diff --git a/apps/bench.py b/apps/bench.py
index 19cdcfa..4708403 100644
--- a/apps/bench.py
+++ b/apps/bench.py
@@ -558,11 +558,13 @@ class GattServer:
         # Setup the GATT service
         self.speed_tx = Characteristic(
             SPEED_TX_UUID,
-            Characteristic.WRITE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
             Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
             CharacteristicValue(write=self.on_tx_write),
         )
-        self.speed_rx = Characteristic(SPEED_RX_UUID, Characteristic.NOTIFY, 0)
+        self.speed_rx = Characteristic(
+            SPEED_RX_UUID, Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY, 0
+        )
 
         speed_service = Service(
             SPEED_SERVICE_UUID,
diff --git a/apps/console.py b/apps/console.py
index 498e224..1522f08 100644
--- a/apps/console.py
+++ b/apps/console.py
@@ -873,7 +873,7 @@ class ConsoleApp:
             return
 
         # use write with response if supported
-        with_response = characteristic.properties & Characteristic.WRITE
+        with_response = characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
         await characteristic.write_value(value, with_response=with_response)
 
     async def do_local_write(self, params):
diff --git a/apps/gg_bridge.py b/apps/gg_bridge.py
index 17c1662..6506f7b 100644
--- a/apps/gg_bridge.py
+++ b/apps/gg_bridge.py
@@ -230,13 +230,13 @@ class GattlinkNodeBridge(GattlinkL2capEndpoint, Device.Listener):
         )
         self.tx_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GG_GATTLINK_TX_CHARACTERISTIC_UUID,
-            Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+            Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
         )
         self.tx_characteristic.on('subscription', self.on_tx_subscription)
         self.psm_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GG_GATTLINK_L2CAP_CHANNEL_PSM_CHARACTERISTIC_UUID,
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([psm, 0]),
         )
diff --git a/apps/pair.py b/apps/pair.py
index 3729143..541e5b5 100644
--- a/apps/pair.py
+++ b/apps/pair.py
@@ -302,7 +302,8 @@ async def pair(
                     [
                         Characteristic(
                             '552957FB-CF1F-4A31-9535-E78847E1A714',
-                            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+                            Characteristic.Properties.READ
+                            | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
                             Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
                             CharacteristicValue(
                                 read=read_with_error, write=write_with_error
diff --git a/bumble/device.py b/bumble/device.py
index 25fa099..0fa8f16 100644
--- a/bumble/device.py
+++ b/bumble/device.py
@@ -1018,7 +1018,9 @@ class Device(CompositeEventEmitter):
                     descriptors.append(new_descriptor)
                 new_characteristic = Characteristic(
                     uuid=characteristic["uuid"],
-                    properties=characteristic["properties"],
+                    properties=Characteristic.Properties.from_string(
+                        characteristic["properties"]
+                    ),
                     permissions=characteristic["permissions"],
                     descriptors=descriptors,
                 )
diff --git a/bumble/gap.py b/bumble/gap.py
index a4d5077..29df89f 100644
--- a/bumble/gap.py
+++ b/bumble/gap.py
@@ -41,14 +41,14 @@ class GenericAccessService(Service):
     def __init__(self, device_name, appearance=(0, 0)):
         device_name_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_DEVICE_NAME_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             device_name.encode('utf-8')[:248],
         )
 
         appearance_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_APPEARANCE_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             struct.pack('<H', (appearance[0] << 6) | appearance[1]),
         )
diff --git a/bumble/gatt.py b/bumble/gatt.py
index 74ba6f0..88b7417 100644
--- a/bumble/gatt.py
+++ b/bumble/gatt.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ import enum
 import functools
 import logging
 import struct
-from typing import Optional, Sequence, List, Any, Iterable
+from typing import Optional, Sequence, List
 
 from .colors import color
 from .core import UUID, get_dict_key_by_value
@@ -260,64 +260,67 @@ class Characteristic(Attribute):
     '''
 
     uuid: UUID
+    properties: Characteristic.Properties
 
-    # Property flags
-    BROADCAST = 0x01
-    READ = 0x02
-    WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE = 0x04
-    WRITE = 0x08
-    NOTIFY = 0x10
-    INDICATE = 0x20
-    AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES = 0x40
-    EXTENDED_PROPERTIES = 0x80
+    class Properties(enum.IntFlag):
+        """Property flags"""
 
