If you’re looking for property management services, it’s important to understand the differences between commercial and residential properties. Whether you’re a property owner or a tenant, choosing the right property management agency is essential.
Property Group property management Perth can help you navigate the seemingly daunting world of property management. Simply get in touch with us today to learn how our experienced team can help you on your quest for seamless property management.
Types of properties
The primary difference between commercial and residential property management lies in the nature of the properties being managed. Each type of property has distinct characteristics, which in turn, affect the responsibilities and services provided by property managers. Here, we’ll provide a more detailed breakdown of the differences between residential and commercial property management.
Residential properties
Residential properties are living spaces designed for individuals or families. These properties generally fall into several categories:
- a) Single-family homes: Stand-alone properties that house one family or individual, often with a front and backyard.
- b) Apartments: Multi-unit buildings divided into individual residential units, which can be rented or owned (as in condominiums or strata properties).
- c) Townhouses: Terraced or row houses, which are individual residences that share one or more walls with adjacent units.
- d) Duplexes/triplexes: Buildings comprising two or three separate residential units, each with its entrance, sharing a common wall or floor/ceiling.
- e) Mobile homes: Manufactured homes designed for semi-permanent placement on land, which can be rented or owned.
Residential property management focuses on providing tenants with comfortable and safe living spaces, ensuring that properties are well-maintained and addressing any issues that may arise during the rental period.
Interested in learning more about how ProProperty Group can help you with residential property management? Read more about our services here.
Commercial properties
Commercial properties are non-residential spaces designed for businesses or organisations to operate. They encompass a wide variety of property types, including:
- a) Retail spaces: Storefronts, shopping centres, and malls where businesses sell goods or services to customers.
- b) Office buildings: Multi-tenant or single-tenant properties designed for businesses to carry out administrative, professional, or clerical work.
- c) Warehouses: Large, open spaces used for the storage, distribution, and handling of goods and materials.
- d) Hotels: Properties that provide accommodation and other services to travellers and guests, including boutique hotels, motels, and resorts.
- e) Industrial properties: Buildings and land used for manufacturing, processing, or producing goods, including factories and plants.
- f) Mixed-use properties: Developments that combine two or more property types, such as an apartment building with ground-level retail spaces or an office building with a hotel.
Commercial property management is focused on maximising the property’s value and profitability by attracting and retaining tenants, maintaining the property’s appearance and functionality, and addressing any legal or regulatory requirements.
A summary of the differences between commercial vs residential property management
The main difference between commercial and residential property management lies in the types of properties being managed and the unique needs and challenges associated with each. Residential properties are designed as living spaces for individuals and families, whereas commercial properties are non-residential spaces intended for business operations.
This distinction influences the services and responsibilities of property managers, who must adapt their strategies to cater to the specific requirements of each property type, including tenant acquisition and screening, lease negotiation, property maintenance, legal and regulatory compliance, and addressing market trends and challenges.
Tenants and lease agreements
Financial stability, industry performance, and the tenant’s ability to attract customers or clients to the property.
Lease negotiation
Lease negotiation in residential property management is generally more straightforward, with standard lease terms and co-residential property management typically dealing with individual tenants or families who sign short-term leases, usually ranging from six months to two years.
Commercial property management involves dealing with businesses or organisations, which often sign long-term leases from three to ten years or more. Commercial leases tend to be more complex and can include additional terms such as maintenance responsibilities, rent escalations, and options for lease renewals.
Tenant screening
Residential property managers focus on screening potential tenants based on their credit history, income, and rental history. In contrast, commercial property managers evaluate businesses’ conditions. Commercial lease negotiation involves a more complex process, which may include provisions for tenant improvements, rent escalation clauses, subleasing, and options for lease renewals or extensions.
Property management services:
Both commercial and residential property managers offer a range of services to ensure the smooth running of properties. These services may include:
- Tenant acquisition and screening
- Lease negotiation and enforcement
- Rent collection
- Property maintenance and repairs
- Managing tenant complaints
- Marketing and advertising
However, commercial property managers may also provide additional services such as:
- Lease negotiation for tenant improvements
- Space planning and design
- Management of common areas
- Coordination of tenant build-outs
- Managing commercial property-specific compliance, such as environmental regulations
Choose ProProperty Group if you want to get the most bang for your buck in terms of the services offered in this competitive market.
Legal and regulatory compliance:
Residential property managers must adhere to specific rules and regulations governing residential tenancies, such as the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989 (WA). Commercial property managers, on the other hand, must navigate different legal requirements related to business tenancies, zoning, and building codes.
a) Residential property regulations
Property managers in the residential sector must comply with laws related to tenant rights, property condition standards, and rental increases. They must also ensure that proper safety measures are in place, such as smoke detectors and pool safety regulations.
b) Commercial property regulations
Commercial property managers must be aware of zoning laws, building codes, and any industry-specific regulations that may affect the businesses operating on the premises. They must also address environmental compliance and accessibility requirements, such as those outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).
Market trends and challenges
The property market in Western Australia, particularly in cities such as Perth, is constantly evolving. Experienced residential and commercial property managers, such as ProProperty Group real estate agency Perth, must stay up to date with local market conditions, rental rates, and housing demand. Commercial property managers must be aware of broader economic trends, as well as shifts in the local business landscape.
a) Residential market trends:
Residential property managers must stay informed about trends in housing prices, rental demand, and demographic shifts. They must also be aware of changes in government policies and regulations that can impact the residential property market, such as changes to negative gearing, stamp duty, or first-home buyer incentives. This knowledge helps property managers provide accurate rental appraisals and adapt their marketing strategies to attract the right tenants.
b) Commercial market trends:
Commercial property managers must stay abreast of local and global economic trends, as these can significantly influence the demand for commercial spaces. Factors such as new infrastructure projects, changes in consumer preferences, and the growth of online shopping can all impact the commercial property market. Managers must also be aware of industry-specific trends, such as the increasing demand for co-working spaces or the decline in traditional brick-and-mortar retail.
Opportunities and challenges in the Western Australian property market:
Opportunities and challenges in the Western Australian property market can vary significantly between the residential and commercial sectors. For example, the recent mining boom has had a significant impact on both property markets, with increased demand for housing and commercial spaces.
However, subsequent downturns can lead to higher vacancy rates and increased competition among property managers to attract and retain tenants—this makes it all the more important to choose a trusted property management agency such as ProProperty Group.
Residential property opportunities and challenges:
The Western Australian residential property market has experienced cycles of growth and decline, with periods of high demand and rapid price increases followed by periods of oversupply and stagnation. Property managers must be adaptable and prepared to adjust their strategies to suit changing market conditions. They must also work to maintain good relationships with tenants, as high tenant turnover can lead to increased vacancy rates and lost rental income.
Commercial property opportunities and challenges
The commercial real estate Perth market in Western Australia has its own set of unique challenges, such as the need to attract and retain businesses during economic downturns. Commercial property managers must be proactive in monitoring local economic conditions and offering flexible lease terms or incentives to attract and retain tenants. They must also be prepared to deal with the increased complexity and regulations associated with managing commercial properties, such as zoning laws and environmental compliance.
Final words
Whether you own commercial or residential properties, ProProperty Group can provide the expert property management services you need. From tenant acquisition and screening to lease negotiation, rent collection, and compliance, our team has the knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your investment. Contact ProProperty Group today to learn more about their comprehensive property management services.
