8 Property Management Trends to Watch for in 2025
- DrizzleX
- Jul 25, 2025
- 8 min read
The way we manage rental properties is changing fast. New tools, smarter systems, and improved data are helping property owners and managers do more with less effort. From self-guided tours to AI property management software, technology is playing a big role.
In this article, we’ll go over eight property management trends that every owner and manager should know. These emerging trends can help you stay ahead and also keep your tenants happy.
1. AI, Automation, and Cloud-Based Apps
AI and automation tools are now taking over repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency and allowing managers to do their jobs with less hassle.
In fact, 67% of real estate investors already use property management software that combines rent payments, maintenance requests, tenant portals, and virtual tours into one system.
Cloud-based apps make it easy to manage everything from a laptop or phone, whether at the office or on the move.
AI is also making a big impact. About 65% of property management companies now use AI-powered tenant-screening tools. These help speed up tenant selection and cut down on manual paperwork.
Many also use AI chatbots to answer tenant questions, collect rent, and schedule repairs automatically. This reduces response times and gives managers more time to focus on big-picture tasks.
The demand for these tools is rising fast. Experts say the global property management software market was valued at $24.18 billion in 2024.
It’s projected to grow to $26.55 billion in 2025, and reach over $52 billion by 2032. This shows how more owners are turning to cloud and AI tools to save time and reduce stress.
2. Increasing Reliance on Virtual Assistants
This year, more property management companies are leaning on virtual assistants and remote teams to take care of daily tasks. These include tenant messages, scheduling maintenance, bookkeeping, and other office work that takes up time.
Using remote support helps cut costs. Many companies find it mo re affordable than hiring full-time, on-site staff.
In fact, property management firms often report saving up to 75% on administrative overhead costs by working with virtual assistants instead.
At the same time, this approach frees up property managers to focus on big-picture goals instead of daily admin work.
Some focus on growing their portfolio of commercial properties. Others use the extra time to improve the tenant experience or build stronger business systems.
Industry professionals who embrace this model tend to move faster and get more done without growing their overhead.
3. Manage Properties on the Go
Property managers no longer need to be tied to a desk. With the right tools, they can handle daily tasks from anywhere.
Modern multifamily property management apps make it easy to check on buildings, respond to issues, and connect with tenants using just a phone or laptop.
Here are a few apps property managers use to work on the go:
Buildium – Track payments, manage maintenance, and view tenant info from your phone
AppFolio – Handle leasing, work orders, and tenant communication in one app
RentRedi – Collect rent, screen tenants, and manage repairs
TenantCloud – Message tenants, manage leases, and view property info
Propertyware – Made for single-family and multifamily properties with strong mobile features
These tools help managers stay flexible and keep everything moving, no matter where they are. Mobile access also means faster response times and better service. Managers can walk a property, meet with tenants, or oversee repairs while staying connected to their system.
4. Greater Focus on Sustainability & Green Practices
Sustainability initiatives are becoming a regular part of property management. These efforts help lower costs, attract eco-conscious renters, and reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
Simple changes make a big difference. These changes can include:
Use energy-efficient appliances – Choose fridges, dishwashers, and washing machines that use less power. This lowers utility costs and helps the environment.
Install LED lighting – LED bulbs last longer and use less energy than regular bulbs. They’re an easy and affordable upgrade.
Switch to low-flow fixtures – Install water-saving toilets, faucets, and showerheads. These reduce water waste and help cut bills.
Smart thermostats – These let tenants control heating and cooling better. They help reduce wasted energy and lower utility costs.
Going even further, some properties are earning green certifications to show their commitment to sustainable property management. These steps not only help the planet but also appeal to tenants who care about living in greener homes.
5. Data-Driven Property Insights and Analytics
More property managers are using technology to gather valuable insights and data to run their buildings more efficiently. Smart systems help in many ways. They show details about rent payments, maintenance issues, and how tenants use the space.
For example, if a report shows that most late rent payments happen in the same building each month, the manager might switch to automated reminders or offer online payment options.
If maintenance data shows frequent problems with a certain pipe or unit, the team can fix the root issue before it becomes expensive.
Smart reports also help with budgeting. Managers can use a leak detection system to spot water waste early. Fixing it saved the building hundreds of dollars per month.
Choosing the right tenants also becomes easier. With tenant history data, managers can make better decisions about who to accept. This reduces turnover and improves community stability.
Protecting this data is important. Managers deal with private details like rent history, contact info, and lease agreements. That’s why using secure systems with encryption and regular backups is a must.
With the right tools and a data-driven approach, property managers can stay organized, improve efficiency, and achieve cost savings.
6. Smarter Check-Ins With Contactless Tech
Guests have grown accustomed to fast, easy service from arrival to departure. Contactless check-in, mobile access, and instant guest messaging are now seen as standard. These tools help save time, avoid long lines, and improve the overall experience.
