How to Start a Property Management Business

Property business is highly competitive so how to make an entry to this arena? How to start and run a profitable property management services company. Read more to find helpful tips on selecting a place, clients to run this professional property/real estate management business.

People who have a background in real estate or those who have had considerable experience in property administration would find it a good idea to start a property management services business particularly because the property management business industry can be very profitable.

The opportunity to start a property management company, however, is not only limited to those experienced in providing property management services. The business is open and available for everyone who is willing to learn to be competitive in operating a property management business. Here are some of the things that you will find helpful if you are planning to start a property management business:

What You Need to Start a Property Management Business

You will basically provide services in a property management company so you will find it a great idea to get the necessary training if you want to provide property management services. It will be great if you have had your training while working for another property management services business but if you haven’t got the experience, it is best that you consider taking up property management training and certification courses. What you will learn from the training programs will be helpful for you to efficiently provide property management business services to your clients.

Potential Profits from a Property Management Business

Your potential profit from a property management business will depend on the length of time that you have stayed in the business and the type of property management business that you operate. Property management business operators who have been in the industry for some time may have more contacts and more regular clients which can provide them good profits. You will more likely earn less if you operate your property management business on a part time basis. Generally though, you can expect to earn at least $25 to up to $40 in an hour. The rate, however, will still depend on the type of the property you are tasked to manage and the kind of services that you property management business provides.

A property management services business is a good venture that you can engage in specially if you have a background or interest in property administration. You will basically need training for you to be able to provide the best services to your clients but your investment in your training can eventually be recouped given the potential profits that you can earn from a property management company.

