The Benefits of Early Appointment of Your Property Management Company

Opinion
Written By POD

When it comes to property development, every decision counts. From selecting the right architects to crafting your marketing strategy, your choices directly impact your reputation and return on investment. One area that developers often delay, sometimes until the last minute, is appointing a property management company.

At POD Management, we believe that early engagement with a reputable property management company is absolutely pivotal to the longevity of your development. Here, we explore why onboarding your managing agent well in advance leads to long-term success, higher resident satisfaction, and a better reputation for developers.

The Power of Early Appointment

1. Strategic Input from the Start

One of the biggest advantages of involving your property management company early on is the value of their insight during the planning and construction stages. At POD Management, our New Build Consultancy service allows us to contribute even before a single brick is laid. From advising on service charge structures to reviewing design for operational efficiency, we can help to future-proof your development.

Appointing a managing agent post-completion often means retrofitting processes that could have been optimised from day one. Early involvement ensures the estate is manageable, sustainable, and financially as sound as possible from the outset.

A great example of our strategic input was over at our Fisherton Street development, we identified a problem with the parcel room's location: when residents collected parcels, the concierge had to leave the desk unattended, delaying access for visitors and other resident queries. While adding a second staff member would solve this, it would increase costs. We recommended relocating the parcel room to reduce downtime, but when that wasn’t feasible, we implemented timed parcel collection aligned with staffing levels.

Seemingly minor design choices like this can significantly impact customer experience. New build consultancy helps developers deliver on promises and protect their reputation.

2. Service Charge Clarity

Service charges can be a contentious issue, especially when they’re not clearly defined. A professional property management company, like POD, can help create a transparent, fair, and future-proof service charge model. By accurately forecasting costs and advising on budget structures ahead of time, we avoid unexpected costs for residents and developers alike.

This transparency builds trust with potential residents (and sales agents), reducing queries, and the possibility of price misrepresentation. This automatically works to protect your reputation as a developer from day one.

3. Resident Experience from Day One

First impressions really matter. When residents move in, they expect systems to work, communal areas to be spotless, and queries to be answered promptly. Appointing a property management company late in the game can lead to rushed mobilisations, inconsistent service, and poor resident experiences.

With POD, early appointment means our team is able to prepare accordingly before residents arrive. We ensure building handovers are smooth, communication is clear, and every detail is accounted for. That consistency is what results in satisfied residents, again, boosting your long-term reputation as a developer.

Long-Term Relationships Build Long-Term Value

Choosing a property management company shouldn’t be viewed as ‘ticking another box’. It should be seen as forming an essential partnership that adds value over the long term.

At POD, we work to build relationships that feel like a partnership, not a contract. We work closely with developers to understand their brand, their goals, and their values, essentially becoming an extension of your team. Of course, we’re providing a service, but we welcome being a trusted advisor. 

This long-term approach also brings cost-efficiency. Whilst POD may not always be the cheapest option on the market, we believe we offer the greatest value. Our proactive management and thorough processes work to prevent costly issues down the line. This actually results in more for your money over time. 

On the subject of cost-efficiency, we believe in clear communication. If there is a necessary cost, we will always explain why it exists and how it’s calculated. It’s this level of transparency that strengthens relationships, resulting in those long-term partnerships. Whatever it may be, we ensure that every charge is justified and communicated in a way that fosters trust.

Enhancing Developer Reputation

As you’re likely aware, reputation is everything in property development. Potential buyers do their homework, residents talk, and online reviews leave a digital footprint. Appointing a high-quality property management company early demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to long-term success, not just short-term sales.

Lacklustre property management can reflect directly on the developer. It can impact future projects, resale values, and even planning applications. Conversely, excellent management will work to elevate your reputation and will build trust with stakeholders.

Furthermore, the Home Builders Federation, popularly labelled ‘the voice of the industry’, is where residents can review their home builder through buyer surveys. Naturally, developers strive for those five-star reviews because they directly impact sales and reputation. A five-star rating can be the difference between a buyer choosing one development over another, and a good managing agent understands that they play a crucial role in this.

As an award-winning property management company, we help our developer partners shine, long after the marketing banners come down. At POD, we know that happy homeowners mean better HBF ratings, and better ratings mean more successful developments. Our 4.5 star ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot, reflects our dedication and ability to deliver customer needs, queries or issues that may arise.

Make the Right Resident Impression

Before buying, potential owners will research everything, including who manages the building. Choosing a managing agent with a poor reputation can lead to sales falling through or negative sentiment spreading in online forums. Residents are not just evaluating location or interior design - they’re looking at additional costs and checking who will look after their home.

Appointing a reputable property management company like POD sends the right message that this is a development built for the long haul, not a quick profit.

Early Appointment with POD 

From consistent communication, transparency surrounding fees, better value for money, enhanced design or manageability, improved reputation and happy residents who trust your brand, the benefits of the early appointment of your property management company are invaluable.

At POD Management, we don’t just manage buildings, we build communities and exceed expectations every time. With a proactive approach, expert consultancy, and industry-leading service, we help developers deliver properties people are proud to call home.

Before your next development gets underway, be sure to onboard your property management company from day one to truly reap the benefits. If you’re looking for a long-term partner to assist in the smooth running of your properties this year, we’d love to help you. Contact us:

We look forward to hearing from you!

POD
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