Since 2021, Heba Fastighets AB has been using digital twins as a tool in the operation and management of its portfolio. In the spring, the company acquired two properties from Hemsö. At the time of the takeover, Heba also took over the digital twins of the properties, which had been developed by the previous owner.

"It is very convenient to have a 3D model that the entire company can look at from the day of acquisition. We could start working in the twins immediately," says Fredrik Melander, property manager and proptech coordinator at Heba.

A digital twin used for operation and management carries management-critical information about the properties. In the case of an acquisition, the seller may choose to transfer the twin, along with a selection of the data that has been built up around the property to the buyer.

"This is an exciting development, where the model and the data that has already been collected can create value in the management for a new owner," says Nils Berglund, CEO of the proptech company Vyer, which was responsible for data transfer between the property companies.

The buyer: “A major plus that the properties already had digital twins”

In February, Heba signed an agreement with Hemsö regarding the acquisition of two elderly care homes in Tyresö. When it became clear that the properties each had a digital twin in Vyer's platform, Heba made a request for data transfer from Hemsö.

"We see it as a major plus that the properties already had digital twins. We initiated early dialogue with the seller and the proptech supplier about how we would take over the models, which data we could utilize, and how we would ensure quality, to have as much as possible in place at the time of acquisition," says Fredrik Melander at Heba.

"It is very convenient to have a 3D model that the entire company can look at from the day of acquisition; that alone is a significant improvement," says Fredrik Melander.

The seller: “Can save time and lead to a more efficient transaction process”

Hemsö, which has digitized the majority of its portfolio, sees a possibility that digital twins can also be used to streamline the transaction process in the long term. 

"Today, we use the twins, among other things, to get to know the properties at a detailed level, but showing a model to a potential buyer early in the process can increase transparency in the deal. Then everyone is on the same page, which is really good," says Alexandra Hansson, transaction analyst at Hemsö.

"Reviewing areas and lease agreements constitutes a large part of the Due Diligence process. If you have a model with verified areas from the start, you can quickly get a very good understanding of the property, which can save time and lead to a more efficient transaction process. Showings can also become more efficient as you can be well prepared and navigate more easily on site."

Transfer of digital twin and quality assurance of data

In this case, Vyer carried out the transfer of the digital twins and accompanying data after the transaction, taking into account:

The selling property owner's policy regarding data sharing The buying property owner's data needsInternal standards for 3D models on the platformThe GDPR law (anonymization of personal data) Data integrity and quality

Heba's management gained access to the models in Vyer at the acquisition of the properties in March.  

"We were able to start working in the twins immediately, ensure the quality of all component data, and add information about preventive maintenance, such as the latest radon measurement, latest OVK, and so on. That becomes particularly important in a new property where we do not have the same oversight as in our old properties. It was great to get that set up quickly, it makes it easier for both me as a manager and for operations."

Quality assurance involves ensuring that the data present in the twin is updated and reflects the reality of the property, as well as ensuring that internal standards and guidelines for data are followed.

"The most important thing is to ensure the quality of the data you take over, so that you can trust the system. Then we start adding our data and establish our Heba standard for how a property in Vyer should look, so that everyone who works with us sees the data as it should appear in our world," says Fredrik Melander. 

Checklist for property owners before the transfer process

• Negotiation of data sharing

  Ensure that there is an agreement between the seller and the buyer to include digital twins in the contract. Initiate a dialogue where both parties assess which data should be transferred and which data should be removed.

• Planning of data transfer

  Once the data content has been finalized, it is time to plan the actual transfer, meaning how the data will be transferred, in what format, and through what channels. Also, ensure that the transfer complies with applicable laws and regulations, such as GDPR concerning personal data.

• Implementation of transfer

  Proptech companies or other technical experts may be involved in the actual transfer process. They are responsible for ensuring that twins and data are transferred correctly and securely to the new owner.

• Quality assurance after transfer

  For the buyer of the property, the transfer means an opportunity to quickly access digital drawings and knowledge about the property, such as technical equipment. An important part of the subsequent process is to ensure the quality of all data and make sure it is updated, as well as internal standards and guidelines are followed.

• Continuous use

  After the quality assurance, the new property owner can begin using the twin as a tool in their property management. This may involve complementing existing information and integrating it with other systems and tools used for property management.