-    PROPERTY_NAMES = {
-        BROADCAST: 'BROADCAST',
-        READ: 'READ',
-        WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE: 'WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE',
-        WRITE: 'WRITE',
-        NOTIFY: 'NOTIFY',
-        INDICATE: 'INDICATE',
-        AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES: 'AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES',
-        EXTENDED_PROPERTIES: 'EXTENDED_PROPERTIES',
-    }
+        BROADCAST = 0x01
+        READ = 0x02
+        WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE = 0x04
+        WRITE = 0x08
+        NOTIFY = 0x10
+        INDICATE = 0x20
+        AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES = 0x40
+        EXTENDED_PROPERTIES = 0x80
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def property_name(property_int):
-        return Characteristic.PROPERTY_NAMES.get(property_int, '')
+        @staticmethod
+        def from_string(properties_str: str) -> Characteristic.Properties:
+            property_names: List[str] = []
+            for property in Characteristic.Properties:
+                if property.name is None:
+                    raise TypeError()
+                property_names.append(property.name)
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def properties_as_string(properties):
-        return ','.join(
-            [
-                Characteristic.property_name(p)
-                for p in Characteristic.PROPERTY_NAMES
-                if properties & p
-            ]
-        )
+            def string_to_property(property_string) -> Characteristic.Properties:
+                for property in zip(Characteristic.Properties, property_names):
+                    if property_string == property[1]:
+                        return property[0]
+                raise TypeError(f"Unable to convert {property_string} to Property")
 
-    @staticmethod
-    def string_to_properties(properties_str: str):
-        return functools.reduce(
-            lambda x, y: x | get_dict_key_by_value(Characteristic.PROPERTY_NAMES, y),
-            properties_str.split(","),
-            0,
-        )
+            try:
+                return functools.reduce(
+                    lambda x, y: x | string_to_property(y),
+                    properties_str.split(","),
+                    Characteristic.Properties(0),
+                )
+            except TypeError:
+                raise TypeError(
+                    f"Characteristic.Properties::from_string() error:\nExpected a string containing any of the keys, separated by commas: {','.join(property_names)}\nGot: {properties_str}"
+                )
+
+    # For backwards compatibility these are defined here
+    # For new code, please use Characteristic.Properties.X
+    BROADCAST = Properties.BROADCAST
+    READ = Properties.READ
+    WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE = Properties.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE
+    WRITE = Properties.WRITE
+    NOTIFY = Properties.NOTIFY
+    INDICATE = Properties.INDICATE
+    AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES = Properties.AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES
+    EXTENDED_PROPERTIES = Properties.EXTENDED_PROPERTIES
 
     def __init__(
         self,
         uuid,
-        properties,
+        properties: Characteristic.Properties,
         permissions,
         value=b'',
         descriptors: Sequence[Descriptor] = (),
     ):
         super().__init__(uuid, permissions, value)
         self.uuid = self.type
-        if isinstance(properties, str):
-            self.properties = Characteristic.string_to_properties(properties)
-        else:
-            self.properties = properties
+        self.properties = properties
         self.descriptors = descriptors
 
     def get_descriptor(self, descriptor_type):
@@ -327,18 +330,15 @@ class Characteristic(Attribute):
 
         return None
 
-    def has_properties(self, properties: Iterable[int]):
-        for prop in properties:
-            if self.properties & prop == 0:
-                return False
-        return True
+    def has_properties(self, properties: Characteristic.Properties) -> bool:
+        return self.properties & properties == properties
 
     def __str__(self):
         return (
             f'Characteristic(handle=0x{self.handle:04X}, '
             f'end=0x{self.end_group_handle:04X}, '
             f'uuid={self.uuid}, '
-            f'properties={Characteristic.properties_as_string(self.properties)})'
+            f'{self.properties!s})'
         )
 
