Why commercial property management is a great career choice

August 25, 2021

Commercial property management is one the most highly rated careers in the property industry when it comes to job satisfaction scoring a 5/5, according to SEEK. With projected job growth of 9.7% in the next 5 years, an average salary of $70k in South Australia and 1079 job opportunities on SEEK Australia wide, it’s easy to see why this career choice has a lot to offer.


To delve a bit deeper and go beyond the statistics we spoke with long-serving property industry professional April Lee, Asset Manager with Commercial SA for her views on commercial property management as a career. April has been in the property industry for the past 23 years, starting out in residential property and transitioning to the commercial property sector in 2007.

‘I enjoy the challenge and intellectual stimulation that comes with negotiation and when I can solve a problem and achieve a positive result for all parties involved, that gives me a great deal of satisfaction. If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving and negotiating, then commercial property management will be a great career choice.’

— April Lee, Asset Manager, Commercial SA

Responsibilities

A commercial property manager is responsible for the management of leased or owned properties including land, buildings and building equipment. A typical day in the life of a commercial property manager can consist of inspections, lease administration, financial management and reporting, marketing properties, arranging repairs and maintenance, following up rent arrears, resolving disputes and business development tasks. The type of properties managed can vary, from small office buildings to large multi-story buildings and industrial buildings and estates.


Salary and job opportunities

Commercial property managers have the potential for good earnings in South Australia with the typical annual salary ranging between $65k and $75k.


There are excellent projected job growth figures of 9.7% for commercial property managers in the coming 5 years, showing there will be plenty of demand for these skills going forward.


There are currently 31 commercial property management jobs advertised on SEEK in South Australia and 1079 jobs advertised Australia wide, indicating excellent prospects for those thinking about entering this part of the property industry.


How to become a commercial property manager?

Commercial property managers working for agencies operating in South Australia are required to have their property management registration through Consumer and Business Affairs. The only commercial property managers that are exempt from this rule are those that work for property owners or in local or state government.


In years past, commercial property managers would not be hired unless they had completed a Bachelor of Business in Property. These days, employers still highly regard this qualification, but are less stringent and no longer list it as essential criteria.


In South Australia, we see that commercial property managers enter the industry at all stages of their career timeline from school graduates to late-stage career transitions and come from a wide variety of areas, such as residential property management, procurement, asset management and maintenance.


If you’re looking at career options in the property industry, commercial property management is an appealing choice, showing high levels of job satisfaction, great job prospects and growth and good salary potential.


Source: Statistics included sourced from SEEK

October 21, 2026
Salary expectations and employer budgets frequently miss each other. Understand why the gap persists and how both sides can address pay earlier.
October 21, 2026
Skills shortages are real, but hiring practices can make them worse. Explore how narrow criteria and limited training may shrink your talent pool.
October 21, 2026
As AI changes the job application process, discover why employers are looking beyond CVs and how candidates can demonstrate their value.
By Edge Recruitment • September 28, 2026
Why good candidates leave hiring processes and what employers can do to improve speed, communication, flexibility and candidate experience.
By Edge Recruitment • September 27, 2026
Explore the skills Adelaide property employers will need as development activity grows across South Australia’s real estate market.
By Edge Recruitment • September 18, 2026
1.2 million Australian roles still need filling. Explore SEEK’s latest data and what changing labour market conditions mean for employers.
By Edge Recruitment • September 15, 2026
Employers want AI and digital skills, but broader L&D plans are declining. Explore the growing learning paradox shaping workforce strategy in 2026.
By Edge Recruitment • September 11, 2026
Job security is returning as a major employee priority. Explore why career stability, transparency and future employability are shaping retention in 2026.
By Edge Recruitment • September 3, 2026
75% of Australian employees receive no extra pay or recognition despite taking on more work, raising concerns around workload and retention.
By Edge Recruitment • August 28, 2026
Discover 5 signs your property hiring process may be costing you candidates, with practical tips for Adelaide and South Australian employers.