72 Comments

  • prudence said on December 3, 2008
    Hi, I would like to start my own business.
  • murad said on December 26, 2008
    Hi, I would like to start a property business.
  • Donovan said on December 28, 2008
    Hi there, my name is Donovan, and I have been in the construction field for a while. I want to start a Property Management business. Therefore it would be much appreciated if I could get more info on how to start one and what i need to study to make it successful. My contact details are--> dgcoyneglobaltrading@gmail.com
  • Sunil Nair said on March 8, 2009
    Hi all, I have one business Idea. Project --- Home Service - Real State Retail, I will brief you about the Project if someone really interested. Regds, Sunil Nair
  • wanda said on March 16, 2009
    Hello, this is Wanda and I wanted to obtain some information about starting a Property Management company. I have a Real Estate Sales background. thanks,
  • Etienne said on March 17, 2009
    Hi there, I work as a Maintenance Manager at property management company that specialise in short term letting in Cape Town, I would like some info on how to start my own property management business and combine it with facilities management to companies that wants to outsource their facilities management. Thanks
  • Kathy Pilcher said on March 19, 2009
    Anyone want to start a business, let me know, I own a real estate consulting business, and a small business consulting firm, I've started my property management business this year as well, for questions, email me: entrepreneurfyi@gmail.com
  • Paul Lerner said on May 20, 2009
    Hi, I am a property manager and a real estate agent. I work for a large property management company, but now I would like to start my own property management business. Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect, and what things I have to do to get started?
  • Cleresa Keller said on May 23, 2009
    Hi Kathy, I have been in the apartment industry for 7 years I have my CAM certification as well as my license. I am wanting to start my own property management company. Can you give me some pointers?
  • Crystal Wilson said on May 26, 2009
    Hi, my name is Crystal and I have been in the apartment business for 5 years. I am in the process of taking the CAM class and I eventually want to start my own property management. How do I get started?
  • Sharon Smith said on December 3, 2009
    Hi there my name is sharon smith and i am currently looking for some open minded people with some great business ideas that i can invest in. i don't need a partner i just have the money to open a business and god blessed me therefore i want to invest in some one else's interest. I would only be a silent partner. I am from Dallas, TX 75221, my email address is realone376@yahoo.com
  • Kay Hubbard said on January 4, 2010
    Kay's Properties & Management. Hi My name is Kay and I want to start a property management business here in Jackson, Ms but I have so many question. How will I get clients, customer, and fund for my business. I want a web site but can pay for it right now. I'm unemployed and I will like the only want for me to keep a job is to make a job for me. Something that I love to do. I'm good with helping people. And focus on helping low income family. Please help me I don't know who to go to.
  • Judith Simmons said on April 23, 2010
    Orlando, FL. In this market, I have decided it is better to become an entrepreneur than to be seeking a job. My area of interest is in Property Management but I do not want to invest money in a market that is already over flowed with this type of business. Any advice?
  • James Davidson said on August 1, 2010
    London. Hi my name is James and I have recently started my Property Lettings Business in London. I'm keen to expand my business in different countries. No experience is necessary as you can learn the trade on the job. We are currently developing our brand in London. My email address is james_property@hotmail.co.uk
  • Veena goel said on September 15, 2010
    I want to start property buisness in chandigarh how you can help me as this time i am in different buisness how you can help me
  • Gurinder Singh said on September 18, 2010
    Hi, myself is Gurinder Singh, i want to start my own private property management business. i am looking for the tips that could help me to bring me in the business. thanks, Gurinder
  • Rye said on October 11, 2010
    Hello there, Can you please help me as I have always been interesting in property management business and I own few properties myself. I have know knowledge how this type of business runs I can do with a bit of help. Thanks
  • Allen Howard said on December 6, 2010
    Hello, my name is Allen Howard and I have been in the property management industry for over seven years, I'm looking for information on starting up my property management business to ensure the fact that I'm not missing nothing before I launch my company. expected launch date is 01-2011
  • Peter Todenhagen said on January 2, 2011
    I just started a property management company in Buffalo, New York. The rental market and overall real estate market are very strong in the area. I'm looking for some advice and ideas on how to best market and reach potential clients. Thanks for any help.
  • Tresza Barnett said on January 20, 2011
    Hello, my name is Tresza Barnett. I have worked in the property management field for approx. 22 years. I would like to start my own management firm. I work in the Boston, MA area. I am having difficulties with the actual start up. What I need to do 1st, 2nd, etc. Any help/advice is appreciated.
  • Helmut . H. Martin said on January 25, 2011
    My brother and I want to venture into property development.We have already acquired a few erven in some parts of the country. I also want to take up real estate agency courses and don't no whether this will be helpful in anyway. We are halfway through the proses of applying for the necessary approval from the local authorities to start with the development of these erven. What advise do you have in regard to how i should start training myself as i don't have any experience in this type of business. My brother is a civil engineer running his own consultancy of which i am part of, but i am in the property development section which has still to get off the ground. Please advise. One more thing. I hope to get an answer on this and the other questions as well as this is very important to me. Thank you so much. Martin.
  • Jeffrey said on January 27, 2011
    Atlanta, GA. I am looking to start a property management company all over the east coast, starting with GA very soon. I have the background in property management, but what type of education do I need to operate the business successful? I would love more advice. Thank you.
  • jim said on February 8, 2011
    id like to get more info property management business. Michigan
  • Rupert Flores said on February 17, 2011