 
@@ -365,8 +365,8 @@ class CharacteristicDeclaration(Attribute):
         return (
             f'CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x{self.handle:04X}, '
             f'value_handle=0x{self.value_handle:04X}, '
-            f'uuid={self.characteristic.uuid}, properties='
-            f'{Characteristic.properties_as_string(self.characteristic.properties)})'
+            f'uuid={self.characteristic.uuid}, '
+            f'{self.characteristic.properties!s})'
         )
 
 
diff --git a/bumble/gatt_client.py b/bumble/gatt_client.py
index 17f622b..d7a0666 100644
--- a/bumble/gatt_client.py
+++ b/bumble/gatt_client.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 import asyncio
 import logging
 import struct
-from typing import List, Optional
+from typing import List, Optional, Dict, Any, Callable
 
 from pyee import EventEmitter
 
@@ -138,9 +138,18 @@ class ServiceProxy(AttributeProxy):
 
 
 class CharacteristicProxy(AttributeProxy):
+    properties: Characteristic.Properties
     descriptors: List[DescriptorProxy]
+    subscribers: Dict[Any, Callable]
 
-    def __init__(self, client, handle, end_group_handle, uuid, properties):
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        client,
+        handle,
+        end_group_handle,
+        uuid,
+        properties: Characteristic.Properties,
+    ):
         super().__init__(client, handle, end_group_handle, uuid)
         self.uuid = uuid
         self.properties = properties
@@ -185,7 +194,7 @@ class CharacteristicProxy(AttributeProxy):
         return (
             f'Characteristic(handle=0x{self.handle:04X}, '
             f'uuid={self.uuid}, '
-            f'properties={Characteristic.properties_as_string(self.properties)})'
+            f'properties={self.properties!s})'
         )
 
 
@@ -677,8 +686,8 @@ class Client:
             return
 
         if (
-            characteristic.properties & Characteristic.NOTIFY
-            and characteristic.properties & Characteristic.INDICATE
+            characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY
+            and characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE
         ):
             if prefer_notify:
                 bits = ClientCharacteristicConfigurationBits.NOTIFICATION
@@ -686,10 +695,10 @@ class Client:
             else:
                 bits = ClientCharacteristicConfigurationBits.INDICATION
                 subscribers = self.indication_subscribers
-        elif characteristic.properties & Characteristic.NOTIFY:
+        elif characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY:
             bits = ClientCharacteristicConfigurationBits.NOTIFICATION
             subscribers = self.notification_subscribers
-        elif characteristic.properties & Characteristic.INDICATE:
+        elif characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE:
             bits = ClientCharacteristicConfigurationBits.INDICATION
             subscribers = self.indication_subscribers
         else:
diff --git a/bumble/gatt_server.py b/bumble/gatt_server.py
index e3529c8..51f3ec0 100644
--- a/bumble/gatt_server.py
+++ b/bumble/gatt_server.py
@@ -243,7 +243,10 @@ class Server(EventEmitter):
             # unless there is one already
             if (
                 characteristic.properties
-                & (Characteristic.NOTIFY | Characteristic.INDICATE)
+                & (
+                    Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY
+                    | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE
+                )
                 and characteristic.get_descriptor(
                     GATT_CLIENT_CHARACTERISTIC_CONFIGURATION_DESCRIPTOR
                 )
diff --git a/bumble/profiles/asha_service.py b/bumble/profiles/asha_service.py
index 1b1e93a..6898397 100644
--- a/bumble/profiles/asha_service.py
+++ b/bumble/profiles/asha_service.py
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ class AshaService(TemplateService):
 
         self.read_only_properties_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_ASHA_READ_ONLY_PROPERTIES_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes(
                 [
@@ -120,19 +120,20 @@ class AshaService(TemplateService):
 
