This page collects recent statistics on AI and operations in property management, with a link to the source for every number. We will update it as new research comes out. If you cite a figure, please cite the original source.
A note on sources: most of this research comes from software companies (AppFolio, Buildium, Property Meld), sometimes co-branded with industry associations. It is useful data, but keep in mind that the publishers sell technology.
AI adoption
- AI use among property managers rose from 21% in 2024 to 34% in 2025, and the share with no AI plans fell from 51% to 37%. Source: AppFolio 2025 Benchmark Report, reported by NAA (April 2025).
- Property managers using AI tools rose from 21% to 45% between late 2023 and mid-2025, and 62% of current users started in the past year. Source: IREM and AppFolio, AI on the Rise (December 2025).
- 33% of property management companies already use AI or automation, 18% plan to within a year, and 32% are investigating. The top uses are resident communication (48%), internal operations (45%), and rent collection and maintenance triage (36% each). Source: Buildium 2027 State of the Property Management Industry Report.
- Only 7% of firms use agentic AI, and only 9% have measured a quantifiable outcome from AI. 58% have no plan or do not know their plan for expanding AI. Source: 2026 NARPM and AppFolio AI Opportunity Report (751 property managers, 554 owners).
- Among firms using AI, 44% report faster time to lease and 42% report better maintenance resolution. Source: 2026 NARPM and AppFolio AI Opportunity Report.
- AI adopters expect 31% average portfolio growth in 2026, compared with 12% for non-adopters. 78% say they cannot yet rely on the AI in their legacy property management software. Source: AppFolio 2026 Property Manager Benchmark Survey (1,617 respondents).
Staffing and workload
- 70% of property management companies plan to keep headcount flat next year, while 64% plan to grow their portfolios. 48% are using technology instead of hiring, and 45% name reduced manual work as a top benefit of technology. Source: Buildium 2027 report.
- Nearly half of property and regional managers describe their workload as on the busy side, 34% say they lack work-life balance, and 16% name being unable to disconnect after hours as a top challenge. Source: NAA 2024 Voice of the Property Manager (850+ respondents).
- 68% of managers are reluctant to change or adopt new property management software in the next 12 months. Source: NAA 2024 Voice of the Property Manager.
Response time and communication
- 84% of renters expect a response within 24 hours, and 61% expect a same-day response. Source: Buildium 2027 report.
- Renters satisfied with communication are 58% more likely to plan to renew, and those satisfied with maintenance are 57% more likely. Source: Buildium 2027 report.
- 43% of rental owners say speed of communication is the top way they judge a property manager. Source: Buildium 2027 report.
- 64% of managers and 65% of owners say faster response times attract clients. Source: 2026 NARPM and AppFolio AI Opportunity Report.
Maintenance
- The average repair took 6.81 days in 2025, up from 6.32 days in 2024, based on more than 10 million work orders. Median 2025 invoices were $240.00 for plumbing, $219.95 for HVAC, and $200.00 for electrical. Source: Property Meld 2025 Annual Benchmarking Report.
- After-hours labor typically costs 1.5x to 2x normal rates. Source: Property Meld (April 2026).
- 24% of renters name submitting a maintenance request and waiting for the fix as their top stressor, and 39% want better maintenance follow-through. Source: Buildium 2027 report.
Owners and self-management
- 79% of owners say they would likely self-manage if AI handled daily operations, compared with 36% of managers who agree. Source: 2026 NARPM and AppFolio AI Opportunity Report.
What the numbers mean for a property manager
Taken together, the research shows that most property management companies are growing portfolios without growing headcount, residents and owners expect fast responses, and AI use is rising quickly. Very few companies are measuring what AI does for them, though. Companies that measure their own baseline first will be able to show owners what changed.
If you want to start with your own numbers, our practical guide to AI for property management is a good next read, or you can book an assessment.