenant demand and attract investors.
Risk Management: Solve challenges like rising costs, obsolescence and regulatory hurdles.
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This post is sponsored by Benigni a specialist development manager working with international investors to realise long-term value through optimised development strategies. To learn more click this link to our website.
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