18 New Members in One Hour, Hvana Signals a Cultural Shift the Real Estate Industry Can No Longer Ignore

Hvana, the new digital wellbeing and community platform for property managers, is recording rapid early momentum just weeks after launch, with demand accelerating across Australia and New Zealand.

That momentum was underlined this week when 18 property managers joined the platform within one hour of a single industry email being sent, marking the fastest intake in a single day since launch.

As the network prepares to pass its first major milestone of 100 members in just five weeks, Co-Founder Nic Fren says the speed of adoption has exceeded expectations and validated the need for something distinctly different in the market.

“The response tells us everything,” Fren said. “This has filled a gap the industry has ignored for years.”

Not a wellness app. Not a program. Not another obligation. Not a course. Not a conference & not new tech to learn.

Hvana is not a mindfulness app, a clinical support platform or a structured wellbeing program. It is a culture-first, pressure-free digital space built purely for connection, release and reset

“There are great platforms for people who need structured support,” Fren said.

“But let's be real, this industry is stressful and sometimes people just need a place to tune out, vent, laugh, reset and come back sharper.”

A quick 60 second visit to Hvana gives PM's the moment to break whatever disruption or situatio has occured to get back on with it.

It also gives those without big teams or internal networks a place to belong.

“This becomes their space,” Fren said. “No pressure. No performance. Just connection.”

What members actually get?

Members access a national peer community, a calm non-clinical environment, and 12 themed Clubhouses, where members can chill out, learn, vent, coach or simply switch off for a moment.

Everything from the Legislation Lounge, where members keep across the latest updates, through to the PM Pantry, where recipes, dinner ideas and restaurant recommendations are shared daily.

Members are even using the platform while travelling, jumping into the app to ask colleagues in other states where to eat, what to see and where to go between meetings.

“There is genuinely something for everyone,” Mr Fren said. “From the Zen Den for peace and reset, to the Pet Pets Corner for our furry companions, the Tech Room for questions around systems, technology and operations, right through to Dear Jo, our in-house ‘Dr’ (not a real doctor), where members can ask questions anonymously without fear, judgement or pressure.”

Every member is automatically part of the monthly prize program, with no leaderboards, no KPIs and no pressure metrics. Everyone is rewarded simply for being part of Hvana.

“Because why not,” Fren said. “If we are in a position to make someone’s day with flowers, a candle, wine or chocolate, we should. As an industry, we can give back without needing applause for doing the bare minimum.”

A direct message to principals and network leaders

Fren is encouraging principals, directors and network leaders to rethink traditional end-of-year gifts and instead gift Hvana memberships to their property management teams.

Rather than hampers and vouchers that are forgotten by New Year’s Day, a 12-month Hvana membership creates year-long impact, at just $47 per person, per year.

“This is their space,” Fren said. “It is not monitored. It is not corporate. It is where they go when they are burnt out, abused, unheard and carrying more than people realise.”

With property managers exiting the industry at record rates and replacement wait times blowing out nationwide, Fren says the retention argument is simple.

“When you compare this to the cost of replacing even one property manager, it is a no-brainer.”

With demand accelerating, Hvana is preparing major platform expansions, brand partnerships and prize growth into the new year.

“We are only at the beginning,” Fren said. “What is happening now is just the first signal.”