Growthpoint Launches SmartLease to Speed Commercial Deals

Growthpoint Properties has unveiled SmartLease, a digital tool aimed at cutting the time and friction involved in commercial property leasing. Launched at the Africa PropTech Forum 2026, the platform offers a fully integrated digital journey from enquiry to signed lease, promising faster approvals…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:16:45 GMT

Growthpoint Properties is redefining how commercial leases are negotiated and signed with the launch of SmartLease, a digital platform that aims to deliver a lease in a single day. Announced at the Africa PropTech Forum 2026 during the African Property Investment Summit in Cape Town, the system replaces the fragmented, paperwork‑heavy process that has long dominated the industry.

What SmartLease Brings to the Table

SmartLease is built around a single, connected digital journey that starts with a client’s first enquiry and ends with a signed lease agreement. By eliminating the need for multiple manual steps, duplicate data entry, and back‑and‑forth communications, the platform promises to reduce administrative friction and accelerate decision‑making for tenants, brokers and Growthpoint’s own teams.

The platform’s design is not simply a digitised version of the old process; it is a complete re‑engineering of the leasing cycle. Specialist technology partners helped to craft a user interface that guides users through each stage, ensuring that information flows seamlessly from one department to the next. This reduces the likelihood of errors and speeds up approvals, allowing Growthpoint to respond to market demands at a pace that matches modern business expectations.

Client‑First Philosophy Drives the Transformation

Growthpoint’s move away from a traditional landlord model reflects a broader strategic shift. The company is placing the client journey at the centre of its operations, adopting an “outside‑in” approach that begins with understanding what businesses and brokers actually need. Lauren Turner, Head of Corporate Affairs, explained that the goal is to create a more connected, consistent experience from first contact to occupation and beyond.

Turner emphasized that the platform is designed to meet the expectations of a digital‑native audience. “Clients live in a digital world and expect a seamless, intuitive experience from the start,” she said. “With SmartLease, we’ve applied client‑first thinking to the digitised journey that begins with our very first interaction together.”

How the Platform Works

SmartLease operates through a structured digital flow where clients and broker partners submit all required information in one place. This data is automatically routed to the relevant internal teams, reducing duplication and unnecessary back‑and‑forth. The result is a faster, clearer approval process that keeps the right stakeholders involved at the right times.

Timothy Irvine, Head of Asset Management for Offices, highlighted the platform’s ambition: “The direct goal is to achieve a lease in a day. We want to overcome the frustration, time and duplication that the conventional commercial leasing cycle creates for clients and property managers alike.” He added that businesses today value efficiency and want to move quickly from decision to execution, rather than spending weeks on paperwork.

Data‑Driven Insights and Competitive Advantage

Beyond speed, SmartLease generates structured data that can be analysed to uncover trends in client demand, conversion points and opportunities for further improvement. By aggregating information across Growthpoint’s portfolio of retail, office, logistics and industrial properties, the company gains a competitive edge in understanding market preferences and tailoring its offerings accordingly.

Rollout Strategy and Adoption Plans

Growthpoint is preparing for a November launch that will see SmartLease integrated into the broader leasing ecosystem. The company is proactively developing onboarding and support mechanisms for its internal teams, clients and broker partners. Irvine expressed enthusiasm for the rollout, stating, “We’re excited for a successful launch in November and look forward to working with SmartLease users to ensure they feel the benefit of it immediately.”

By offering structured onboarding, dedicated support, and a clear roadmap for adoption, Growthpoint aims to encourage early uptake and demonstrate the platform’s value quickly. The company’s focus on a seamless user experience is intended to set a new standard for commercial leasing in the region.

What’s Next for SmartLease?

As the platform goes live, Growthpoint will monitor usage metrics and gather feedback from clients and brokers. The insights gained will inform ongoing refinements, ensuring that SmartLease continues to evolve in line with market needs. While the initial launch is scheduled for November, the company plans to expand the platform’s capabilities over time, potentially integrating advanced analytics, AI‑driven recommendations and broader property management tools.

In a sector where time is money, SmartLease represents a significant step forward for Growthpoint Properties. By streamlining the leasing process, reducing friction, and leveraging data insights, the company is poised to offer a more efficient, client‑centric experience that could reshape commercial real‑estate transactions in Southern Africa.

Key facts

SmartLease offers a single digital journey from enquiry to signed lease
The platform was built from scratch, not just digitised
It reduces duplication and speeds up approvals
Data collected provides insights into client demand and conversion
Growthpoint plans a structured rollout with onboarding and support
The launch aims to set a new standard for commercial leasing in the region

Why it matters

SmartLease could dramatically cut the time and complexity of commercial leasing, benefiting tenants, brokers and landlords alike by delivering faster deals and clearer communication.

Frequently asked questions

What is SmartLease?

SmartLease is a digital platform developed by Growthpoint Properties that streamlines the commercial leasing process from initial enquiry to signed lease, aiming to complete the transaction in a single day.

When will SmartLease be available?

The platform is scheduled for launch in November 2026, following its unveiling at the Africa PropTech Forum 2026.

Who will benefit from SmartLease?

Clients, broker partners, and Growthpoint’s internal teams will all benefit from reduced friction, faster approvals, and a more connected experience.

How does SmartLease improve data insights?

By collecting structured data throughout the leasing journey, SmartLease enables Growthpoint to analyze client preferences, conversion points, and market trends.