The PropTech Mismatch: Exploring the Demand–Supply Digital Gap in Italy’s Property Management Sector

Traditionally focused on rent collection and facility upkeep, property management (PM) is evolving into a more strategic function that contributes to asset value and sustainability objectives. Digital tools and platforms, broadly referred to as Property Technology ("PropTech"), have emerged as key enablers to handle the growing scale and complexity of PM operations. However, despite the proliferation of PropTech solutions, concerns persist that the PropTech "supply" is not fully aligned with the "demand," namely, the practical needs of PM professionals. Through a systematic search of the sector's activities, an analysis of existing digital solutions for PM, an analysis of four PropTech solutions, and a survey among industry professionals, this paper aims to explore the mismatch between the demand and supply of digital tools for property management. The findings identify a divergence between the digital solutions developed by PropTech firms and the actual needs, practices, and levels of digital maturity within PM in three main areas of mismatch, namely: perception vs. engagement, tools offered vs. activities performed, and strategic vision vs. operational culture. This categorization highlights both the opportunities and challenges in the ongoing digital transformation of the real estate sector.