As property portfolios grow, many business owners reach a point where they can no longer do everything themselves.
The challenge is knowing which roles to hire, when to hire them, and how to build a high-performing property management team that supports growth without creating unnecessary overhead.
Here, we explore how successful property businesses we support structure their teams and the key hires that often make the biggest impact on growth and client service.
Stage 1: The Founder-Led Property Business
In the early stages, owners often manage:
- Tenant relationships
- Maintenance coordination
- Administration
- Reporting
- Compliance
- Business development
This can work initially, but it becomes unsustainable as property portfolios grow and quality of service begins to decline.
Stage 2: Hire Property Administrative Support
For many businesses, the first hire should be a property administrator.
A property administrator can:
- Manage documentation
- Coordinate maintenance
- Handle enquiries
- Maintain systems
- Support reporting
- Answer regular queries
- Manage basic maintenance requests
This frees up owners to focus on growth and client relationships.
Stage 3: Add a Property Manager
As portfolios become more complex, a dedicated property manager can oversee:
- Stakeholder relationships
- Portfolio performance
- Service delivery
- Compliance oversight
- The administration team
This role often becomes essential as businesses scale.
Stage 4: Introduce Specialist Property Roles
Depending on business needs, additional hires may include:
Leasing Administrator
Supports tenant onboarding and lease administration.
Maintenance Coordinator
Manages contractors and maintenance workflows.
Executive Assistant
Supports leadership teams and operational coordination.
Finance Administrator
Handles invoicing, reconciliations, and reporting.
Should You Hire Locally or Remotely?
Many property businesses now combine local and remote talent.
Benefits include:
- Broader talent access
- Flexible staffing
- Cost efficiency
- Improved scalability
- Eager talent that want to deliver a good service
Why More Property Companies Are Building Flexible Teams
Flexible team structures allow businesses to:
- Scale gradually or quickly as required
- Control costs and manage your staffing budget
- Access specialist skills
- Improve productivity and customer service
This approach is becoming increasingly popular among property businesses globally.
Why RecruitMyMom Supports Growing Property Teams
Since 2012, RecruitMyMom has helped employers build flexible teams, locally and globally, by connecting them with experienced South African professionals.
We assist with:
- Property administrators
- Property managers
- Operations support
- Executive assistants
- Finance professionals
- Customer service roles
Our flexible hiring solutions help businesses find the right talent at the right stage of growth. Our testimonials speak for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first role a property business should hire?
Many businesses benefit from hiring a property administrator first, as this immediately reduces administrative pressure.
When should I hire a property manager?
A property manager becomes valuable when portfolio complexity and stakeholder management requirements increase.
Can I build a remote property team?
Yes. Many property businesses successfully operate with a combination of local and remote professionals.
What are the typical savings of hiring someone in South Africa?
Depending on your country, you can expect savings of 30-60% when hiring South African talent.
Ready to Grow Your Property Team?
Whether you're making your first hire or building a larger property management team, RecruitMyMom can help you find experienced professionals who fit your needs.
Send us an enquiry today to discuss your hiring plans.
