What does a property manager do?

Property managers are accountable for a multitude of leasing and administrative duties. They are responsible for showing prospective tenants through a property and also assessing their suitability to become a tenant on behalf of the owner. When tenants have moved in, the property manager is responsible for collecting rent, carrying out regular inspections to ensure the property is being maintained, and organising any repairs on behalf of the owner.

Tasks:

  • Selecting tenants
  • Collecting rent
  • Marketing properties
  • Arranging repairs
  • Representing property owners at tribunals

What skills do I need to be a property manager?

Property managers need to have good customer service skills to liaise with property owners and tenants. An understanding of building maintenance and basic repairs is essential, as well as overseeing work carried out by contractors and tradespeople. A grasp of property inspection for damage and safety issues is also indispensible, as well as some experience with finance. An understanding of the relevant legislation is necessary as well as the ability to represent property owners in disputes at tribunals.

Skills/attributes
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation
  • Understanding of how economic conditions affect the property market
  • Attention to detail
  • Highly developed organisational skills
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Specialisations

Property managers can specialise in residential or commercial property management, or work on behalf of body corporates to manage their facilities. There is scope to advance in the real estate industry as a specialist in other areas with property management experience under your belt.

Residential property manager

Residential property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of income-producing dwellings on behalf of their owners. They show and lease properties, collect rent, oversee maintenance and repairs, enforce leases and rental terms, handle complaints and carry out inspections.

Commercial property manager

Commercial property managers oversee day-to-day operations of buildings and complexes that are leased to businesses, including shopping centres and office multiplexes. Their duties include collecting rent, negotiating leases, supervising cleaning and maintenance activities. Sometimes they may organise insurance, communicate with owners about occupancy levels and property conditions or prepare financial statements.

Body corporate manager

Properties owned in complexes or schemes need to be part of a Body Corporate of overarching management. Some Body Corporates employ a manager to carry out the day-to-day tasks that are necessary for its management, like collecting levies, sending paperwork for meetings, arranging for shared fixtures like pools and driveways to be repaired or maintained, organising insurance, complying with legislation and other legal matters.

Study pathways for property managers

In order to become a property manager, you will need to complete a qualification and register in your state.

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Getting Started

A self-paced certificate course will get you started in the real estate industry and give you the key skills you need for property administration and marketing.

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Skill Building

Advance your career and move into management or specialist roles with a Diploma in Property Services or a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate.

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Professional Development

Improve your industry standing and put yourself ahead of the pack with an advanced qualification that demonstrates your commitment to real estate as a career.

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Industry Recognition

To become licenced as a property manager you will need to undertake a certificate of registration or a licensing program, depending on your state.

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Getting a job after graduation

Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your real estate career. Take a look at our sample resume and cover letter and put your best foot forward when you apply for real estate jobs.

Job Prospects and Salaries

With the property market going well, employment for property managers has risen by 19.5% over the past 5 years, and is expected to grow strongly for the next few years.

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