         self.audio_control_point_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_ASHA_AUDIO_CONTROL_POINT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+            | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
             Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
             CharacteristicValue(write=on_audio_control_point_write),
         )
         self.audio_status_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_ASHA_AUDIO_STATUS_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([0]),
         )
         self.volume_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_ASHA_VOLUME_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
             Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
             CharacteristicValue(write=on_volume_write),
         )
@@ -151,7 +152,7 @@ class AshaService(TemplateService):
         self.psm = self.device.register_l2cap_channel_server(self.psm, on_coc, 8)
         self.le_psm_out_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_ASHA_LE_PSM_OUT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             struct.pack('<H', self.psm),
         )
diff --git a/bumble/profiles/battery_service.py b/bumble/profiles/battery_service.py
index f6ccc10..211fee0 100644
--- a/bumble/profiles/battery_service.py
+++ b/bumble/profiles/battery_service.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ class BatteryService(TemplateService):
         self.battery_level_characteristic = PackedCharacteristicAdapter(
             Characteristic(
                 GATT_BATTERY_LEVEL_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+                Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
                 Characteristic.READABLE,
                 CharacteristicValue(read=read_battery_level),
             ),
diff --git a/bumble/profiles/device_information_service.py b/bumble/profiles/device_information_service.py
index 2ad9cae..09bfd6c 100644
--- a/bumble/profiles/device_information_service.py
+++ b/bumble/profiles/device_information_service.py
@@ -63,7 +63,9 @@ class DeviceInformationService(TemplateService):
         # TODO: pnp_id
     ):
         characteristics = [
-            Characteristic(uuid, Characteristic.READ, Characteristic.READABLE, field)
+            Characteristic(
+                uuid, Characteristic.Properties.READ, Characteristic.READABLE, field
+            )
             for (field, uuid) in (
                 (manufacturer_name, GATT_MANUFACTURER_NAME_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC),
                 (model_number, GATT_MODEL_NUMBER_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC),
@@ -79,7 +81,7 @@ class DeviceInformationService(TemplateService):
             characteristics.append(
                 Characteristic(
                     GATT_SYSTEM_ID_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                    Characteristic.READ,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                     Characteristic.READABLE,
                     self.pack_system_id(*system_id),
                 )
@@ -89,7 +91,7 @@ class DeviceInformationService(TemplateService):
             characteristics.append(
                 Characteristic(
                     GATT_REGULATORY_CERTIFICATION_DATA_LIST_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                    Characteristic.READ,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                     Characteristic.READABLE,
                     ieee_regulatory_certification_data_list,
                 )
diff --git a/bumble/profiles/heart_rate_service.py b/bumble/profiles/heart_rate_service.py
index 5755535..c7d3018 100644
--- a/bumble/profiles/heart_rate_service.py
+++ b/bumble/profiles/heart_rate_service.py
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ class HeartRateService(TemplateService):
         self.heart_rate_measurement_characteristic = DelegatedCharacteristicAdapter(
             Characteristic(
                 GATT_HEART_RATE_MEASUREMENT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+                Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
                 0,
                 CharacteristicValue(read=read_heart_rate_measurement),
             ),
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ class HeartRateService(TemplateService):
         if body_sensor_location is not None:
             self.body_sensor_location_characteristic = Characteristic(
                 GATT_BODY_SENSOR_LOCATION_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                Characteristic.READ,
+                Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                 Characteristic.READABLE,
                 bytes([int(body_sensor_location)]),
             )
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ class HeartRateService(TemplateService):
             self.heart_rate_control_point_characteristic = PackedCharacteristicAdapter(
                 Characteristic(
                     GATT_HEART_RATE_CONTROL_POINT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                    Characteristic.WRITE,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
                     Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
                     CharacteristicValue(write=write_heart_rate_control_point_value),
                 ),
diff --git a/examples/keyboard.py b/examples/keyboard.py
index 16dbeb6..314a805 100644
--- a/examples/keyboard.py
+++ b/examples/keyboard.py
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ async def keyboard_host(device, peer_address):
         return
     for i, characteristic in enumerate(report_characteristics):
         print(color('REPORT:', 'yellow'), characteristic)
-        if characteristic.properties & Characteristic.NOTIFY:
