Prendos launches commercial property management service

Prendos has launched a commercial property management service, expanding its multidisciplinary property consultancy.

Aimed at commercial property owners and investors, the new offer combines lease administration with building, compliance and risk management. Prendos is already managing more than $40 million of commercial property through the service, which is being delivered nationwide by local specialists and a network of contractors.

Director Mike Woods said the move was driven by demand from an existing client and built on expertise already within the business. He said the decision was also shaped by the firm's regular involvement in commercial property acquisitions, particularly through technical due diligence work.

Woods said one client turned to Prendos after becoming dissatisfied with established property management providers. The client had acquired a new portfolio and needed a manager, giving Prendos an opportunity to expand an existing advisory relationship.

"We've been a trusted partner of theirs for years, working on technical due diligence and other matters," Woods said.

He said the client wanted a property manager with a closer understanding of building issues and maintenance risks.

"So when they acquired a new portfolio and needed to engage a property manager, it was an opportunity for both of us to build on the relationship," Woods said.

Woods said some owners were frustrated by services that reported problems without resolving them early.

"They wanted someone who understood their buildings and could identify and respond to issues before they became costly problems. Because we have a fundamental understanding of maintenance requirements, compliance pathways and property risks, we can offer a more proactive and insightful property management service to our clients," Woods said.

A second factor behind the launch was the appointment of Building Surveyor Mike Price, who has more than 15 years of experience in property management. Prendos said Price previously managed large property portfolios in the UK and brought international experience to the design of the new service.

Broader team

The property management unit sits alongside Prendos' existing teams in building surveying, structural engineering, quantity surveying, valuation and project management. This structure allows owners to draw on specialist advice when issues emerge and supports planning for maintenance and capital expenditure.

Woods said Prendos sees property management as extending beyond rent collection and repair co-ordination.

"Our view is that property management should be about more than collecting rent, arranging repairs and passing costs on to the owner," Woods said.

"If you understand how a building works and where the risks are, you can identify issues early, make better-informed decisions that protect the performance of the asset and support positive tenant relationships," he said.