    Hi. I would like to ask what are the license /permits or list of requirements needed to start a property care/ property management company. I'm from Makati City, Philippines. Hoping for your positive response. Thank you....
  • Debra said on February 19, 2011
    I have been in Property Management for 14yrs and I am CAM certified, I am looking for some information on how to start my own company. I live in Atlanta. Thank you
  • Joan said on April 1, 2011
    Hello, I have have worked in Property Management for over 12 years and I have now started my own property management company i would like to know how do i get clients i need to know where to start
  • Sonika Mc Arthy said on May 4, 2011
    Hi, I have been with a Real Estate Company for nearly 2 years, mainly concentrating on the letting of properties. I have obtained a Federal Fund Certificate as well as completed the NQF 4 exams. I would now like to start my own Property Management Service in the Mpumalanga Area in South Africa. Can you please advice how to get this off the ground. I have been offered my first complex and would like to start a s a p. Please advise what steps to take. Thank you
  • Patick said on May 13, 2011
    Hi, i am studying Project management, Public Administration and logistics Management for a three year degree, and now am having a logistics degree which now am working for government department to manage assets. which i have seen as an advantage for experience to start my Property and Logistic Management business. please advise me on what steps should i take. thank you
  • Mayank Malik said on July 1, 2011
    Want to start a business of my own at zirakpur ( Nearby Chandigarh) , booming property prices and prospective location for corporate companies & banks ..
  • A C Barnes / Joseph Lafontaine said on July 4, 2011
    We have started a property management business within the last year and a half.It is a great opportunity which can be very lucrative, but it also come with a significant amount of challenges. You have to enjoy the business as it can be better than working with buyers who refuse to listen to your professional expertise. We are located in South Florida, Miramar, Pembroke Pines area.
  • Inandoutprojects said on July 12, 2011
    Hi we like to start a property management office in clermont fl could you tell us where to start?thanks
  • Mohammed Kaleem said on July 21, 2011
    Hello am Doing Property Marketing services in Bangalore by Name Aithena Properties and I want to start into property Management. We have already Seen a few Layout project in Devanahalli Bangalore which builders are Not Maintained the Layout. We are halfway through the proses of applying for the necessary approval from the local authorities to start with the Management Services of these even. What advise do you have in regard to how i should start training myself as i don't have any experience in this type of business. which has still to get off the ground. Please advise. One more thing. I hope to get an answer on this and the other questions as well as this is very important to me. Thank you so much. Mohammed Kaleem.
  • Osazemwinde Efosa said on October 26, 2011
    HI, will like to know how to start property management business
  • Robert Cunningham said on October 26, 2011
    Hello, my name is Robert and I am into real estate. I would like to get more information if at all possible to open my own property management company in Florida. Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
  • Jahson said on November 24, 2011
    I am in Houston, TX and currently in real estate. I would like to get more information on opening, marketing and running a property management company very soon. Can you help?
  • glenda dougan said on January 23, 2012
    Hi my name is Glenda my husband and I will like to start our own property management business we both have work for property management companies do we need a real estate license we live in west palm balm beach florida
  • John Fowler said on April 4, 2012
    I would now like to start my own Property Rental/Management Company in South Africa. Can you please advise how to get this off the ground. Please advise what steps to take. Thank you
  • BRYAN DERA said on April 13, 2012
    Hello, this is Bryan and I wanted to obtain some information about starting a Property Management company Johanessburg south africa. my company is registered already, I have a Real Estate Sales background. my email address is udeh29@yahoo.com thanks
  • Shik M Basha. said on April 13, 2012
    I want to start a Branded Home Building Property Business Firm in Andrapradesh, India. Especially in independent and Duplex Houses only. Because I will get job satisfaction in such. Basically I am Civil Engineer (B.Eng.),and having enough minimum building knowledge. I lost precious 5 years time and money in contract field. Now please suggest me whether it will be good or not, and if it is good which part of Andhra is suitable. please give any type of suggestions regarding region, costs, venture capitalists, investors, Architects, Elevation photos,etc.
  • Sammy said on May 4, 2012
    good day, i am from Durban and i am interested in starting up my own property management firm. could someone please give me some tips and feed back.
  • Caroline said on June 4, 2012
    M.N.O. Construction and Property Management. Originally I started out as a construction company of which I am a licensed general contractor and after researching the primary components of the basics to a property management company I hold all of them. I want to know how to get my foot in the door with property owners and to sell my company to be the management company.
  • MARY said on June 13, 2012
    I want to start my own block management company.and i am looking for a partner who has block management experience.
  • Buli said on July 12, 2012
    I would like to start a Property Management and Facility Management business, Could you please give me more information on starting the business. I am in South Africa.
  • Kimberly Jenkins said on August 11, 2012
    Hi, I am a licensed agent in the Houston, TX area and I also have 12+ years in property management. I would like more info on starting up a Property Management Co. Any advise would be most appreciated.
  • Princess Lucwaba said on October 12, 2012
    Hello there, I am interested in the property business. I always wanted to do it and now I'm sure about it. But I need some more information, like what course should I do to get licensed for it and how much does it cost, and how long. I only want to focus on renting out houses at the moment. please anyone who has this business or have some information that could help me. Email me @ nomababee@gmail.com. Thank you in advance. I am from Eastern Cape, In South Africa.
  • Ramokone Grace Sithole said on November 18, 2012
    Hi i would like to attend a course in property management, i am in Midrand Gauteng
