29 Jan 2026
Words Amy O'Donnell Informer

Management rights the past, present and future!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of ResortBrokers. As we celebrate this anniversary, it’s an ideal opportunity to reflect on how far the management rights industry has come, the challenges and opportunities it faces today and the promising road ahead.

The Early Days: Simpler Times, Rapid Growth

There was a time, when management rights transactions were refreshingly simple.

Due diligence periods were often just 14 days, finance approvals followed swiftly, and body corporate consent was typically obtained within weeks (not months). Bodies corporate rarely involved lawyers, and the overall process of buying or selling a management rights business was relatively smooth and efficient.

Over the past 25 years, as the industry developed and more and more strata schemes were built, the industry has boomed. While initially the industry focused on holiday lettings on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, it now includes permanent residential and mixed-use complexes.

The Present: A Mature Industry with Modern Complexities

Today, the management rights industry has evolved into a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar sector that intersects real estate, hospitality, property law and business management.

While transactions are no longer straightforward — thanks to growing legal complexity, more involved bodies corporate and generally a longer process — the core model remains strong and resilient. Managementrights businesses continue to offer valuable services to both unit owners and guests.

The reality is that the modern management rights operator must be more than just a caretaker or letting agent. Today’s successful operators are businesspeople, relationship managers, communicators and problem solvers. They navigate complex legislation, balance the needs of diverse stakeholders and deliver value — not only for the remuneration they receive, but for the long-term success and harmony of the community they manage.

An Industry of Quiet Achievers

In the hustle of daily operations, it’s easy to overlook the many positives of our industry. For every difficult dispute or legal hurdle, there are countless examples of committed, professional managers who provide immense value to their communities.

Reflecting on the industry, the most successful management rights operators often share a number of key traits:

• Pride in presentation: The condition and appearance of a complex reflects the standard of its manager.

• Respect for value: Understanding that bodies corporate and owners expect — and deserve — value for the remuneration paid.

• Balanced communication: A firm, diplomatic and consultative approach to dealing with committees and lot owners.

• Strong interpersonal skills: The ability to genuinely connect, listen and communicate effectively with residents and stakeholders.

The Reality Check for New Entrants

There’s a reason management rights are seen as an attractive business opportunity.

They combine property investment with a reliable income stream and a desirable lifestyle. However, newcomers to the industry should not be under any illusion — management rights require real work.

No one will pay a significant sum for a manager to do very little. Owners are within their rights to expect their manager to deliver on their duties. But when those duties are fulfilled with diligence, professionalism and respect, problems are few and far between.

Looking Ahead: Challenges & Opportunities

As we look to the future, the management rights industry will continue to face both challenges and evolution:

• The strata living trend is here to stay, meaning demand for competent, onsite managers will remain strong.

• Disputes between committees and underperforming managers will continue to arise, as will challenges from difficult committee members or residents.

• The ever-present potential for legislative change — including reforms to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act or module definitions — will keep operators and advisors on their toes.

But while these hurdles are real, they are not insurmountable. The industry’s resilience, adaptability and professionalisation over the past four decades have prepared it well for the future.

A Bright Future Anchored in Relationships

The continued success of the management rights model depends not just on contracts and compliance, but on relationships.

Well-maintained and well-managed complexes are important, but so too is open, proactive communication. Successful managers build strong relationships with committees, body corporate managers, owners and residents. They keep people informed, encourage two-way dialogue and respond early when issues arise. This approach doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it builds goodwill and trust, which are invaluable in resolving them.

Not every owner or committee will be easy to please. But when a manager consistently delivers high standards, communicates clearly and acts with professionalism and care, they are far more likely to win long-term support — and success.

A Legacy Still in the Making

As ResortBrokers celebrates 40 years in business, the management rights industry also takes a moment to reflect. What began as a niche coastal business model has evolved into a key pillar of Queensland’s property and tourism economy.

The journey is far from over. The future of management rights remains bright — rooted in history, shaped by experience and sustained by the relationships at its heart. END