This article first appeared on Edgeprop Singapore: https://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/edith-tay-bringing-niche-expertise-corporations-and-new-commercial-property-investors
Success, to Edith Tay, is not just about closing deals, but about making a meaningful impact in the commercial real estate landscape. As the executive director of PropertyBank, the happily married mother of two leads a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to helping businesses find the ideal office space and guiding investors through the complexities of commercial property ventures.
As a leading voice in Singapore’s commercial real estate industry, Tay has built her reputation on strategic innovation, a deep understanding of market dynamics and her business acumen.
“Our team approach is data-driven and based on numerous case studies and years of experience in the field,” explains Tay, who has distilled her professional wisdom into Property Blueprint for Businesses, a guide book on how businesses can monetise commercial real estate. The collective expertise of PropertyBank spans across decades of experience, which become actionable strategies for their clients. “We aim to save our clients time, efforts, and costs by providing insights grounded on real-world applications.”
With a reputation for strategic innovation and a deep understanding of market dynamics, Tay and her team are the go-to experts for commercial and industrial space acquisition and investment in Singapore.
A collaborative approach to commercial real estate
Unlike many property consultants that focus on only making the transactions, Tay’s team takes a more holistic view. “We don’t just facilitate transactions; we guide our clients on what will work best for their businesses,” she says. The PropertyBank team (aka PropertyBankers) acts as strategic advisors, offering a broad range of services from market analysis to tailored real estate strategies that evolve with investors’ and occupiers’ business life cycle.
Whether it’s helping a company attract talents with a well-designed office space, optimising a property portfolio, or advising on competitive locations, Tay’s team ensures that clients receive solutions tailored to their long-term goals. “Our team is built on a foundation of empathy and understanding,” Tay notes. “We go beyond traditional real estate consulting by aligning our services with our clients’ brand and culture.”
Enhancing talent retention through strategic office solutions
The team’s expertise also plays a critical role in helping companies retain talent. In a competitive job market, the right office space can be a significant factor in employee engagement and loyalty, especially for tech companies. “Post-Covid, talents are very mobile. It’s important for companies to create environments that keep their employees happy and engaged,” Tay says.
Tay’s team emphasises the need for spaces that go beyond functionality to enhance employee satisfaction. They recently helped relocate a fast-growing e-commerce company facing workflow challenges due to its scattered office spaces to a centralised location with state-of-the-art communal facilities. This move boosted morale and productivity, showcasing the team’s ability to create environments that attract and retain top talent.
A recognised voice on business and career niche
Tay’s expertise has been widely recognised in the media. She has been featured on Singapore Business Review, 938 MoneyFM, South China Morning Post, EdgeProp, PropertyGuru, BizTech Asia, and Her World Singapore. These features highlight her thoughts on market trends and workplace strategies as well as her insights for maximising real estate value for clients. Her interview on 938 MoneyFM’s show, “Mind your Business: Key Trends of Singapore’s Commercial Property 2024”, focuses on market shifts and provides a deep dive into Singapore’s evolving real estate landscape, while her article in Singapore Business Review, “Seeking an office in Singapore, where do you start”, has in mind the occupiers in Singapore.
Tay was also invited to discuss the topic “Time or money? What would Gen Zs and millennials choose?” in Her World Singapore. Her thought leadership extends beyond local recognition. In the South China Morning Post, she shared her story in “How Asian women are challenging bias to carve out entrepreneurial success, from Singapore to India” to inspire women entrepreneurs.
Tay’s contributions to EdgeProp and PropertyGuru are geared towards educating property investors and business owners on navigating market uncertainties, helping them make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
Educating the next generation and sharing knowledge
At PropertyBank, sharing knowledge is a key part of the team’s mission. Tay, along with her team, established a YouTube channel, PropertyBankSG, dedicated to educating the community about commercial real estate. The channel offers insights into market trends, property management, and workplace optimisation, aiming to empower businesses and investors with valuable knowledge.
“We believe in the power of knowledge sharing,” says Tay. “Our goal is to make our expertise accessible to all, from seasoned investors to those just starting in the commercial real estate sector.”
Tay is actively involved in training real estate professionals who are keen to carve a niche in commercial properties. Tay leads a certificate course in the marketing of commercial properties with the Singapore Estate Agents Association (SEAA), further cementing her team’s role as educators and leaders in the industry.
In spite of her dynamic and busy professional schedule, Tay finds time to recharge by taking nature walks and cooking delicious meals at home.
She shares: “Love for my family is what keeps me going at work!”
Educating the next generation investors and expanding horizons
Looking to the future, Tay and her team are expanding PropertyBank’s services to cater to the needs of new-generation commercial property investors. The upcoming investment management pillar, launching in 4Q2024, will focus on helping individuals transition from residential to commercial and industrial properties. “Our team is excited to help new investors diversify their portfolios and explore the opportunities in non-residential properties,” she shares.
The new business pillar is likened to private banking, offering personalised guidance to potential investors, particularly business owners and professionals who lack the time or expertise to navigate the commercial real estate market on their own. The team is keen to work with investors who have a minimum of $250,000 cash before leverage to invest, providing them with tailored strategies and support.
Building relationships and delivering value
For Tay and her team, success is measured by the value they bring to their clients and the community. They are not just focused on closing deals but also on building lasting relationships and delivering meaningful results. “We are committed to our clients’ success, not just in terms of financial gains but in how well we can support their broader business objectives,” Tay emphasises.
Whether you are a business looking to optimise your workspace or an investor exploring new opportunities, Tay and her team at PropertyBank offer a strategic, empathetic approach to commercial real estate. “By partnering with us, clients can be assured that they are getting more than just a transaction; they are getting a team that is dedicated to their long-term success,” Tay adds.
“And for those who meet me in person, there is definitely a signed copy of Property Blueprint for Businesses waiting for them as a gift — no strings attached!”
For more information,
Contact Edith Tay | 93632233
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (R002319E)
PROPERTYBANK PTE. LTD.
