How Indian Community Management Solutions are Driving Digitization in Real Estate Globally

As Dubai undergoes the most ambitious real estate digitisation drives in the world, community management solution providers have emerged as key players in leading the initiative. From simple service providers, their role is fast evolving into digital gatekeepers at the forefront of community digitisation and data transparency.

This was further evident as society management companies like ANACITY were roped in recently as an integral part of JOP data transparency and access. The inclusion of the property management software industry also takes into account its rapidly expanding footprint, valued at $53.9 million in the UAE in 2021. With a healthy CAGR, these PropTech companies are now positioned as key players in Dubai's push towards the rapidly growing digitisation of gated communities.

Community digitisation

For the average resident, apartment management solutions like ANACITY are often the first digital contact in community services. Available on their phone, these solutions are designed to bring connectivity and convenience to their daily life. Basic requirements like security, payments, and asset management of a gated community are now handled through digital Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions like ANACITY.

Residents receive visitor notifications, make maintenance payments, book facilities, and register complaints on their app. This digital infrastructure is a powerful tool for connectivity and access, providing residents the means to simplify their lives. Residents and homeowners can also make payments and access unit-based data through Mollak integration.

For Owner Association Management (OAM) bodies, digital solutions have become the ideal solution for managing multiple properties with ease. With a central dashboard that allows them to oversee every property, apartment management solutions have strengthened service delivery and oversight. At the same time, multiple communication modes have improved access to residents, gather feedback, and ensure swift action on complaints. As the push for digitisation gains momentum across the GCC region, community management PropTech startups are now actively expanding their market.

Speaking about their expansion plans, Aayush Puri, Head, ANACITY, said, "Being part of the Smart Dubai initiative has given us an incredible opportunity. In tandem with our growth in Dubai, we have seen a definite uptick in interest across the GCC area. In 2023 we will continue to focus on growing our presence in Dubai even as we explore new geographies. We are eager to bring top-quality services to new markets and further drive the digitization of gated communities. We are committed to constantly enhancing our services and expanding our reach to better serve our clients."

With leading gated communities and more than 30,000 units in Dubai, ANACITY now aims to enlarge its reach in freehold units.

Towards data transparency and Access

In recent months, some of the major initiatives in real estate governance have revolved around data transparency and accessibility. While regulations are meant to ensure security and privacy, there has also been an increased push toward streamlining data access for homeowners and residents. It is with this objective that PropTech companies in the community management sphere, including ANACITY, were roped into a game-changing initiative for integrating the JOP management system.

This initiative marks an increased focus on the role of community management solution providers as information repositories. Homeowners, residents and OAMs use the software for multiple purposes that includes but is not limited to customer satisfaction, financial statements, insurance, and asset data. This landmark integration now creates a uniform view for all property owners.

This initiative is indicative of the vital role of community managers as digital gatekeepers and service providers. By creating a bridge between the authority and community operations, managers and OAMs have an opportunity to form a crucial link in the digital infrastructure, connecting people with a wider information highway.

Community management solution providers are thus leading the digitalisation by bringing together communities, residents, and homeowners one platform. Most importantly, their role is no longer limited to service providers. As the government streamlines data access and transparency, community management solution providers must seize the opportunity to create a seamless and interconnected digital infrastructure.