“A career in strata and property management is more than just finding properties—it’s about creating the perfect career path for you!”
Are you ready to manage condos or handle a variety of properties? If so, then just like any other person, you may find choosing between the two careers challenging. Both strata and property management offer exciting opportunities, but have different responsibilities and career paths.
In between the confusion, you may still be wondering what the fundamental difference between these two is. Don’t worry. Here, we’ll tell you the difference and answer a few questions that best align with your interests and goals.
Difference between Strata and Property Management
Both strata and property management are essential in keeping the real estate market running smoothly, but they focus on different aspects of property oversight.
Strata Management:
Strata management, also known as body corporate management, is a part of real estate that focuses on taking care of buildings with multiple owners, such as apartments or condos.
Primary Responsibility
This includes maintaining common areas (hallways, parking lots, gardens), enforcing building rules, collecting strata fees from owners, and communicating with owners and tenants.
Career Focus
They manage shared spaces and ensure smooth community relations between tenants and owners.
Legal and Financial Management:
It ensures compliance with the Strata Property Act and handles shared property laws for multi-owner properties.
Property Management
The property manager is responsible for overseeing and maintaining real estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties, on behalf of the owners.
Primary Responsibility
Property Management: This position finds tenants, manages leases, collects rent, handles maintenance and repairs, and works with the property owner to maintain profitability.
Career Focus
They aim to maximize profitability by managing tenant relations, maintaining the property, and ensuring its good condition.
Legal and Financial Management:
Contrary to it, it deals with tenant rights, rental agreements, and managing property income for individual properties.
Eligibility Requirements
To Become a Property Manager in BC
If you want to become a licensed rental property manager in British Columbia, the first step is to complete the Rental Property Management Licensing Course offered by UBC Sauder School of Business.
Through this flexible, blended learning course designed for busy adults, you can register anytime and study at your own pace.
Course Details
You must complete all assignments within one year of registering.
You can submit up to two multiple-choice assignments weekly to help you stay on track.
After finishing your assignments, you have up to two years to pass the final licensing exam.
Exams are held four times a year at various locations throughout BC or at UBC’s Computerized Exam Centre in Vancouver. Exams must be written in Canada.
Requirements Before Starting
You must be at least 19 years old to be eligible for licensing.
You must have a good reputation, so your background will be checked for criminal records, past license suspensions, or professional discipline issues.
You must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR) to register for the licensing exam. This usually means scoring at least level 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on the CELPIP-G English test or meeting one of the approved exemptions.
Assignments and Study
The course includes multiple-choice assignments to ensure understanding. Since you can only submit two assignments each week, it's best to stay consistent and engaged with the course content.
Calculator for Exam
If you write your exam in the Lower Mainland or selected centres, you can use a free 10bii calculator app on a tablet.
You’ll need a physical calculator, such as the Hewlett-Packard 10 10Bii+ for exams outside those areas. The RED Bookstore sells it for $112 (tax included).
The Exam
The exam lasts three hours and has 100 multiple-choice questions.
You need to score 70% or higher to pass.
Most students pass when they prepare well. Beware of external tutors promising guaranteed passes — the licensing body does not endorse these services, and there are no guarantees.
Support and Sustainability
Your course fee includes digital course manuals, practice questions, pre-recorded lectures, and academic support via email. Using digital materials also reduces paper waste and supports UBC’s goal to lower carbon emissions. This effort also helps fund scholarships for future climate-conscious leaders.
To Become a Strata Manager in BC
To become a licensed strata manager in British Columbia, you must complete the Strata Management Licensing Course offered by UBC Sauder School of Business. This official, accredited course prepares you for your license under BC’s Real Estate Services Act.
Register Now — You can start anytime with flexible online learning that fits your busy schedule.
Who Can Apply?
You must be at least 19 years old.
You need to be of good reputation, meaning no serious criminal convictions, past license problems, or professional discipline issues. Your background will be reviewed carefully.
You must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR), showing you can communicate well in English. This usually means scoring at least level 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening on the CELPIP-G English test (or having an approved exemption).
Course Assignments
Assignments help you learn and check your understanding. You can only submit two weekly assignments, regardless of how many you’ve done before. This rule helps ensure you study steadily and understand the material.
Calculator Requirements
If you take your exam in the Lower Mainland or select centres, you can use a free calculator app on a tablet. For other locations, you’ll need a physical calculator like the Hewlett-Packard 10 10 10 Bii+. Calculators can be purchased from the RED Bookstore for $112 (including tax).
Passing the Exam
To pass, you need at least a 70% score. Most students pass if they prepare well. Be careful of external tutors who guarantee success—the Real Estate Division does not endorse them, and there are no guarantees.
Extra Support
The course fee includes helpful study materials like the course manual eBook, practice questions, and academic support by email. Take advantage of these resources — they’re designed to help you succeed without extra tutoring costs.
Sustainability Commitment
By using digital materials included in the course, you help reduce paper waste and support environmental efforts at UBC Sauder. Your participation helps fund scholarships for climate-conscious future leaders.
Common Questions To Ask
Is property management a promising career?
Yes, property management is a great career choice because there is a high demand for both residential and commercial properties. In 2024, the industry grew significantly, with more rental apartments, which lowered vacancy rates to 2.2%.
While there are challenges like affordability and slower rent increases, the industry is still expected to see a 1.3% revenue growth in 2025. This growth is mainly due to the continued demand for apartment rentals, especially in residential property management.
Can you do property management with a Real estate license?
Yes, in BC, property management requires a real estate license. To become a licensed property manager, you must complete the educational program and pass the license exam.
How much do property managers make in BC?
Property managers in BC earn between $53,000 and $79,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of properties managed. Those overseeing commercial properties or high-end residential buildings can earn more.
The average annual salary is around $69,195, with estimated total pay (including bonuses) reaching about $73,735. This range highlights the growth potential and increased earnings with experience and specialization in higher-value properties.
What kind of Property Manager makes the most money?
Property managers working with commercial properties, luxury rentals, or significant property portfolios tend to make the most money.
How to become a Real estate agent?
To become a real estate agent, you must complete the Real Estate Trading Services, pass the exam, and gain practical experience working under a licensed agent. The process is similar to becoming a property manager but focuses more on buying and selling properties.
What is Property Management Certification?
Property management certification, such as the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, demonstrates your expertise in managing properties and can enhance your job prospects and credibility in the industry.
What is the passing rate for the BC real estate exam?
The passing rate for the BC real estate exam is typically around 60-70%. You can pass the exam on your first attempt with proper study and preparation.
Conclusion
So, now you know that both strata and property management offer exciting opportunities to work in the real estate industry in BC. Strata management is ideal for those who enjoy managing shared spaces and fostering community relationships. At the same time, property management is a broader field that offers opportunities to maximize property profitability and manage diverse properties. You can build a successful career in either field through the whole process.
