Make Your Power Move: Use Unspent Q4 Budget to Get SmartScore and WiredScore Certified

As 2026 approaches, commercial property owners, operators and managers face a familiar dilemma: how to use the remaining operational or capital budget for the best. Instead of rushing into short-term fixes, there is a strategic opportunity to invest in the long-term value and resilience of your assets: WiredScore and SmartScore certifications.

Using this year’s remaining budget to secure these tech-focused certifications is a forward-thinking “power move” that provides immediate benefits and future-proofs your portfolio in an increasingly competitive landscape.

These digital infrastructure credentials are far more than marketing badges; they offer measurable uplift in tenant attraction, retention, sustainability, and portfolio performance.

Here’s how this strategic allocation of funds can pay dividends going into the new year.

Whether it’s an office complex, a science park or a shopping centre, the modern occupier’s needs have fundamentally changed. Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer an amenity; it’s a prerequisite, much like running water or electricity.

WiredScore provides a globally recognised rating for a building’s digital infrastructure, resilience, and connectivity. Achieving certification signals to potential tenants that their business operations will be seamless and uninterrupted.

SmartScore evaluates the “smartness” of a building, covering functionality, user experience, and future readiness. It demonstrates that the building is designed to enhance productivity and well-being.

In a market where tenants can afford to be selective, these certifications are powerful differentiators that directly address modern demands, helping you attract and retain high-quality tenants going into a new year.

The return on investment (ROI) for smart technology is clear.

Certified smart buildings can achieve demonstrable rental premiums (+2.2% over 2 years), helping to boost your bottom line in the upcoming year. Evidence also shows that certified buildings benefit from lower vacancy rates of around 3.8% and 9 months longer average lease terms. This secures predictable cash flow and reduces the friction and costs associated with tenant turnover.

The certification process itself acts as a third-party audit, providing a clear, data-driven roadmap for future capital expenditure. So, you will know exactly where to invest next year to maximise impact and avoid wasting budget on outdated technology.

Efficiency is key to navigating rising operational costs. Smart buildings use data to manage themselves more effectively. By investing in the technologies required for certification, you enable:

Data-Driven Management

Optimised building systems, from HVAC to lighting, lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and operational costs.

Predictive Maintenance

Smart sensors can flag issues before they become expensive problems, shifting from reactive to proactive building management.

These efficiencies translate directly into cost savings that will improve your net operating income from January onwards.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is no longer a peripheral concern; it is central to real estate investment strategy. WiredScore and SmartScore align perfectly with ESG goals. They measure technology that enhances energy efficiency, improves indoor air quality, and boosts occupant well-being.

GRESB (formerly the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) is an internationally recognised benchmark assessing the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance of property. Both WiredScore and SmartScore certifications are recognised by GRESB. Earning points through certification enhances your GRESB score, which is a critical metric for attracting institutional investors.

In a constantly changing regulatory landscape, a certified building is an asset that mitigates risk. Investors view these properties as more resilient and future-proofed, increasing their confidence and the asset’s valuation.

Using your remaining budget for these certifications is not just spending money; it’s a strategic investment in the long-term viability and profitability of your assets.

It’s about making a statement to the market that your buildings are ready for the future of work. By securing WiredScore and/or SmartScore certification now, you enter the new year with a competitive edge, better operational control, and a portfolio that meets the demands of tomorrow’s tenant businesses and investors.

Don’t let any remaining Q4 budget go unspent or underutilised. Invest in a smarter, more valuable portfolio.