How might driverless cars impact real estate?
One year ago, the Department for Transport targeted 2021 for having connected and automated vehicles on UK roads.
One year ago, the Department for Transport targeted 2021 for having connected and automated vehicles on UK roads.
The car industry has undoubtedly been accelerating R&D projects in this area. ‘Driven’ trialled a driverless car in Stratford London last year. In the US, General Motors’ Cruise launched 2020 by unveiling its vision for driverless shared ownership cabins, and Google’s Waymo announced last week that it would team up with UPS to test self-driving vans in Arizona.
Driverless vehicles have been promised by many as a panacea to numerous ills. Automation could mean efficient traffic management, greater accessibility, tailored public transport, faster travel times and a reduction in the large costs of congestion to business.
There remains scepticism regarding timescales, given safety concerns and that only 54% of UK A and B roads have 4G coverage (or better), there remains a large infrastructure gap to fill. There is also a concerning blind-spot when it comes to bad weather in trials. But even with delays, we might soon start seeing changes to where consumers choose to live and shop. This could well happen within the term of a commercial lease, or impact the long-term viability of developments, and all manner of consequences to our lives and real estate have been theorised.
Greater ease of transport may shift demand for residential space away from densely populated areas. Cheaper car sharing may remove the demand for city-centre car parking and free up space for leisure, retail or other uses. Driverless vans could amplify the profitability of online shopping and click-and-collect. Retail stores may even go mobile and cars might eventually lose ground to automated pods that shuttle goods and people alike.
Likely or not, the scope for innovation is exciting. It would also fundamentally disrupt the real estate sector, as longstanding perceptions of the value of locations adapt. So, flexibility in your real estate portfolio remains critical.
As for what land will have the greatest value in the future? That’s the billion-pound question, you tell us!
Contact
Mark Hickson
Head of Business Development
onlineteaminbox@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)370 270 6000
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
June 2025: A busy month for kinship care
Legal Update
A new planning bill for Wales: What will this mean?
Legal Update
PuFin takes flight: Homes England launches new bank
Legal Update
Distribution in the UK and the EU
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Legal Update
Navigating legal realties for new councillors
Legal Update
Analysis: National audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (June 2025)
Press Release
Browne Jacobson comments on the government's 10 year infrastructure strategy
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
Guide
Using AI for recruitment: The data issues
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
Legal Update
Producing robust capacity assessments and the approaches to assessing capacity
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: May 2025
Legal Update
Is the standards regime about to undergo a significant overhaul?
Video
Investigations and inquiries into child sexual exploitation and grooming
Legal Update
Navigating the streets: The legal landscape of low traffic neighbourhoods
Legal Update - Planning reform
All change: The implications of planning reform upon regeneration projects
Legal Update
Supporting local authorities in tackling housing challenges
Legal Update
Consultation on proposed changes to Estyn inspection regime in Wales
Published Article
Andrew Walker, Bridget Tatham: The case for better risk management
Legal Update - DMCC Act
The DMCC Act and consumer protection: Misleading pricing and drip pricing
Legal Update - DMCC Act
The DMCC Act and consumer protection: Investigation, fines and other measures which the CMA can take
Legal Update - DMCC Act
The DMCC Act and consumer protection: Unfair commercial practices
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
Press Release
Browne Jacobson appointed to Adra legal framework as housing association launches 2030 vision
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints Will Thomas as Partner in planning team
Guide - Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles in the UK: Where are we now?
Press Release
US-UK trade deal: Reaction from Browne Jacobson lawyers
Press Release
Browne Jacobson signs strategic partnership with Local Government Information Unit
Legal Update
Advertising trends: Influencers, intellectual property and image rights
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to explore skills challenges in built environment at UKREiiF event