  • Sihle Myeni said on November 21, 2012
    Hi i would like to get more information on how to start a property management business. I live in Durban, Berea/Musgrave area. I have no experience in this industry but i am willing to learn all the jargon & laws of the industry. Please help. Regards.
  • nisha said on December 3, 2012
    Hi i am keen on starting a property management business. I have no experience in this field but willing to learn. I live in Durban, KZN.
  • ariff said on December 21, 2012
    Hi I am currently a managing agent for an industrial property, for 5 landlords, each of them have atlest +-5 shops each which are being let out. I do their monthly accounts for them ie. water, electricity, sewer, levies etc. i also see to the maintenance of the building. i handle all payments which include their water, elec, sewer, meter readers. i also do their monthly statements and hand it out to them. i have been doing this for them for 3 yrs now, however i have no qualifications as a managing agent and i would like to now make this a fully fledged licensed business. i'm looking for someone who is willing to take me under their wing to teach me and help me accomplish this or if someone could tell me whats my way forward.( what should i study, where should i study what, what, should i do to make this a fully licensed business). Any help or all help would be highly appreciated. I am based in Johannesburg South Africa. Thank You Ariff Haniff 082 705 8931
  • Steven Cottner said on January 7, 2013
    Hello all, I am very interested in starting up my own property management company. I have a lot of field experience in the property management business including but not limited to (evictions, trash outs, grass cuts, paint removals, wire capping, made services, Initial Service Bundles... ect) and i am in the process of becoming a licensed agent of my own in the Metropolitan Orlando, Fl area. Feel Free to shoot me an email with any advice or if you are needing any work done in the Florida or Texas areas at steven.cottner@gmail.com
    p.s. I have a mobile car detailing business i have just started in the area if anyone is interested give me a call for pricing at (325) 864-2324 and ask for Steven
  • Sanele said on February 4, 2013
    Good day Sanele is my name, i would like to start my Property Administration Company. Please help me with more info.
  • morrow carol said on February 14, 2013
    Hi I'm living in Atlanta researching and trying to gather info on real estate, working in the field, without having to go to school for an agents certification in this state. Do you have any upcoming events in Atlanta, work wise? Thank you, C Morrow
  • sheila said on February 26, 2013
    Hi I am in Vancouver Canada I want to get into a property Management business. Need to know what licenses do I need. Does Vancouver have a good scope? Thanks Sheila
  • jobyjoseph said on February 28, 2013
    here am announce am planing to start a facility management business in India ,Kerala if any interested, investors or any one plant to start a same in there branch in Kerala the same fields please contact me Joby Joseph jobyjosephekp@gmail.com, regards
  • Jai said on March 17, 2013
    Hi, I have an interesting investment opportunity with a Tier-I builder based at Bangalore, with 18% assured return for 3 years and with buy back option. If any one interested kindly revert so that complete details can be shared, and a one to one meeting can be scheduled jgjohn@gmail.com
  • jahangeer said on April 4, 2013
    hi all i plan to start facilities management company in texas is any one guide me. thanks 00923212948318
  • Jorge said on April 11, 2013
    I would like some more information on how to start a property management business I currently own a pressure cleaning and painting business the name of my business is Jorge and Sons painting & Services Inc
  • Emeka Ajas said on April 22, 2013
    Hi, i am so pleased to read all the article and email request on this subject, i am really really in need of the right information to start up my Property Company here in South Africa as a Ground Root company in order to have a good foundation and a strong ground on the market as their are a lot giant names already in the Business, I will appreciate any little information to see this come through. Thanks, EMEKA
  • mthokozisi M said on September 11, 2013
    Hi . I have no qualification or property management background, but I would love to obtain some information on how to manage a property business, I have passion for it, it been a long time waiting now I really want to start my own, please give some ideas, thank you . My email is Mdletshemthokozisi@gamil.com
  • Linah Mafa said on November 12, 2013
    Hi, i am starting my own property rentals & property management complex, whoever i'm struggling with the marketing & approaching homeowners to start marketing their property, can you please advise me on how i can go about this. Thanx
  • Koena Jason Monyebodi said on November 22, 2013
    Hy I want to start my own property business, but I lack information ,what I have in mind is something to do with student accommodations nexto universities, thats how I want to start my business. Any one who can help please email me on koenajason@yahoo.com
  • Melissa said on July 5, 2014
    Kindly send me relevant info on starting up a property management company. Would like to know a step by step detailed procedure of getting this of the ground. What starting capital needed, what are some of the expenses? Melissa, South Africa, Durban
  • shaddy muia said on July 11, 2014
    Hae. i am shady and very much interested in venturing into this business. how much is the capital and what challenges should I expect???
  • TREVOR said on July 15, 2014
    Hi My Name is Trevor , i'm currently a property manager ,managing a combination of different properties, doing everything from A-Z . I will like to start my own business as well as study property management further. Can someone give me some advice or point me off in the right direction. Thanks ,Durban
  • mgejume Peter said on July 28, 2014
    Hi, I'm Peter! I read statistics and had been in construction industry for over ten years now, I want to start property development & management company in the city of Port Harcourt Nigeria west africa
  • Jo-Anne Oliveri said on November 21, 2014
    Hi, if you are interested in starting a property management business or improving your current business then please reach out to me. I am passionate about improving the operational and service standards of the property management industry on a global scale and helping people to love property management.
  • YADURAJ said on November 27, 2014
    Hi @Shik M Basha! My seasons best wishes to you. I am YADURAJ from GUNTUR. If you are following the news New Andhra Pradesh State is going to have a new capital in my District, our Chief Minister has selected a place called TULLURU in my District.

