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As multifamily operators jump into 2026, one reality is unavoidable: costs are rising  across nearly every line item. From inflation-driven operating expenses and persistent labor shortages to escalating material prices and insurance premiums, housing providers are under pressure to do more with less, without compromising resident experience or asset performance. While these challenges are complex, they aren’t insurmountable. With proactive budgeting, stronger vendor partners

The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is poised for another transformative year in 2026. Between evolving tenant expectations, technological acceleration, and shifting economic pressures, operational agility will be essential for success. Property owners and operators who anticipate and adapt to these trends will be best positioned to maximize asset performance, improve occupant satisfaction, and sustain long-term value. Top Operational Trends Shaping CRE in 2026 Integrat

In 2026, property management goes beyond maintaining buildings and satisfying tenants. It is about using technology to increase efficiency, improve experiences, and make operations more resilient for the future. As PropTech continues to transform the real estate landscape, property managers who adopt digital tools and strengthen their technology skills are better positioned to succeed both professionally and operationally. Whether you manage multifamily communities, commercia

The way people live and work has fundamentally changed, particularly over the past 6 years. What started as a temporary shift during the pandemic has evolved into a long-term expectation: residents want homes and communities that support remote and hybrid work. For property managers and owners, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge in how to design, market, and manage communities that truly meet work-from-home (WFH) needs while remaining competitive in a crowded m

As we step into 2026, property management leaders are moving from reflection to execution. The challenges of recent years have reshaped how teams operate, and the focus now is on building smarter, more resilient organizations that can scale without burning out staff or budgets. To better understand what’s driving decision-making this year, we asked our LinkedIn community a simple question: What’s your top operational priority heading into 2026? The responses offer a clear sna

As we turn the page on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, rental market dynamics continue to evolve in ways that matter deeply for property managers, investors, and real estate professionals. By analyzing demand trends, neighborhood competitiveness, and renter profiles from 2025, stakeholders can position themselves to capitalize on shifting preferences and emerging hotspots in the coming year. Renter Demand in 2026 1. 2025’s Rental Market: A Data-Driven Foundation Across the Unite

Winter's colder weather introduces operational risks that can quickly impact resident satisfaction, property safety, and budgets if teams aren’t properly prepared. From frozen pipes and heating failures to snow removal and emergency coverage gaps, winter stresses every aspect of property operations. The most resilient properties don’t just winterize their buildings; they winter-proof their staffing and processes. Here’s how property managers can stay ahead of winter challenge

As 2025 comes to a close, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) leaders are taking stock of a year defined by cautious optimism, operational pressure, and a workforce that continues to evolve. Office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use portfolios each faced unique headwinds, but a few universal themes emerged: margins tightened, tenant expectations increased, technology adoption accelerated, and staffing models were forced to adapt. Looking ahead to 2026, the organizations that perform

The start of a new year brings a powerful opportunity for job seekers to reset, refocus, and secure rewarding work in 2026. Whether you’re launching your career, shifting industries, or seeking growth in your current field, January start dates are especially attractive to employers ready to kick off ambitious initiatives, particularly in the property management sector. Property Management Hiring Trends This January The property management industry remains resilient as demand

Smart amenities have quickly shifted from “nice to have” to “expected.” From smart locks and package lockers to EV charging stations, access control, and AI-powered leasing tools, today’s residents want convenience, connectivity, and seamless experiences. But while properties continue to invest heavily in technology, one critical piece is often overlooked: the people required to support it. The reality is simple: smart amenities only perform as well as the teams managing them

2025 was a year of quiet shifts that will define how multifamily operators compete in 2026. Rent growth cooled, occupancy softened in pockets, resident expectations moved even further into digital and convenience-first territory, and staffing crunches forced operators to rethink how — and who — keeps communities running. If you want your portfolio to win in 2026, start acting now. Below are the operational takeaways that should be in everyone's playbook for next year. Multifa

The apartment and multifamily housing industry is undergoing rapid transformation. According to a recent report by the National Apartment Association (NAA) , sponsored by MRI Software, many operators are wrestling with rising operating expenses, labor shortages, and mounting pressure to deliver high-quality resident services, all while modernizing and centralizing operations across portfolios. As a result, the bar for staffing has risen. It’s no longer enough to fill traditio

The holiday season can be a double-edged sword for commercial real estate (CRE) property managers. On one hand, it’s a festive time when staff and tenants alike deserve a break. On the other hand, reduced occupancy, seasonal closures, and unexpected maintenance emergencies can put pressure on already lean teams. Successfully navigating these weeks requires strategic planning to maintain property operations without overstaffing or burning out your team. Understanding the CRE S

ESG is becoming a critical factor for both multifamily owners and operators. Residents expect healthier, lower-cost homes; investors seek resilient, lower-risk assets; and regulators and corporate buyers are demanding greater transparency. In 2026, properties that can credibly demonstrate ESG performance will stand out with higher occupancy, rent premiums, and reduced regulatory and financing risks. Explore why ESG matters for multifamily  now more than ever, how PropTech mak

Winter brings festive energy, cooler temperatures, and increased resident activity indoors. But it also ushers in elevated risks for multifamily communities. Heating systems work overtime, holiday décor creates an added electrical load, and severe weather can disrupt essential systems. For property managers, this season calls for heightened vigilance, proactive planning, and strategic fire watch support when needed. Below are practical, timely strategies to keep residents saf

The holiday season is one of the most joyful and operationally complex times of the year for multifamily communities. Package volume skyrockets, guest traffic increases, maintenance requests shift with cold-weather needs, and residents expect elevated service as they host friends and family. Concierge services play a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly while enhancing the resident experience when it matters most. Here’s how thoughtful concierge support can tr

As the 2025 holiday season ramps up, one trend is dominating workforce conversations: seasonal hiring is unusually weak across the U.S. According to recent reporting from The Washington Post , employers across multiple industries are scaling back holiday hiring plans in response to softened demand, tighter budgets, and a continued push toward operational efficiency. And property management teams are feeling it too. To understand how the industry is responding, we launched a L

The holiday season is an exciting time for residents, but it’s also one of the busiest for property managers. Increased package deliveries, higher foot traffic, and elevated maintenance requests can put your staff under immense pressure. Without the right preparation, these seasonal spikes can affect resident satisfaction and operational efficiency. That’s where flexible staffing comes in. By adjusting your workforce to meet seasonal demands, you can maintain a smooth, stress

The final months of the year bring a unique set of challenges for commercial real estate (CRE) teams. Between vacation requests, seasonal traffic spikes, and year-end operational demands, keeping properties fully staffed can feel like trying to solve a moving puzzle. Yet, with proactive planning and smart workforce strategies, CRE teams can navigate this period smoothly and ensure seamless operations. A Holiday Staffing Guide for CRE Teams 1. Anticipate PTO and Leave Gaps Ear

Multifamily property management comes with a unique set of challenges. And while many focus on occupancy rates, rent collection, or resident satisfaction, environmental threats often fly under the radar until it’s too late. From hoarding and fentanyl contamination to Legionella outbreaks and asbestos exposure, these hazards can pose serious health and safety risks to residents and staff alike. Understanding them and preparing in advance is critical for protecting your communi