Human capital is what increases asset value. In the real estate management industry, both organizations and careers grow by properly "managing" not only properties but also human resources. 2025 is the year, and as the wave of technology transforms the industry, new career models are emerging, especially in Osaka. With the vision of "Toward a society where all people are rewarded for their brilliance through technology and creativity," INA&Associates Inc. is taking on the challenge of creating a real estate management system that overturns conventional wisdom.
What is property management: a profession that fosters asset value and human relationships
Real estate management is not merely the maintenance of buildings, but comprehensive management work to maximize asset value. It mainly consists of two main components: "rental management" and "building management." The former is responsible for building relationships between owners and tenants, contract management, and rent collection, while the latter is responsible for building maintenance and inspection, and planning and executing repair and maintenance plans.
A typical day of work includes responding to tenant inquiries, meeting with equipment suppliers, and preparing income and expenditure reports for the owner. The position requires mobility between the field and the office and the ability to communicate smoothly with a variety of stakeholders.
In addition to hard skills such as knowledge of real estate-related regulations and basic knowledge of construction and equipment, soft skills such as the ability to handle complaints and negotiate are essential for success. In recent years, IT skills that enable data analysis of managed properties have also become particularly important.
The basic qualification is a registered real estate transaction examiner (ryokken-shi), but those with national certifications such as chief administrator andrental real estate business administrator are also highly valued. These qualifications are highly valued in the job market and will be a powerful weapon for career advancement.
Osaka Property Management Market: New Possibilities Created by Expo 2025
The property management industry in Osaka is experiencing a special boom right now: property values are rising, especially in the city center, in anticipation of the 2025 Osaka Expo, and so are management needs. In fact, there are more than 16,000 "property management" related jobs in Osaka Prefecture, and demand for management positions in office buildings and commercial facilities, especially in the Kita and Chuo wards, is increasing.
One of Osaka's unique characteristics is the presence of a large number of community-based management companies. Unlike Tokyo's large capital firms, small and medium-sized management companies that are close to their clients are active and provide meticulous service. This is one of the unique strengths of Osaka, where human relationships are valued.
As for salary levels, the national average annual salary in the real estate and goods leasing industry is approximately 4.08 million yen, but it varies greatly depending on experience. In particular, salaries for managers and administrators rise to around 5-8 million yen, with even higher levels at major companies. One notable feature is the level of benefit packages, with many companies offering generous housing allowances, rent subsidies, and other housing-related benefits.
However, there are challenges. The property management industry in Osaka is aging, with approximately 50% of the workforce over the age of 60. There is an urgent need to secure and train younger workers, and this may be an opportunity for those changing jobs.
A New Model for Utilizing Local Human Resources: Creating Value Across Distance
The property management industry is creating an innovative model for utilizing talented local talent. companies are using technology to create a "location-agnostic work style" and attract talent from all over the country.
Specifically, the following work models are being established
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Hybrid work model: Local staff handle local operations such as property inspections, while remote workers handle back-office operations such as contract management and data analysis.
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Cloud-based management system: Cloud systems enable viewing and editing of data from any location
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Combination of localized and centralized management: A model that combines the advantages of localized service by regional offices and centralized management by the head office.
This model has many advantages. INA has received high praise for the unique proposals that regional staff members provide to owners in Tokyo and Osaka from their hometowns' perspective.
Of course, there are challenges. It is necessary to establish an educational system to transfer expertise to regional personnel and to overcome communication barriers caused by physical distance. In response, INA is working hard to foster a sense of team unity by enhancing its online training system and holding regular virtual exchange meetings.
DX is Changing the Future of Property Management: New Value Created by Technology
Digital transformation (DX) in the property management industry is not just about efficiency; it is transforming the quality of service itself, and the wave is accelerating, with more than 90% of the responding companies in the 2023 Survey working to promote DX.
Technologies that are having a particularly positive effect include
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AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology: property price assessment AI, customer service chatbots, automated data processing of contract documents, etc.
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IoT (Internet of Things): Smart locks for more efficient property management, sensors for early detection of facility abnormalities, etc.
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Cloud systems: Centralized management of property and tenant information, real-time information sharing via apps for owners, etc.
The changes brought about by these technologies are remarkable. For example, one management company has realized a reduction of 20,000 man-hours per year through the introduction of DX. Another company has achieved a high occupancy rate of 99.6% by utilizing data to make optimal proposals to each of its customers.
The biggest challenge in promoting DX is the shortage of human resources. According to the survey, 45.7% of the companies responded that they are unable to secure DX promotion personnel. This is why the value of human resources that combine IT skills and property management knowledge is only going to increase, and INA is also focusing on hiring and training digitally literate personnel.
Further technological innovations are expected in the future, such as the use of generative AI and metaverse technology, and transparency in real estate transactions through blockchain technology. According to a study by Yano Research Institute, the real estate tech market is expected to expand to 1,246.1 billion yen in FY2025, double the FY2020 level. The demand for human resources capable of riding this wave will continue to grow.
Commitment to Human Resource Development: Creating an environment that supports growth
At INA & Associates, we focus on developing "human assets" rather than human resources based on our action guidelines of "always be a party to the issues" and "independent pursuit, enterprising boldness, and reforming and reinventing ourselves.
INA's human resource development practices are characterized by the following
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Technology-based learning opportunities: A training system that combines online and offline training to create an environment where expertise can be acquired regardless of location.
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A mentoring system: Experienced senior employees support the growth of younger employees and pass on industry-specific tacit knowledge
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Emphasis on autonomy and independence: Providing opportunities for employees to grow into individuals who can not only perform assigned tasks but also identify issues and propose solutions on their own.
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Data-based growth support: Supporting motivation by setting specific numerical targets and visualizing the degree of achievement, rather than merely providing a sense of accomplishment.
We place particular emphasis on the "why?" of real estate management. of real estate management. By understanding the reasons behind the work, rather than simply memorizing work procedures, we cultivate flexible response and problem-solving skills.
INA's unbeatable rental management service of 1,000 yen per unit is realized through thorough DX, efficiency, and above all, the power of our human resources. In the property management industry of the future, companies that can maximize the power of both technology and people will succeed.
Advice for those considering a career change in the property management industry
Finally, I would like to share some advice for those considering a career change in the property management industry.
First, it is essential to obtain a certification. At the very least, you need to be a licensed real estate agent, and if you can also obtain a certified rental property manager, it will give you a big advantage. On the other hand, don't rely solely on qualifications; it is also important to have soft skills, such as communication andproblem-solving skills, that are cultivated in your daily work.
When choosing an industry, it is important to select a company with a corporate culture that matches your values. Whether you value the stability of a large company or the mobility and discretion of a smaller company, choose the one that best suits your career plans.
The property management industry today is particularly unique in that it offers opportunities for job seekers in their 40s and 50s. This is because experience and skills from other industries can often be applied in the property management field. We have people from a variety of backgrounds, including those with sales experience, customer support experience, and IT industry backgrounds.
INA is always looking for people who are willing to take on challenges, regardless of region or age. Let's work together to create a world where the power of technology removes boundaries and each individual's talents are properly valued. The future of real estate management will be created by challengers like you.