    In and around TULLURU about 30,000 (Thirty Thousand) Acres of Agricultural Land has been ear marked and being procured by the Govt: from the farmers with certain beneficial packages in return to them by the Govt. for constructing the NEW CAPITAL (like Singapore, with all those Assembly hall, Secretariat, towering buildings, shopping malls, Buildings for MNCs, 5 star hotels, Bar&Restaurants etc.,) for this our Chief Minister has already visited Singapore and made Agreements for building and developing this area. (Right now he is in Japan for inviting them with investments and establishing industries). With this the prices here have sky rocketed from one to two million to 16 million within a span of 60 days and expected to cross 50 million rupees and more very shortly.

    Though it is only 30,000 Acres for Capital city initially, our CM has projected further development of areas in 100,000 Acres in second and third stages, eventually. A huge potential indeed to make moneys! Believe me, its a Life Time Opportunity. If you can rightly handle it, you can make a killing!

    At this juncture I have taken up the job of a Real Estate Consulting Business for Local/National/Global Investors in this part of the world. I would also like to partner with Global Players in this field. I welcome them with their investment for sure shot profits. Your interest in this area is solicited. My email: chayarajgnt@yahoo.co.in, mobile: 7893289475, 9160750278
  • Stew said on December 31, 2014
    Hey, I would like to start a property management company out of Massachusetts. What requirements/ licensing is needed? Any info would be great! Thanks!!
  • Gwen said on August 5, 2015
    I want to start a property management company in georgia. I would like to know what all I need to get started and do I or someone on my team has to be a broker? Please Help
  • Helder Amaral said on September 14, 2015
    Hi there, My name is Helder and I've been in construction, specifically in the high rise sector, for the past 17 years. I have a few properties of my own that I manage and am currently doing my real estate license in Ontario, Canada...Toronto to be more specific. For a few years I've been wanting to start my own property management business and get away from the intense work that I do physically. I've done some extensive research on this type of business and understand how many things work due to my own properties I own and have to maintain and rent out.

    I'd like to know if there is any information that you can help me with? What are some key components in starting a business like this and how do I charge clients when dealing with their properties? It seems that there are some suggestions on charging for the services but what do you think is the best plan of attack here so that I can create a profitable business and not have to rip people off. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon. Helder Amaral
  • Boniswa said on October 27, 2018
    Hi, I am interested in property investment, how can I start the property management company what are the requirements? Please help. I am in Pietermaritzburg, kzn
  • Wayne Victor said on January 9, 2019
    Hi, I have a cleaning and security business and have been involved in commercial and industrial sites for many years. I do a lot of work for property management companies and have decided to start my own property management company. I already have established offices, a name in the market, and a lot of connections with property owners. What qualifications and or know-hows do I need to start? Do I need to register with a body or property regulatory etc. Please help...

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