As we start 2025, multifamily property managers are looking ahead to the future of property technology. With ongoing staffing challenges, rising insurance costs, and an ever-growing demand for resident-focused solutions, technology is primed to continue playing an essential role in multifamily property management.
Here’s a look at the key trends set to shape the sector in 2025:
Technology and Staffing: A Centralized Approach
Staffing has always been a hurdle for multifamily property managers, and technology continues to play a critical role in bridging operational gaps. With centralization becoming increasingly accepted, and in many cases a portfolio standard, operators are using technology to address staffing shortages in leasing and maintenance. High turnover and skill gaps have long posed challenges at the site level, but by adopting automation, operators are creating more efficient, centralized ways of working. This trend not only reduces labor costs but also improves overall operational effectiveness.
As centralization becomes normalized, solutions such as remote access management, self-guided tours (SGTs), and enhanced security and video technologies will be more deeply relied upon to support property managers. This property tech will allow operators to confidently ensure the right people are in the right places at the right times across communities, even when they aren’t physically onsite. As a result, they’ll see an increased impact from staff who will have time freed up to focus on enhancing the prospect and resident experience across a broader scope of communities.
Self-Guided Tours: Widespread Adoption on the Horizon
Self-guided tour (SGT) technology will continue to increase in popularity, providing prospective residents a way to view properties independently. Wider acceptance across the multifamily space will be driven by enhancements in security, reporting, and CRM integrations, resulting in adoption by sub-segments that historically have been slower to adopt new technology.
Technology providers have been working hard on developing fraud mitigation tools, and with the introduction of protective features such as geofencing and digital ID verification, property managers are now more comfortable deploying these solutions across their portfolios.
Even in hybrid deployments, SGTs are poised to become a critical piece of the multifamily property manager solution set as they provide flexibility for prospective residents and reduced workload for leasing staff while being supported by enhanced security measures.
AI: Shifting from Hype to High-Impact Applications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in recent years, but its role in property management is evolving. In 2025, the focus will shift from AI as a marketing-driven buzzword to product-led, functional solutions that provide tangible benefits. The distinction between products that have inflated their use of AI and those that provide deep and real impact will become more evident. AI-enabled solutions like prospect communications tools and predictive analytics for building systems are current examples that are already adding value by improving the leasing experience and helping preempt potential property issues before they escalate.
AI is also playing a significant role in security. Perimeter video solutions can be enhanced to not only detect and alert property managers about unwanted activities, but to also include automated and contextualized voice responses to warn potential unwelcome visitors that they have been seen, encouraging them to move on.
Multifamily Insurance: Tech’s Role in Protecting Assets
Insurance costs remain a significant concern for owners and operators. While the rapid increases in policy costs over the past few years are starting to moderate, they aren’t expected to drop back to levels of years past anytime soon. As a result, technology will play a key role in managing risks and providing support for controlling insurance costs. For example, smart water management systems can detect leaks early and shut off flow to an affected unit, preventing water damage and lowering insurance premiums by reducing the frequency and severity of claims. Even in their simplest form, water detection systems can signal to insurers that the owners and operators are serious about their investments in preventative solutions that can preempt claims.
The implementation of mandatory security camera systems in multifamily buildings may also have an impact on insurance premiums. As we have seen over the past year, legislation has been introduced that requires apartment complexes and senior housing facilities to install and maintain security cameras to enhance resident safety and deter crime. Security measures, such as 24-hour surveillance and recorded footage retention, can mitigate risks associated with theft, vandalism, and liability claims. This can make properties more attractive to insurers, potentially leading to lower premiums or discounts for compliant buildings. In the long run, these systems could result in fewer claims, stabilizing or reducing insurance costs, and improving the overall safety and marketability of multifamily properties.
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