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In a rapidly changing world, property managers are increasingly asking themselves a critical question: am I still on the right platform?
Technology is now central to competitive advantage in real estate. The right system can deliver efficiency gains that transform an agency’s performance. Conversely, clinging to outdated platforms can erode service standards, profitability, and even staff retention.
What may have been a good decision to adopt a particular system some years ago may no longer stack up. A new breed of next-generation platforms has radically changed the capabilities available to property managers, leasing agents, and BDMs, who are now operating in leaner, more efficient businesses.
The Limits of Legacy Platforms
The industry is rapidly moving on from traditional trust accounting software, yet a significant number of agencies remain reliant on legacy systems. The real question is whether to stay with what you know, or to embrace one of the new, intuitive, automated operating systems that are giving other agencies an edge.
Managed COO Rohith George said the first step for any principal or property manager is clarity.
“The first question to ask is: what are the specific pain points I want to address in my business right now? If you can’t pin down a single clear reason to move, you may be better staying where you are. The risks of disrupting your team may outweigh the benefits if you can’t articulate why you are enforcing change.”
Key Indicators That It’s Time to Change
Over six years at Managed, George has helped hundreds of agencies successfully transition from trust accounting software to a next-generation operating system. From that experience, he has identified the critical indicators that signal when it’s time to upgrade.
1. Efficiency
If repetitive manual tasks are consuming your team’s time, you’re likely paying too high a price. Modern systems can automate as much as 40 per cent of a PM’s workload. Integration should be seamless, payments automated, and end-of-month reconciliations a thing of the past. Time spent on manual tasks that can be automated is simply time wasted.
2. Retention and Recruitment
Agencies across Australia are struggling to attract and retain experienced property managers. Those who mastered trust accounting are becoming a rarity — and costly to replace. Today’s graduates and younger professionals expect fast, intuitive technology. Outdated systems not only increase stress, but also make it harder to recruit and retain talent.
3. Empowering BDMs
Winning new landlords depends on more than service and reputation. Agencies on legacy software often lose ground because of clunky owner-facing experiences. Next-generation platforms like Managed offer instant, secure payments to owners, paired with intuitive portals. For BDMs, this can be the critical edge in competitive pitches.
4. Profitability
Margins matter. The right platform can deliver the same — or greater — rent roll performance with fewer hours and lower staffing costs. For agencies under financial pressure, smarter systems provide a more stable foundation for growth.
Managing the Transition
Considering a software change can be daunting. Agencies with thousands of properties, as well as those just starting out, have made the switch successfully — but the process requires clarity and planning.
George said that success lies in team engagement.
“Few of us like change. But when the team is well-informed and part of the process, the transition is smoother and the benefits quickly outweigh the challenges. The key is to be clear on the problem you’re solving and then partner with the right provider.”
The Bottom Line
Property management technology is no longer a background choice — it is a strategic decision that directly impacts efficiency, recruitment, client experience, and profitability.
With one in three Australians living in rental housing, the performance of the property management sector has never been more important. Agencies that equip themselves with next-generation platforms will not only run more effectively, but also stand out in a crowded and competitive market.
To explore whether a next-generation platform like Managed could be a fit for your agency, book a discovery session today.
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