Buildium’s Property Management Industry Report distills the perspectives of thousands of property managers, rental owners, and residents into a single resource.
In this year’s research, we take an in-depth look at the forces reshaping the industry right now—equipping you with the knowledge to adapt, compete, and thrive in a shifting market.
Here’s a preview of major trends we uncovered:
TREND 1:
AI and automation are unlocking efficiency
Technology has always helped property managers streamline operations—but in 2026, AI and automation are moving from nice-to-have to mission-critical. More companies are experimenting with AI to cut costs, improve workflows, and free up staff time for higher-value work. While adoption is still early, the momentum is undeniable.
 |
KEY FINDING:
AI adoption jumped from 20% in 2024 to 58% in 2025, though only 8% of companies have been able to fully automate any processes. |
TREND 2:
Preventative maintenance proves value
More property managers are finding that proactive maintenance is one of the clearest ways to show value to owners. By preventing costly emergencies and reducing downtime, these services lower expenses, build trust, and improve resident retention.
|
KEY FINDING:
56% of owners say maintenance support is the main reason they hired a property manager, and it’s their #1 source of stress. |
TREND 3:
Tenant quality is the top challenge
Tenant quality has ranked as the #1 challenge for property managers for two years in a row—and the pressure is only intensifying. Rising rental fraud and affordability issues make it harder to attract and retain reliable residents, which has ripple effects for owners.
|
KEY FINDING:
75% of property managers reported an increase in rental fraud last year, making screening tools a must-have. |
TREND 4:
Growth is increasingly about balance
Portfolio expansion is still a top priority—but in 2026, the most successful companies are scaling with intention. Instead of chasing every opportunity, successful property managers are focusing on “right-fit” clients, letting go of resource-heavy accounts, and upselling into subscription services that strengthen relationships and margins.
|
KEY FINDING:
75% of property managers plan to grow in 2026, but only 55% expanded in 2025. |
Why download the full report?
The 2026 Property Management Industry Report goes deeper into these four trends (and many others) and what they mean for your business. Inside, you’ll find:
- In-depth analysis of growth strategies in an uncertain economy
- How property managers are actually using AI today (and where the untapped potential lies)
- Data-backed insights into what owners expect from maintenance performance
- How tenant screening and resident experience intersect to protect portfolios
- Perspectives from property managers, owners, and residents nationwide
