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The future of real estate management is already here, and it’s being shaped by early-career professionals under 40. The 2025 IREM® Early Career Survey highlights what matters most to these rising leaders and how property owners can support, retain, and empower them. Survey highlights reveal the IREM resources available to help support these future property managers.
The survey was conducted in April 2025 and sent to approximately 2,000 IREM members under the age of 40, excluding student members. More than 360 early-career professionals responded. At a 95%
confidence level, the results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percent, offering a reliable snapshot of this critical demographic.
Retention hinges on pay and work-life balance
84% of respondents plan to stay in property management for the next 3–5 years. The biggest drivers of retention are higher pay (32%) and better work/life balance (31%).
Read more about the average compensation of property managers in IREM Compensation Studies and research about property manager jobs.
Career growth matters, but in tangible ways
While opportunities for growth and training are valued, they weren’t the strongest motivators for staying in the industry. Instead, career success is defined by:
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Advancement opportunities
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Earning certifications
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Establishing work/life balance
Recognize achievements, support certification programs, and provide clear career pathways within your organization.
Training needs are centered on financial and regulatory skills
On-the-job training has been the most important source of career success for early-career professionals (71%). But when asked what training they want next, they pointed to:
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Asset management (47%)
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Financial planning (45%)
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Local and state regulations (41%)
Invest in professional development that deepens financial and regulatory expertise. These skills directly benefit your bottom line.
Certifications are valued, but owners can amplify their impact
Nearly two-thirds of respondents see IREM certifications as “very” or “extremely” important. They want employers to understand the value of these credentials and to have opportunities for specialization.
Encourage certifications and highlight them when promoting team expertise to clients and investors. This elevates both the manager’s credibility and the property’s reputation.
Networking builds stronger managers
Young professionals value mentorship and one-on-one connections far more than casual networking events. A majority also said they would likely use an IREM member-only online platform.
Facilitate mentorship programs within your company or through professional associations. Stronger networks lead to more capable, confident managers.
Why this matters
Early-career professionals are the pipeline for the future of property management. Owners who align with their priorities — fair compensation, balanced workloads, meaningful career paths, and targeted training — won’t just retain talent. They’ll foster motivated managers who add long-term value to properties, portfolios, and investor relationships.
IREM is your go-to source for supporting this rising generation of property managers. Learn more about IREM membership, mentorship opportunities, in-person education, and events at the national and state levels, which provide numerous opportunities for early-career individuals to create and foster strong networks of property managers. IREM also offers group discounts on certifications, education, and registration to national events. Ask about custom content and group discounts at irempartners@irem.org.
