This blog post relates to Rockend, one of our previous brands. For more information please read the press release.

As a testament to our commitment in providing our customers with great service experiences, we at Rockend have recently been awarded Contact Center of the Year (Medium) and Customer Service Executive of the Year (for Scott Downing- Chief Customer Officer) at the International Service Excellence Awards last January 21, 2019.

These awards are added feathers to our cap of customer service achievements, setting a world-class standard to customer service in the property management software space.

Continue reading “Rockend wins at the International Service Excellence Awards” →

This blog post relates to Rockend, one of our previous brands. For more information please read the press release.

Most people fear the uncertain, and for property managers this has never been more true.   In our The Voice of Australian Property Management Report, 58% of respondents agree that this unease is due to the growing expectations of tenants and owners and the uncertain property market.

These pressing issues are understandable for such a dynamic industry and they become even more magnified when businesses are inefficient with their operations and incapable to adapt to change.

We talked with Rose Kelly of Leading Focus on why being efficient and ready to adopt new ways to do business are the main challenges in the property management sector today and how the right property management system helps in addressing these challenges and turning them to viable opportunities.

Continue reading “The Main Challenges in Property Management Today” →

This blog post relates to Rockend, one of our previous brands. For more information please read the press release.

Start using your strata management software like a pro and get precious time back with our new online courses for Strata Master.

These interactive training courses are instructor-lead, meaning you can get the skills you need directly from a Rockend trainer, in the comfort of your office or lounge, in just one hour.

Continue reading “Introducing the New Online Strata Master Training” →

This blog post relates to Rockend, one of our previous brands. For more information please read the press release.

In the recent years, the rise of PropTech or Property Technology, has transformed the real estate industry and changed how agencies run their businesses.  It is no secret that those who remained competitive amidst this disruption are those that deployed modern technologies to cut operational costs, increase efficiencies and improve customer service.

In 2019, technology continues to be the driving force behind successful businesses in real estate, particularly those involved in property management.  As Tech Analysts set out their predictions for emerging technology trends this year, let’s take a look at how they can be applied in a property management software.

Continue reading “Property Management Tech Forecasts for 2019” →

In December 2018, MRI Software compiled and published results from its industry-wide survey in a report titled Charting UK Property Trends. Our series of blogs looks at the key findings, focusing here on the UK rental market.

With more than a fifth of the UK population now living in privately rented accommodation, the growth in the residential rental market is showing few signs of slowing. Indeed, our recent industry survey revealed that 77% of property professionals canvassed believe demand for rental properties will increase in the next 12-18 months – with as many as nine out of 10 saying that the private rented sector will become even more important to the overall UK housing sector during that the same period. But what’s driving this boom among ‘Generation Rent’, and what are the factors at play that are seeing them rent for longer?

One of the most obvious is the relatively high cost of home ownership; 82% of our respondents suggesting that buying conditions are unlikely to improve in the short-term. General economic uncertainty – particularly around Brexit – also has an influence as even those who have the financial power to buy may delay.

Yes, the reality is that rising house prices is a fundamental reason for the increased number of renters. But, in turn, as more people rent and the market expands, so too does the choice and quality available – making it a more attractive proposition. As eight out of 10 property professionals identify, because ‘Generation Rent’ is renting for longer they are driving demand for higher quality stock and a better resident experience. For example, our research shows that a highspeed broadband service is of paramount importance across various demographics, with proximity to public transport and accessible restaurants and bars also a requirement for the majority. And it’s clear that these elements are no longer ‘ideals’, they are expectations – and developments and properties that don’t deliver are at a clear disadvantage.

Another looming event that will impact the space is the government’s lettings fee ban. For renters who will no longer face the burden of various transactional fees, it will be just one more pro in the rental column – and yet more evidence that this fast-growing market is most certainly here to stay.

To find out more you can download the complete report here.

You can also listen to MRI’s Marketing Director for EMEA, James Lavery, discuss the report on an episode of the Building Success real estate podcast below:

The golden rule of “location, location, location” that has guided industry wisdom for years is no longer as simple as it seems. That principle has been asterisked dozens of times over to include clarifications regarding what kind of physical asset is being offered, whether or not the value proposition is worth it, and what kind of digital amenities are offered in any given commercial space.

On a recent episode of “Building Success: A Real Estate Podcast,” Dror Poleg of Rethinking Real Estate lays out how the commercial real estate industry is being changed by physical assets that have gone digital.

