South African proptech startup AIRE (Artificial Intelligence in Real Estate) is bringing artificial intelligence and automation into the property sector, aiming to modernize how feasibility studies, valuations, and advisory services are delivered across Africa and the Middle East.
Founded in 2023 by a team of real estate consultants and technology innovators, AIRE positions itself at the intersection of traditional advisory services and AI-powered tools. The company operates across four service lines:
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AIRE Software, an AI platform that generates feasibility and Highest and Best Use (HBU) studies within five days, significantly reducing the traditional timeline of four to six weeks.
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AIRE Consulting, which provides advisory services such as market research, financial modeling, planning support, and portfolio strategy.
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AIRE Valuations, delivering independent, standards-compliant valuations based on both local knowledge and market data to support reporting, lending, transactions, and insurance.
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AIRE Hospitality, advising developers and operators on branded residences, hotel concepts, and operator selection.
Chief executive Simon Ardonceau told Disrupt Africa that the lack of reliable market intelligence in many African and Middle Eastern cities has long slowed down investment decisions. By combining big data, AI, and automation, AIRE’s proprietary software can produce comprehensive feasibility studies across all major asset classes in just five days.
“This means faster decisions, lower costs, and local relevance that traditional firms and global players cannot easily match,” Ardonceau said.
The privately funded company has already introduced its software in Nairobi, Morocco, and Mauritius, with expansion now underway in Senegal, Ivory Coast, and soon into the Middle East. Its consulting and valuation divisions have also secured repeat mandates from developers, institutional investors, and operators across the region.
“Many clients are now adopting AIRE Software as a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional feasibility and highest-and-best-use studies,” Ardonceau said.
AIRE generates revenue through fees for feasibility studies, consulting projects, valuation assignments, and hospitality advisory services. Ardonceau explained that consulting, hospitality, and valuations form a steady base of recurring business, while the company’s AI software is driving accelerated growth.
“Overall, the combined strength of our four service lines is helping us build long-term partnerships and expand into new high-growth markets,” he said.
