Kristy Copping named Australia’s 2023 Residential Property Manager of the Year

Perth Property Management Director Kristy Copping was named Residential Property Manager of the Year at last week’s REIA 2023 National Awards for Excellence. 

The award celebrates excellence in property management in the residential sector and Kristy attributed her success to the strong relationships she and her team build with property owners and tenants. 

“It’s called property management, but it should be called relationship management,” she said. 

“It’s about having a team that is willing to go above and beyond for our owners and our tenants. It’s not just about what we do day-to-day, it’s about how our owners and tenants are feeling and being there when there’s an issue.” 

Kristy highlighted managing rent increases as an example. 

“Rent increases are an emotional topic, I believe what sets our team apart is our ability to talk to our tenants when rent prices go up, explaining the market conditions and why the changes are coming, so it’s not just here’s a $100 increase,” she said. 

“Similarly, when it comes to our owners, we make a point of letting them know how good a tenant is and that it’s important to retain good tenants and keep them happy as well. For rent increases, we even talk about doing them in increments rather than a lump sum.” 

Kristy was the sole WA winner at the national awards gala event, joining winners from across the country in commercial, residential, community engagement, business development and innovation categories. 

“We’re thrilled we won,” she said. 

“It affirms what we are doing and the effort we are putting in. It shows the hard work and late nights are all worth it. 

“You don’t often get thanked for what you do, so it’s nice to have that recognition that the industry is supporting you. 

“In addition, my ambition is to not only be a positive ambassador in the real estate industry but also for women who decide to become leaders in the business community.  

“This award gives me an amazing platform to encourage women in business and be a positive role model.” 

For others looking at property management as a career, Kristy said it was hard but worthwhile. 

“If you love what you do and you are passionate about property management and that's where you see yourself, then put in the hard work, the dedication, and you will reap the rewards,” she said.” 

Husband and co-director Vaughan Copping said he was extremely proud of Kristy’s achievement and said their agency was committed to continual improvement. 

“Excellence is not just what you’re doing now, it’s also what can you do better,” he said. 

“We aim to create a culture where we are nurturing other property managers and show them what excellence looks like so they can achieve the same. 

“We hire a lot of people from outside the industry and put them through REIWA training, and we sit with them and show them how to do everything.”