Disrupting a field dominated by physical assets with digital amenities

Physical assets are rapidly transforming into digital assets in the real estate industry, and an increase in technological advancement is at the core of this transition. In previous years, new talent, resources, and tenants could be drawn into a business with the promise of a good location on a particular street, comfortable physical amenities like chairs, and other physical assets. In today’s day and age, these things are no longer thought of as amenities and are considered a given. When a tenant hears the word “amenity” nowadays, they’re far more likely to envision digital and technological assets.

These technological assets can look like anything from special software programs, system capabilities, and the speed of Wi-Fi coverage. Digital assets have the power to completely change companies, and not just ones that rely technology to function. Take two large companies that went public in 2004 for example – Google and Domino’s Pizza. While Google relies mostly on the ever-changing flow of technology, one might be tempted to think that Domino’s did not inherently need big tech upgrades. However, with the addition of digital services that made ordering pizza easier for their customers, Domino’s stocks shot up by 2000%.

Space as a service

Of all the disruptive technologies that have risen in recent years, one of the most notable is “space as a service.” What initially started as a helpful tool for freelancers and millennials has now turned into a critical digital asset, and that’s good news for both tenants and managers in commercial real estate. With the increasing popularity of this digital asset, managers now have a chance to offer a new kind of space that can bring in significant business, and tenants have the opportunity to work on a more flexible basis.

With shared workspace companies like WeWork, the idea of space as a service goes far beyond established spaces specifically for office work. With brand new technologies, any space can be transformed into a digital workspace or even a quick rest spot. For example, a restaurant that’s closed on Sundays can bring in extra profit by flipping their space and setting up a shared workspace environment. Space as a service is the kind of disruptive digital asset that works for producers and consumers, and it’s the kind that players in CRE should be paying attention to.

How consumers will drive the market

The future of the commercial real estate industry is far broader than technology. Assets are becoming more dependent on operators. It’s no longer enough to have a great building in a great location, you’ve got to have a differentiated operator running that building. It’s all about adding value. New operators create value with how they run buildings, making a great working experience a must-have – not an amenity.

To learn more about commercial real estate, check out “Building Success: A Real Estate Podcast,” and also be sure to learn more about MRI Software’s offerings for commercial operators.

This blog post relates to Rockend, one of our previous brands. For more information please read the press release.

Digital myths – the 21st century equivalent to old wives’ tales – are shared far and wide and given extra credence when they’re matched with some faux research or a clever image that adds to their dubious credibility. But there’s plenty of research around that can help you navigate the waters of dodgy claims and digital myths.

Continue reading “6 Digital Myths Debunked” →

In December 2018, MRI Software compiled and published results from its industry-wide survey in a report titled Charting UK Property Trends. This blog looks at its findings related to Brexit.

Whatever the nature of the deal – or ‘no deal’, as the case could potentially still be – Brexit will undoubtedly dominate news headlines in the UK throughout 2019. It’s done so, almost continuously, since the referendum nearly three years ago – not a day going by that we don’t see a story on how the UK’s departure from the European Union is going to impact on a given industry, market or business type. Of course, the real estate sector will feel the ramifications of events both before and after the exit date of 29 March – but to what extent are property professionals concerned? The answer, which may surprise some, is a tentative ‘not very’.

Statistically speaking, only 24% (less than one in four) of respondents to the recent industry survey conducted and published by MRI said they believe that Brexit will seriously hamper access to funding for developments. Granted, it’s only one aspect of a wider picture – but it does start to paint an optimistic view. As does the fact that 62% believe Brexit will have a ‘minimal’ impact on the UK rental market – this despite more than half expecting house purchase prices to fall.

Discussing the report on the Building Success podcast, James Lavery – EMEA Marketing Director at MRI – puts the general positivity down to experience. He explains: “The property industry is subject to ups and downs – not just those we’ve witnessed in the past 10 years since the financial crash, but through many previous cycles. It’s not that the sector isn’t concerned by Brexit, but they’re saying ‘we know how to handle this’ – and looking at the opportunities it could provide, not just the associated threats.”

Yes, there is undoubtedly an underlying uncertainty that surrounds the process – and that creates concern – but, on the whole the property market is displaying confidence that it can ride out the bumps in the road Brexit will inevitably throw its way. Only in time will the full impact be seen, but for now the key players appear unfazed.

To find out more you can download the complete report here, and listen to James’s podcast in full below.