Property Superintendent

What does a property superintendent do? – Tasks and work environment

A property superintendent is responsible for management, operation, and development of properties, often focusing on larger property portfolios within the public sector, companies, or property companies. Tasks include ongoing contact with tenants, planning and follow-up of maintenance, budget work, and procurement of contractors and services. The role also involves ensuring that properties comply with applicable laws and environmental standards. The work environment is varied – much time is spent in offices, but regular visits to the properties are common, requiring flexibility and good collaboration skills with various professional groups.

Salary development over time

The salary of a property superintendent has shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,800 SEK per month, which increased to 49 200 SEK in 2023, corresponding to an increase of about 0.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, the average salary further rose to 50 600 SEK, an increase of approximately 2.8%. The total salary increase over the period has thus been about 3.7%. This development can be explained by continued high demand for qualified managers, increased requirements for sustainability and energy efficiency, and a general trend towards professionalization in property management. The market is balanced, but the gradual increase reflects both skill shortages and increased responsibilities within the profession.

Property superintendent salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,900 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 52,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 304 SEK/hour
• Women earn: 48 400 SEK/month (93% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 51 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Larger cities and growth regions often offer higher salaries

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a property superintendent typically involves post-secondary education in property management, economics, engineering, or social infrastructure. Practical experience from the property sector is highly valued, and many employers prefer candidates with advanced knowledge in law, economics, and environmental issues. Some roles also require specialized certificates or courses depending on employer requirements.

• Post-secondary education: YH education (2 years) or university (3–4 years) in property, engineering, or economics
• Certifications: Examples include Property Manager (Swedish Real Estate Academy)
• Internship: Often required practical experience or internship within property management
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, preferably with technical or economic focus
• Courses/Continuing education: Law, environmental issues, energy efficiency

Common benefits and compensations

Property superintendents are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, mobile phone and computer, and sometimes company car or travel reimbursement. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work possibilities, and training support for skill development.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a property superintendent is currently relatively balanced, meaning there is neither a surplus nor a shortage of qualified candidates. One of the major challenges is staying updated on legislation, environmental requirements, and technological innovations affecting property management. Increased demands for sustainability and energy efficiency have also led employers to seek broader competencies. Additionally, workload can be high at times, especially during larger projects or procurement processes. Managing complex stakeholder relations and solving urgent problems quickly are part of everyday life, requiring resilience and flexibility.

Tips for those wanting to become a property superintendent

To succeed as a property superintendent, it is good to develop strong communication skills, as the role involves lots of contact with tenants and contractors. Initiative and problem-solving skills are crucial when unexpected situations arise in the property portfolio. Accuracy and structure facilitate work with contracts, budgets, and project follow-up. Being attentive and flexible helps in negotiations and collaboration with various professional groups. Finally, having an interest in technology and sustainability issues is an advantage, as these areas are becoming increasingly important in the property industry.

Key facts about property superintendents

• Education level: Post-secondary education (YH or university)
• Work environment: Combination of office and fieldwork
• Demand: Moderate, with increasing prospects over the next five years
• Job openings (2024): 564 within the profession
• Special skills: Law, economics, environment, and technology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a property superintendent, opportunities open to advance to roles such as property manager, area manager, or project leader within property development. The Employment Service's forecasts show that demand for property managers, and thus property superintendents, is expected to increase over the next five years. The industry is influenced by large pension withdrawals and an increasing focus on sustainability, creating good opportunities for newly educated and experienced individuals. With further education and specialization in areas like energy or law, more senior roles can also become relevant. Nationally, the recruitment situation is balanced, but the job market is expected to be favorable in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about property superintendents

• What is the average salary of a property superintendent?
  - The average salary for a property superintendent is 50 600 SEK per month.
• Are there gender differences in salary within the profession?
  - Yes, women earn on average 48 400 SEK per month, which corresponds to 93% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a property superintendent?
  - Post-secondary education in property, engineering, or economics is recommended, usually via YH or university.
• What does the job market look like for property superintendents?
  - The job market is balanced, but demand is expected to increase over the next five years.
• What are the duties of a property superintendent?
  - Duties include management, maintenance, budgeting, and contact with tenants and contractors.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a property superintendent?
  - The highest salary is 52 000 SEK and the lowest is 42 900 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries are often higher in larger cities and growth regions.