This article was first featured in our exclusive digital magazine, Rabie on the Go, July 2023 edition.
Read the full Rabie on the Go here: ROTG July 2023
“It might sound counterintuitive, but property is really all about people. Every step of the process revolves around relationships, and your success is made or destroyed by how you manage them. We’re a niche, hands-on property administration firm, providing a personalised service for listed property funds and individual investors, therefore, it is of utmost importance that all our staff are client centric whether you are the building manager, leasing administrator or portfolio manager. And then specific to property management, we need to be flexible, able to multi-task like a team of octopi and understand the complexities of each property type and the people who live, conduct business or work in them.”
Leigh Metcalf, Director
In its 25th year of business, RPA manages a diverse portfolio of 75 buildings over 485 000 square metres. Sectional Title buildings make up 40% of the portfolio under management, with a combination of offices, retail and mixed-use making up 60%. This equates to just short of R10bn worth of properties on behalf of its clients.
RPA has to apply a wide variety of expertise across its managed portfolio, which includes from mixed-use Sectional Title schemes such as Bridgewater in Century City to residential Home Owners’ Associations such as Clara Anna Fontein lifestyle estate. From commercial offices such as Santam in Tygervalley and Great Westerford in Newlands to retail such as Flamingo Square neighbourhood centre in Table View.
RPA ensures that investment growth is achieved through effective property management.
For commercial buildings, the team requires a comprehensive understanding of lease agreements, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the local commercial real estate market. Retail property management requires a keen understanding of consumer behaviour, market trends, and retail operations. This includes a proficiency in managing common areas and addressing security concerns, to attract foot traffic and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Financial acumen is vital in managing budgets, calculating operating expenses, and maintaining financial records
“Our teams must display a variety of skills to address the diversity of our properties under management, these include excellent organisational and multitasking abilities to handle various tasks simultaneously, exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills to address challenges that arise, and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders. Property managers should be knowledgeable about building codes, regulations, and legal requirements relevant to their respective building types. Furthermore, expertise in technology and property management software is becoming increasingly important for efficient operations, data analysis, and communication.” concludes Metcalf.
Get in touch:
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021 550 7000
