Choosing the right property management software is a crucial decision for property managers and real estate investors. Two of the most popular tools on the market, AppFolio and Buildium, offer a range of features designed to streamline property management tasks. In this article, we compare these platforms in terms of features, pricing, and suitability to help you make an informed choice.
AppFolio Overview
Founded in 2006, AppFolio has grown into a powerful cloud-based property management platform. It serves large portfolios with innovative tools like AI-driven leasing assistance and customizable workflows. With over 5 million units under management, AppFolio is particularly suitable for property managers handling 50 or more units.
AppFolio Pricing Plans
AppFolio offers three main pricing tiers tailored to different portfolio sizes and needs:
Core: $1.40 per unit per month with a $280 minimum monthly fee.
Plus: $3 per unit per month with a $900 minimum monthly fee.
Max: $5 per unit per month with a $7,500 minimum monthly fee.
Additional onboarding fees apply based on portfolio size.
AppFolio Key Features
Core Plan:
Accounting and reporting
Online marketing and leasing tools
Maintenance tracking
Resident and owner portals
Mobile-friendly platform
Plus Plan (Includes Core features):
Workflow management
Revenue management
Strategic account management
Max Plan (Includes Plus features):
Leasing CRM
Database API
Custom fields
Launched in 2004, Buildium is a flexible property management software ideal for small to medium-sized portfolios. Buildium supports portfolios ranging from 1 to over 5,000 units and focuses on residential, affordable housing, and community association management.
Buildium Pricing Plans
Buildium offers three pricing tiers:
Essential: Starts at $58/month for basic features like accounting and tenant screening.
Growth: Starts at $183/month with advanced tenant screening and unlimited eLeases.
Premium: Starts at $375/month, including priority support and property inspections.
Buildium’s pricing includes some extra fees such as $5 per lease for eLeases (Essential plan) and $0.50 per outgoing EFT.
Buildium Key Features
Accounting:
Online payments
1099 eFiling
Retail cash payments
Operations:
Maintenance tracking
Resident and owner portals
Document storage
Leasing:
Rental applications
Tenant screening (powered by TransUnion)
eLeases and automated renewals
Key Comparisons: AppFolio vs. Buildium
1. Target Audience
AppFolio: Best suited for larger portfolios (50+ units) and property managers looking for advanced features like AI-driven tools and custom workflows.
Buildium: Ideal for smaller portfolios, individual landlords, and community association managers.
2. Ease of Use
Both platforms offer intuitive user interfaces, but Buildium is often considered more beginner-friendly, while AppFolio provides more flexibility for advanced users.
3. Marketing and Leasing Tools
AppFolio: Uses AI leasing assistant Lisa for virtual showings and automated communication.
Buildium: Offers free professional websites for listings with syndication to Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
4. Tenant Screening
AppFolio: Customizable criteria for tenant screening, including credit and background checks.
Buildium: Powered by TransUnion with detailed credit and eviction history reports.
5. Accounting and Reporting
Both platforms excel in accounting, with robust reporting tools like income statements and cash flow tracking. However, AppFolio offers over 80 customizable reports, whereas Buildium simplifies the process for smaller portfolios.
6. Pricing Transparency
AppFolio’s pricing includes minimum monthly fees and onboarding costs, making it less flexible for smaller portfolios.
Buildium offers more affordable entry-level plans but adds fees for features like outgoing EFTs and bank account setups.
Choosing the Right Software
Selecting between AppFolio and Buildium largely depends on the size of your portfolio and specific needs:
Choose AppFolio if you manage a large portfolio or need advanced features like AI leasing and custom APIs.
Choose Buildium if you are a smaller landlord looking for an affordable, user-friendly solution with essential tools.
About Owndoor
Owndoor is your trusted partner in property management, offering "Property Management as a Service" to businesses looking to streamline their operations. Our team is trained on industry-leading tools to deliver exceptional results.
With Owndoor, you can focus on growth while we handle the day-to-day challenges of property management. From bookkeeping and tenant onboarding, we provide a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your needs.
Partnering with Owndoor means gaining access to experts who understand the intricacies of property management. We work to ensure your operations run smoothly, your properties are well-maintained, and your tenants and owners are satisfied. Let us take the stress out of property management so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
Conclusion
Both AppFolio and Buildium offer excellent property management solutions, but their strengths cater to different audiences. AppFolio excels in handling large portfolios with its advanced tools, while Buildium is perfect for small to mid-sized landlords who need straightforward, cost-effective management. Evaluate your portfolio size, budget, and feature preferences to decide which platform is best for your property management needs.
