It is a truth universally acknowledged that significant value can be added through intelligent asset and property management.

Putting Jane Austen to one side, over the past few years the service delivery and positioning of properties has evolved to match the changing dynamics of the workforce. Where once a building’s primary purpose was solely to fulfill a functional need, we now demand a flexibility from our assets which focuses on creating an environment where occupiers and visitors want to be.

With that in mind, here are six key measures that will add value to your property:  

1. Share the dream If the property manager understands the vision that the investor, letting agents and owners have for the property, the service can be tailored accordingly and the vision filtered through to all service levels.
2. Stay in touch with the asset Communicate constantly with your architects, agents, site team, contractors and engineers. Spend time on site to live and breathe the asset. This is the best way to find out if you understand what is working and what needs changing. Speak to the occupiers to know what they want to see, don’t guess.
3. Be proactive not reactive Anticipate trends, provide amenity space and incorporate flexible workspace to allow a blend of occupiers who can grow with you. Ensure you are receptive to new ideas and don’t let change be forced upon you.
4. One team approach The asset manager, property manager and service partners are all delivering services to your customers. They all interact with the customer so should be empowered to make decisions. Build and maintain these relationships. This is a people business and people thrive when they are afforded opportunity and responsibility.
5. Be sustainable What can be done to improve the wellbeing of the people using the site? Is there green space, can you reduce energy consumption, are there innovative ways to transport waste, what about renewable materials for new construction projects? In the changing environment we live in these questions will only ever become more prevalent. Don’t let this be a peripheral priority.
6. Use technology Make your buildings smarter so they anticipate problems and react. Sensors can now detect end of life in plant and machinery rather than assuming replacement on a cyclical basis. Community apps can gain invaluable information on how people use the buildings and the services they want to see. Use these to your advantage.

Further information

Read more 10 ways good management can boost the value of your asset