For years, property management was considered one of the most conservative industries. It relied on manual accounting, paper processes, reactive maintenance, and endless phone calls.

Scaling was difficult: a management company typically needed around 250,000–300,000 sqm under management to become sustainably profitable. Below that threshold, administrative work consumed too much margin.

With AI supporting billing, reconciliation, and resident communication, this equation is changing. Today, profitability can begin at 50,000–100,000 sqm. This dramatically lowers the barrier to entry, allows smaller teams to operate professionally, and reduces structural overhead without compromising service quality.

In a recent interview with UzDaily, Ilia Sotonin, founder & CEO of Unitify, explains how digital transformation is reshaping the economics of residential operations and the industry as a whole — both globally and in local markets.

Unitify is working to turn residential management into a modern digital service. A space where residents have smart access not only to the building itself, but also to information, payments, and communication. Where management companies can operate sustainably. And where data helps prevent problems before they occur.

AI can also take over many routine tasks that previously required manual work from property management teams.

But the most important effect of this shift is trust. When residents can clearly see how their building operates and how their money is used, trust grows. And with trust comes engagement and support — allowing property management companies to focus more on genuine care and human service. Win-win!