Colliers is a global commercial real estate firm, not a residential property manager

Colliers International is a publicly traded company that handles commercial real estate — office buildings, retail spaces, industrial warehouses, and investment properties. If you arrived here looking for help managing an apartment building, single-family rental, or residential tenant issues, Colliers is not the right fit. Colliers works with business owners, investors, and large property owners, not individual homeowners or small landlords.

The company operates in over 60 countries and employs thousands of agents, appraisers, and consultants. When a corporation needs to lease office space, when an investor wants to buy a shopping center, or when a developer needs market analysis for a new project, Colliers handles that work. The services are expensive and designed for commercial-scale transactions.

If you are a residential property manager or landlord, you are more likely to work with a local property management company, a real estate agent licensed in your state, or a property management software platform. Those services focus on tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement — the day-to-day work of residential properties.

Key Takeaways

  • Colliers International is a commercial real estate firm that serves businesses and investors, not residential landlords or homeowners.
  • The company provides services like office leasing, property sales, market research, and investment advisory for large properties and portfolios.
  • Residential property managers typically work through local firms, state-licensed agents, or property management software platforms instead.
  • Colliers has offices worldwide but operates at a scale and price point suited to commercial transactions, not single-property management.
  • If you need help managing a rental home or apartment building, you should contact a residential property management company in your area.

What services Colliers actually provides

Colliers offers four main categories of service: leasing (finding tenants for commercial space), sales and acquisitions (buying and selling properties), valuation and advisory (appraising properties and advising investors), and property management for commercial buildings. The property management arm handles large office complexes, shopping centers, and industrial parks — not the kind of work a residential landlord does.

A Colliers agent might help a tech company find 50,000 square feet of office space in a major city. They might advise a pension fund on whether to buy a portfolio of warehouses. They might manage a downtown office tower on behalf of its owner. None of these tasks involve residential leases, security deposits, or tenant disputes.

The company also runs a brokerage division that handles commercial real estate transactions. This is different from residential real estate agents, who list homes for sale and help buyers find properties. Colliers brokers work on much larger deals and earn commissions that reflect the size of the transaction.

How Colliers differs from residential property management

A residential property manager handles one or more rental homes or apartment buildings. They screen tenants, collect rent, coordinate repairs, enforce lease terms, and handle tenant complaints. They work on a monthly basis and charge a percentage of rent collected — typically 8 to 12 percent — or a flat monthly fee. The relationship is ongoing and hands-on.

Colliers operates on a completely different model. They work on commission for sales and leasing deals, which means they earn money when a transaction closes, not month to month. For property management of commercial buildings, they charge based on the size and complexity of the property, and the fees are much higher than residential rates. A Colliers property manager oversees a building with hundreds or thousands of tenants, not a single family home.

Residential property managers are usually licensed by the state where they operate. Colliers agents are also licensed, but they hold commercial real estate licenses or broker licenses, which require different training and exams than residential licenses. If you call Colliers looking for help with a rental house, they will refer you to a local residential firm.

When you might encounter Colliers as a property manager

If you own a large commercial property — a shopping center, an office building, or a multi-unit industrial complex — you might hire Colliers to manage it. You would contact their local office, discuss your property and goals, and negotiate a management agreement. Colliers would then handle tenant relations, maintenance coordination, lease renewals, and financial reporting.

You might also encounter Colliers if you are selling a commercial property. A Colliers broker might list your building and market it to potential buyers. Or if you are a large investor considering buying a commercial portfolio, Colliers might advise you on market conditions, property values, and investment strategy.

For residential property owners, Colliers is not a realistic option. The company does not manage single-family homes or small apartment buildings. If you own a 200-unit apartment complex, you might consider Colliers, but even then, a local residential property management firm is usually more cost-effective and easier to work with.

How to find the right property manager for your situation

If you own a residential rental property and need management help, start by searching online for "property management" plus your city or county name. Call three to five firms and ask what they charge, what services are included, and whether they have experience with your type of property (single-family home, duplex, apartment building, etc.). Most will offer a free consultation.

Check that the firm is licensed in your state. Licensing requirements vary — some states require property managers to hold a real estate license, others do not — but a licensed firm is generally more accountable. Ask for references from current clients and call at least two of them.

For commercial property, the process is similar but the scale is different. If you own a small commercial building, a local commercial real estate broker or property management firm may be a better fit than Colliers. If you own a large portfolio or a major commercial asset, Colliers is worth contacting, but get quotes from other large firms as well.

Understanding commercial versus residential real estate licensing

Real estate licenses in the United States come in two main types: residential and commercial. A residential license allows an agent to list homes, help buyers purchase homes, and manage residential rental properties. A commercial license allows an agent to handle office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and investment real estate. Some agents hold both licenses, but most specialize in one or the other.

Colliers agents hold commercial licenses. This means they have studied commercial real estate law, market analysis, and investment principles. They are not trained or licensed to manage residential properties, and doing so would violate their license terms. If a Colliers agent tried to manage your rental house, they would be operating outside their scope of practice.

When you hire a residential property manager, confirm that they hold a residential property management license or a residential real estate license in your state. This protects you because it means they are regulated by a state board and can be disciplined if they violate the law or their license terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Colliers manage my rental house?

No. Colliers handles commercial real estate only — office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and investment properties. For a residential rental home, you need a local residential property management firm. Search online for "property management" in your area and call three to five companies for quotes.

Is Colliers the same as a real estate agent?

Colliers is a large firm that employs real estate agents, appraisers, and consultants, but it is not the same as a single agent. Think of it as a company, not a person. Colliers agents work on commercial deals, not residential home sales or purchases.

How much does Colliers charge?

Colliers charges vary widely depending on the service and the property. For commercial leasing or sales, they earn a commission when a deal closes. For property management, they charge based on the building's size and complexity. Residential property managers typically charge 8 to 12 percent of rent collected, which is much less than Colliers rates.

What if I own a large apartment building?

If you own a large multi-unit apartment complex (typically 100+ units), Colliers may be worth contacting, though a local residential property management firm is usually more practical. Call both and compare services and fees. Many large apartment owners work with firms that specialize in residential multifamily properties rather than commercial firms.

How do I know if I need a property manager?

If you own a rental property and do not have time to screen tenants, collect rent, coordinate repairs, handle complaints, and manage lease enforcement yourself, a property manager can do that work for you. They charge a fee, but they save you time and often prevent costly mistakes. For residential properties, contact local firms in your area.