Friday April 24, 2026
What is property management?
Property management is the ongoing operation, oversight, and support of community associations such as HOAs, condos, townhomes, lifestyle communities, and high-rise buildings. In Delaware, property management focuses on maintaining common areas, supporting board governance, coordinating maintenance, guiding financial planning, and helping communities follow state and local requirements.Strong property management helps protect property values and supports a positive resident experience.
2026 property management trends to know
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Data-driven planning
Data-driven planning is one of the most important property management trends for communities with aging infrastructure or growing maintenance needs. Usage data from building systems and long-term expense history help boards plan more accurately.
At FirstService Residential, our proprietary property management software helps us track trends and improve project and vendor management.
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Artificial intelligence for improving daily workflows
AI-powered customer service tools like HODA® are streamlining daily operations and improving services for residents. HODA responds to inquiries 24/7 and can answer community-specific questions via text. Residents can access account information, submit requests, and receive answers at any time. Associations are not replacing staff with AI; instead, they are using it to free managers from administrative tasks so they can focus more on community needs.
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Cybersecurity improvements
As communities adopt more technology, cybersecurity is emerging as a concern. Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act took effect in 2025, which matters for property managers that collect/store owner info through portals, payment tools, access systems, and vendor platforms. By January 1, 2026, organizations subject to the law must honor universal opt-out signals (like browser-based controls). More boards are partnering with property management companies that use secure platforms and clear cybersecurity protocols.
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A growing focus on energy efficiency
Property managers are focused on reducing energy consumption, both for cost savings and resident appeal. Boards are reviewing LED conversions, updated HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures.
Starting in 2025, Delaware requires 5% of parking spaces at newly constructed multifamily housing developments to have EV charging stations installed. Delaware offers electric vehicle charging equipment rebates for installations at multifamily dwellings.
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Personalized service
As residents spend more time at home, they’re looking for personalized support that reflects the character of their community. Look for management teams that match you with the right community manager based on your specific needs.
The best management companies can offer on-site staff training tailored to your community culture, 24/7 customer care teams, and event programming from trained lifestyle directors.
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Rising insurance costs
Insurance costs and coverage requirements are affecting every Delaware community. Boards are focusing on early renewal preparation with updated appraisals and thorough documentation of maintenance work.
Communities with strong records often have smoother renewal cycles and clearer guidance from their brokers. Regular communication with owners about banking and insurance programs is also becoming more common.
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Industry consolidation
We see the future of property management being consolidated into large-scale operators and boutique management companies — both operating with more tech and higher margins than what’s previously been considered normal.
Over the last few years, there’s been a lot of institutional and venture capital money being poured into the HOA market. Property managers are watching the industry consolidate around them, with investment dollars pouring into the single-family rental sector, and the hot housing market motivating some small-portfolio investors and property managers to sell off their properties.
However, this presents an opportunity for property managers to grow their own portfolios through acquisitions of smaller companies and investment portfolios.
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Expanding regulations
More governmental regulations proposed and implemented have driven small-time property managers to hire professional management or sell. It has consolidated the market. With new laws that impact property management, we feel our residents have leaned on us more for our expertise and staying up to date with the changing laws.
Increased or localized regulations will continue to be one of the most important property management trends in 2026 to stay ahead of.
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Labor shortages
One of the biggest pain points in recent years has been a labor shortage of available vendors to handle maintenance work orders. Residents spending more time at home pushed the volume of maintenance requests higher and the pool of labor available stayed the same size, or in many areas shrunk.
This has caused an even longer delay in work order completion time and a greater hit to funds spent on maintenance since contractors are upping their rates in order to prioritize jobs. More Delaware associations are struggling with successful vendor management. FirstService Residential uses VIVE, an independent credentialing firm, to validate vendor insurance, licensing, and risk compliance.
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PropTech
Digital methods of payment, signing, communications, etc. are likely to see continued use to accommodate busy schedules for property managers and residents alike. PropTech has greatly reduced the amount of time and energy that property management teams need to devote to the application and financial processes in the industry.
Electronic applications and resale certificates are now widely considered the industry standard, and emerging technologies like virtual and self-service showings have risen in popularity.
How FirstService Residential can help
Whether it is a question, a problem, or a new business opportunity, you will want to partner with a company like FirstService Residential that has a proven history of support and knows best practices for your industry.Our team has been managing HOAs, condominiums, high-rise buildings, and more for years! Our experienced team can help you establish a plan of action when it comes to staying ahead of important property management trends.
Contact a member of our team today to learn more.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.