Using technology for property management that can handle check-ins, send updates, and respond to requests automatically. This setup helps reduce costs by cutting down on staff time and manual work.
It also creates a smoother process for potential tenants, especially in buildings with short-term rentals or furnished units. People want a simple move-in and move-out process, with help available when needed.
By using contactless tools, property managers can meet those needs while keeping daily operations more efficient.
7. Expanding Property Types and Markets
Many property management companies are adding new types of properties, from traditional rentals to hotels, serviced apartments, and even unique stays like glamping or treehouses.
This shift reflects a need for growth. According to Buildium's latest Property Management Industry Survey, 31% of third-party managers plan to diversify their portfolios in the next two years.
Some are moving from single-family units to multifamily, while others are exploring commercial spaces or community associations.
These changes can bring in new revenue streams and help companies stay flexible as renter demands change. But they also come with new rules, tech needs, and customer expectations.
Managers looking to grow in this way must think about how to train staff, handle more complex operations, and use tools that support a wider mix of property types.
8. Smart Property Technology and IoT Devices
Smart home technology is changing how buildings are managed. They give tenants more control and help managers save time and energy.
Smart locks: These offer keyless entry via smartphones or codes, giving properties enhanced security and convenience. Property managers can grant or revoke access remotely without changing physical keys. The number of US homes using a smart lock is expected to reach 26.9 million by 2029.
Smart thermostats: Allow tenants remote temperature control and adapt to preferences to reduce energy consumption. Research shows they can lower cooling costs by up to 15% and heating bills by 12%, making it easier for tenants and property managers to reduce utility expenses.
Water-saving IoT sensors: These detect leaks early, track consumption, and send alerts to prevent damage and reduce water bills.
The growth of IoT in real estate means more connected devices working together to improve building performance. Smart tech is now a key part of running properties efficiently.
Smarter Utility Management for Your Property With DrizzleX
Staying on top of water use shouldn’t be hard. DrizzleX helps you spot problems early, cut down on waste, and charge tenants fairly based on real data.
You get instant leak alerts, monthly usage reports, and AI tools that help you plan ahead. It’s everything you need to take control of your plumbing without extra work.
Leak Alerts
DrizzleX keeps an eye on every unit in your building and lets you know the moment something is off. You’ll get an email with the exact apartment and fixture causing the issue, along with how much water is being lost.
No more waiting for the water bill to find out there’s a problem. You can act fast and stop the waste before it adds up.
How a 120-Unit DC Building Saved Over $33K on Water in 9 Months
A 120-unit apartment building in Washington, DC, cut its water bills by 20 percent and saved $33,643 in just nine months after using DrizzleX to track water usage from toilets and showers.
The building, home to 240 tenants, was using about 18,298 gallons of water each day. After installing DrizzleX, that number dropped to 14,609 gallons.
Average daily water use per tenant went from 76 gallons to 61 gallons. Monthly water costs per unit dropped from $118.24 to $94.40.
With a local water rate of $18.69 per HCF, the building saved about 1.3 HCF per unit every month. This shows how better water tracking can lead to big savings.
Usage Reports
DrizzleX gives you clear, easy-to-read reports that break down how much water each unit uses. These reports are helpful when talking to tenants about their water habits.
You can show them the numbers and help them understand how to use less. It’s a simple way to encourage conservation and avoid unnecessary costs.
AI Predictions
The system’s built-in AI looks at past water usage to predict what will happen next. You can see the expected use for each unit for the rest of the month and even two months ahead.
These predictions help you spot unusual patterns early, plan ahead, and stay one step ahead of high bills or plumbing issues.
Fair Billing
Instead of splitting the water bill across all units, DrizzleX lets you charge tenants based on their actual water use.
This makes billing more fair and helps tenants become more mindful of how much they use. It’s a smart way to reduce waste and make water costs more transparent.
FAQs About Property Management Trends
What is the forecast for property management?
The property management industry is going through a significant transformation. New property management trends are changing how managers handle different property types.
Technology, sustainability, and tenant needs are now a top priority. More managers are using property management software, artificial intelligence, and smart home tools to improve tenant satisfaction and streamline operations.
With rising interest rates, regulatory changes, and higher costs, these tools help save money while keeping tenants happy and properties running smoothly.
Is the property management industry growing?
Yes, the property management sector is growing fast, with rental market demand, co-working spaces, and energy efficiency now taking center stage. Property management professionals are shifting away from traditional methods.
They are relying more on real-time data, automated tools, and deeper insights to manage turnover costs, improve service quality, create their own property management industry reports, remain competitive in an evolving market, and keep savvy investors satisfied.
What are the five P's of property management?
The five P’s usually include People, Property, Promotion, Price, and Process. These help guide property management services in areas like managing properties, keeping tenant relations strong, responding to maintenance issues, and using historical data to make informed decisions.
Property managers rely on these pillars to enhance tenant satisfaction, boost profit margins, and support portfolio growth with smart management trends.
