Location intelligence brings efficiency to Arctos’ property development analyses

Comprehensive and easily accessible location data is essential for property development. Antti Seppälä from Arctos leverages the CHAOS platform both in client projects and in teaching at Aalto University.

Arctos is an advisor that acts as an outsourced project management expert and supports clients in decision-making through data-driven reports and market analyses. The company was founded when Antti Seppälä combined his experience in real estate and investment with analytical decision-making.

Antti Seppälä, Arctos

Arctos’ clients include cities, property owners, and real estate developers. A typical assignment might involve determining the best new use for an old building to make it sellable, or analysing how a zoning change will impact local businesses and area vitality.

“A common client challenge is a building that no longer serves its original purpose. They’re considering selling or repurposing it, and market analysis helps predict what kind of use would make sense in that specific area,” Seppälä explains.

CHAOS supports analyses and market research

CHAOS’ location intelligence platform supports Arctos’ market research and analyses and is also used in the background phases of transaction assignments. Seppälä uses the platform in the background to build his understanding, but also integrates the insights directly into client reports.

"CHAOS combines relevant data into a single view, saving time and effort."

“At the start of a project, I explore the site and surrounding area with the CHAOS platform—looking at nearby properties, rental levels, and overall supply and demand.”

A good example of a client project is an impact assessment for business activity in the Kupittaa area of Turku, where the potential effects of a zoning change were assessed. The analysis was based on market research that heavily relied on the CHAOS platform. Seppälä highlights the platform’s map-based interface as particularly useful.

“CHAOS combines relevant data into a single view, saving time and effort. It’s intuitive to use as part of property development projects. The platform’s visuals are easy to capture and presentation-ready, even for final client reports.”

Teaching property development at Aalto University

In addition to client work, Seppälä lectures at Aalto University, where the CHAOS platform has been used in practical exercises for several years.

“We have a lecture series that covers both theory and hands-on exercises. First, we go over the theory behind market analysis and what parameters are needed for different use cases. Then in the practical session, we use the CHAOS platform to find and forecast those parameters,” Seppälä says.

"The collaboration with CHAOS has remained open and ongoing, and we’re grateful it’s continued year after year."

With CHAOS, students can better understand the big picture and conduct real-life analyses. The goal isn’t just to learn figures like yield requirements but to grasp the factors behind them.

“We aim to simulate real-world work situations. This year, for example, we looked at the Leppävaara development area and discussed why, based on demographic changes, it might be a good or bad location. Students used CHAOS to find answers,” Seppälä explains.

“Students have enjoyed using CHAOS as part of the course, and we’ve been able to integrate it smoothly into our teaching. The collaboration with CHAOS has remained open and ongoing, and we’re grateful it’s continued year after year,” he adds.

What does the future of real estate look like?

“In Finland, urbanisation and population growth are still focused on growth areas, which means market polarisation will likely continue. Growth centres will grow, and shrinking areas will keep shrinking. This will have a big impact on the value of properties in those non-growing regions,” Seppälä observes.

Real estate markets are constantly evolving, but Seppälä believes the industry is heading toward more stable ground. While current demand for commercial properties may seem weak, he is optimistic about continued activity in growing markets.

“Companies still want to relocate and upgrade their premises. I believe we’re moving toward a more stable state as work patterns settle and new norms are established.”