From Hotels to Flex-Living and BTR: Brian O’Driscoll on How Technology Is Reshaping Operational Real Estate

Pro-invest Group’s Director of Portfolio Management and Transactions, Brian O’Driscoll, recently shared his expertise with The Urban Developer, contributing to a broader industry discussion on how technology, data and operational capability are reshaping the urban accommodation sector at a time of acute housing undersupply.

Speaking to the role of innovation across Build‑to‑Rent, Flex-Living and co‑living models, Brian highlighted that technology is no longer a supporting function. It is now central to how operational real estate is designed, delivered and managed.

As featured in The Urban Developer, Brian noted that Pro-invest Group is leveraging its established hotel operational expertise and applying it directly to Built-to-Rent and Flex-Living assets, bringing a level of sophistication traditionally associated with hospitality into urban accommodation. This includes the use of technology to improve operational efficiency, data‑driven decision‑making and the day‑to‑day experience of guests.

“Technology is becoming central to operational efficiency and data‑driven decision‑making, while also elevating how operators engage with guests” Brian said.

The commentary formed part of a wider examination of how urban accommodation must evolve to respond to Australia’s persistent housing shortfall. Within this context, Brian reinforced the importance of scalable operating platforms, noting that demand for Build‑to‑Rent and Flex-Living solutions continues to accelerate as cities search for faster, more resilient delivery models.

The article also highlighted that Pro-invest Group is actively seeking acquisition opportunities across Flex-Living and Build‑to‑Rent, reflecting a conviction that urban accommodation supported by technology and hospitality‑grade operations will play a vital role in Australia’s delivery of Flex-Living and Build-to-rent assets while delivering long‑term value for investors.

Brian’s contribution underscores Pro-invest Group’s broader strategy: applying operational real estate thinking to urban accommodation, where technology, data and experience‑led design come together to improve performance, resilience and guest outcomes across the asset lifecycle.