Although from inception we were predominately a contract cleaning company, due to customer demand, we have evolved over the years to provide many other services. One of these, can sometimes be confused with another type of service when, in fact, they are very different. So, what is the difference between facilities management and property management? In our blog we will explain how we see these two, very similarly named services, in very different lights.

facilities management explained

Definition: the maintenance of an organisation's buildings and equipment.

This is the dictionary definition for facilities management (fm), sounds a little broad perhaps, but so it should! Facilities management is just that, it can cover absolutely anything and everything within a building, from security guards, to cleaners, plant equipment maintenance to plumbing. Anything you use within the building, whether it is a lift, air conditioning unit or toilet, these all need to be maintained. The reason for this, is quite simply to ensure the health, safety and well being of the buildings occupants and visitors.

Statutory compliance is at the top of every facilities managers list of priorities, there are a vast number of regulations that need to be adhered to and a well maintained building is a compliant one.

property management explained

Definition: the operation, control, and oversight of real estate management indicates a need to be cared for, monitored and accountability given for its useful life and condition.

Property management (pm) is generally seen as the overseeing of residential, commercial and/or industrial real estate and shopping centres. It typically involves the managing of property that is owned by another party or entity.

Real estate agents use the term property management. To them it includes the management, leasing or rental of a property, in which a property manager acts on behalf of the owner and handles the maintenance and day to day activities surrounding the property, to preserve the value while generating income. This is where we come in…

how do FM and PM fit together?

As defined above, it is clear the FM companies play a very different role to property management companies. With so much involved in running a secure, clean and compliant property portfolio, a variety of companies can be involved in providing services to the owner. Where property management companies are experts in their field with regard to selling, leasing and advising on property portfolios, the same goes for companies like ours who are experts in the field of maintaining, cleaning and securing premises.

Essentially FM companies work for property management companies

This is an essential partnership and maintaining a strong working, honest and communicative relationship is key. Together these entities provide a complete, solid management package so that property owners simply have nothing to do, nor worry about.

are you looking for a new FM service provider?

If you are responsible for buildings and are looking to re-tender or perhaps set up a new facilities management contract, talk to us. We provide full facilities maintenance services to a broad range of industry types across the UK.