Knowledge Is Key

The property management market has changed significantly in the past decade. Digital technologies have had an impact, along with changing practices and growing environmental concerns, leaving education and training struggling at times to keep up. Nonetheless, property management has been made easier, thanks to the latest digital technologies.

Ross Fitzcharles, founder and CEO of Preferental, a digital platform that assists SA Property Network members, among others, with managing their properties, notes that today, landlords have more access to tools and information to make informed and insightful decisions.

“With the development of technology such as robotic process automation, many property management processes can be automated, making it that much easier to manage a larger number of properties. Plenty of technology platforms focusing on these solutions and services for landlords are popping up, so education and training on such technologies is now imperative,” he says.

Fitzcharles adds that training and understanding are also key for understanding collaboration technology and how to use social media to build a brand. Previously, he says, the focus was on billboards and having the right connections, but today it is about perception.

“It is important to understand that technology skills are not the only ones needed. As technology is adopted more deeply and enables estate agents to provide better information, the educational focus switches to soft skills. In property management, these can be leveraged to help build long-lasting relationships with clients and deliver exceptional service.

“As we look to the future and which areas of this market are booming, another area where commercial property managers should seek to improve their education and skills is the ‘green’ space. Clearly understanding the impact of going green – and the benefits of things such as adopting renewables, reusing water, and aggressive recycling – is going to be critical very soon,” he concludes.