The short-term rental market is booming. As a landlord or property manager, you're juggling guest enquiries, managing bookings, and ensuring a seamless experience for every visitor. But with a growing portfolio, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news? There's a wealth of property management software available to streamline your operations and free up valuable time. To learn more about what a Property Management System is, click here.
Pro tip: want to create a seamless guest experience and reduce questions from the get-go? Check out Touch Stay's digital guidebooks! This interactive platform allows you to easily create beautiful, informative guides for your guests, minimising communication and maximising their stay.
This blog post dives into the top software options for 2025, helps you choose the right tools for your needs, and explores the benefits you can expect. Read on to discover:
- Top property management software for 2025
- How to choose the right property management software
- Benefits of using property management software
- Key features to look for in property management software
- Final thoughts: invest in the right property management software
- Additional tips for choosing the right software
- FAQs about property management software
Top property management software for 2025
Choosing the perfect property management software depends on your specific needs and budget. Here's a breakdown of some leading PMS options categorised by their strengths:
| Software | Pricing | Scalability | User-friendliness | Feature set | Customer support |
| Buildium | High | High | Medium | Comprehensive | Good |
| AppFolio | Medium | High | High | Comprehensive | Excellent |
| TenantCloud | Low | Medium | High | Basic | Good |
| Rentec Direct | Medium | Medium | High | Residential-focused | Good |
| Hemlane | Medium | Medium | High | Short-term rental-focused | Good |
Comprehensive solutions with scalability:
1. Buildium
Pros:
- All-in-one platform with robust features for rent collection, accounting, maintenance, and tenant management.
- Ideal for large portfolios or property managers handling diverse property types.
- Strong reporting capabilities and mobile app availability.
- Advanced automation features like automatic rent reminders and work order generation.
Cons:
- Can be costlier than some competitors, particularly for smaller portfolios.
- User interface may feel complex for beginners.
User score: 3.1 stars (Trustpilot)
2. AppFolio
Pros:
- Streamlined platform with user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
- Offers online leasing and marketing tools.
- Strong data security and compliance features.
- Integrated property accounting and financial reporting.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features found in Buildium, like property inspections.
- May not be as customisable for specific workflows.
User score: 4.6 stars (G2)
3. TenantCloud
Pros:
- Highly affordable option, ideal for smaller portfolios or individual landlords.
- User-friendly interface with strong tenant management features.
- Offers a free plan with basic functionalities.
- Easy-to-use online rent payment portal.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features like online leasing and marketing tools.
- May not scale well for very large portfolios.
User score: 4.3 stars (Capterra)
Specialised solutions:
4. Rentec Direct
Pros:
- Excellent choice for managing residential properties, with features tailored for landlords.
- User-friendly interface and strong mobile app.
- Affordable pricing structure.
- Robust property valuation tools.
Cons:
- Limited commercial property management capabilities.
- Lacks some advanced features like online leasing and marketing tools.
User score: 4.7 stars (Capterra)
5. Hemlane
Pros:
- Focuses on vacation and short-term rentals, with features tailored for rental listings and guest communication.
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile app for on-the-go management.
- Integrates with popular listing platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
- Offers automated communication tools and guest screening features.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features found in comprehensive solutions like Buildium.
- May not be suitable for managing large portfolios of residential properties.
User score: 4.6 stars (Capterra)
Looking for a user-friendly guest communication platform that not only streamlines information flow and reduces unnecessary enquiries but integrates seamlessly with your property management system? Touch Stay's interactive digital guidebooks for property managers are the perfect solution! Empower your guests with essential information at their fingertips. Plus, check out our list of PMS integrations here.
How to choose the right property management software
With so many options, selecting the perfect property management software requires careful consideration. Here's a roadmap to guide you:
1. Assess your needs:
- Portfolio size: consider the number of properties you manage and whether you anticipate growth. Larger portfolios may require more scalable solutions.
- Property type: do you manage residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties? Some software caters specifically to certain types.
- Budget: set a realistic budget for your software subscription. While free plans exist, they typically have limitations.
- Features most critical: identify the functionalities most important for your operations. These might include online rent collection, maintenance management, or tenant screening.
Pro tip: Looking for a website for your short-term rental property? Explore our 21 top picks of the best website templates.
2. Compare pricing and scalability:
- Subscription costs: evaluate the monthly or annual fees associated with each software and choose one that aligns with your budget.
- Free trials: many platforms offer free trials. Utilise these to test-drive the software and assess its suitability for your needs.
- Hidden fees: be mindful of additional charges for certain features or integrations.
- Scalability: Look for software that can grow with your business. As your portfolio expands, you'll need a tool that can handle increased complexity.
3. Check user reviews and support:
- Customer reviews: read reviews on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, or Capterra to gain insights into user experiences.
- Support: a responsive support team is crucial for addressing issues promptly. Consider the availability of support channels (phone, email, live chat) and their response times.
Watch our webinar, where a panel of leading short-term rental property managers discuss how they determine their tech stack, including Property Management Systems.
Benefits of using property management software
Investing in property management software offers numerous benefits. For example, according to a survey by Buildium, 84% of property managers reported that adopting property management software helped them save significant time on day-to-day tasks, while 63% cited cost savings as a key benefit.
1. Time savings:
- Automation: automate tasks like rent collection, communication, and maintenance scheduling, freeing up your time.
- Efficiency: streamlined workflows and centralised data management save you valuable hours.
2. Better financial oversight:
- Real-time tracking: monitor income and expenses in real-time to maintain financial clarity.
- Accurate reporting: generate detailed financial reports for tax and compliance purposes.
3. Improved tenant satisfaction:
- Faster response times: efficiently handle maintenance requests and tenant enquiries.
- Enhanced communication: utilise online portals for transparent and timely communication.
Key features to look for in property management software
To make an informed decision, consider these essential features:
1. Tenant and lease management:
- Centralised profiles: create and manage tenant profiles with ease.
- Lease management: store and track lease agreements, renewal dates, and rent increases.
- Automation: automate lease renewals and reminders.
2. Online rent collection:
- Secure payments: accept rent payments securely through various online payment gateways.
- Auto-reminders: send automatic reminders to tenants for timely rent payments.
- Bank reconciliation: easily reconcile bank statements with rent payments.
3. Maintenance management:
- Work order management: create, assign, and track maintenance work orders.
- Vendor management: manage vendor information and payment details.
- Mobile access: access maintenance requests and updates on the go.
4. Accounting tools:
- Financial reporting: generate comprehensive financial reports, including income statements and balance sheets.
- Tax preparation: organise financial data for tax filing.
- Bank reconciliation: automate bank reconciliation processes.
5. Scalability and customisation:
- Scalability: choose software that can accommodate your growing portfolio.
- Customisation: tailor the software to your specific workflows and preferences.
Final thoughts: invest in the right property management software
By investing in the right property management software, you can streamline your operations, reduce stress, and enhance the overall tenant experience. Start by identifying your specific needs and exploring the various options available. Don't hesitate to leverage free trials to test-drive different platforms before making a decision.
Remember, the right software can transform your property management business. Take the first step today and unlock the potential of automation and efficiency.
Want to take your guest experience to the next level? Touch Stay's digital guidebooks for property managers offer a seamless way to provide essential information and reduce guest enquiries.
Additional tips for choosing the right software:
- Consider your tech savviness: if you're not tech-savvy, look for software with a user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
- Check for integrations: look for software that integrates with other tools you use, such as accounting software, marketing tools, and payment processors.
- Security: ensure the software has robust security measures to protect your tenant data.
- Future-proofing: consider the long-term viability of the software. Will it be able to adapt to future changes in the industry?
FAQs