+        if characteristic.properties & Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY:
             await peer.discover_descriptors(characteristic)
             report_reference_descriptor = characteristic.get_descriptor(
                 GATT_REPORT_REFERENCE_DESCRIPTOR
@@ -241,7 +241,9 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
     # Create an 'input report' characteristic to send keyboard reports to the host
     input_report_characteristic = Characteristic(
         GATT_REPORT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]),
         [
@@ -256,8 +258,8 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
     # Create an 'output report' characteristic to receive keyboard reports from the host
     output_report_characteristic = Characteristic(
         GATT_REPORT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-        Characteristic.READ
-        | Characteristic.WRITE
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
         | Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([0]),
@@ -278,7 +280,7 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
                 [
                     Characteristic(
                         GATT_MANUFACTURER_NAME_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                        Characteristic.READ,
+                        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                         Characteristic.READABLE,
                         'Bumble',
                     )
@@ -289,13 +291,13 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
                 [
                     Characteristic(
                         GATT_PROTOCOL_MODE_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                        Characteristic.READ,
+                        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                         Characteristic.READABLE,
                         bytes([HID_REPORT_PROTOCOL]),
                     ),
                     Characteristic(
                         GATT_HID_INFORMATION_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                        Characteristic.READ,
+                        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                         Characteristic.READABLE,
                         # bcdHID=1.1, bCountryCode=0x00,
                         # Flags=RemoteWake|NormallyConnectable
@@ -309,7 +311,7 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
                     ),
                     Characteristic(
                         GATT_REPORT_MAP_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                        Characteristic.READ,
+                        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                         Characteristic.READABLE,
                         HID_KEYBOARD_REPORT_MAP,
                     ),
@@ -322,7 +324,7 @@ async def keyboard_device(device, command):
                 [
                     Characteristic(
                         GATT_BATTERY_LEVEL_CHARACTERISTIC,
-                        Characteristic.READ,
+                        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
                         Characteristic.READABLE,
                         bytes([100]),
                     )
diff --git a/examples/run_asha_sink.py b/examples/run_asha_sink.py
index 3b8083c..3e4955d 100644
--- a/examples/run_asha_sink.py
+++ b/examples/run_asha_sink.py
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ async def main():
         # Add the ASHA service to the GATT server
         read_only_properties_characteristic = Characteristic(
             ASHA_READ_ONLY_PROPERTIES_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes(
                 [
@@ -127,13 +127,13 @@ async def main():
         )
         audio_control_point_characteristic = Characteristic(
             ASHA_AUDIO_CONTROL_POINT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.WRITE | Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
             Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
             CharacteristicValue(write=on_audio_control_point_write),
         )
         audio_status_characteristic = Characteristic(
             ASHA_AUDIO_STATUS_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([0]),
         )
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ async def main():
         )
         le_psm_out_characteristic = Characteristic(
             ASHA_LE_PSM_OUT_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             struct.pack('<H', psm),
         )
diff --git a/examples/run_controller.py b/examples/run_controller.py
index 885b96d..596ac8b 100644
--- a/examples/run_controller.py
+++ b/examples/run_controller.py
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ async def main():
         )
         manufacturer_name_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_MANUFACTURER_NAME_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             "Fitbit",
             [descriptor],
diff --git a/examples/run_gatt_client_and_server.py b/examples/run_gatt_client_and_server.py
index f3df733..609fe18 100644
--- a/examples/run_gatt_client_and_server.py
+++ b/examples/run_gatt_client_and_server.py
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ async def main():
     )
     manufacturer_name_characteristic = Characteristic(
         GATT_MANUFACTURER_NAME_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC,
-        Characteristic.READ,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         "Fitbit",
         [descriptor],
diff --git a/examples/run_gatt_server.py b/examples/run_gatt_server.py
index 041b440..46d42a2 100644
--- a/examples/run_gatt_server.py
+++ b/examples/run_gatt_server.py
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ async def main():
         )
         manufacturer_name_characteristic = Characteristic(
             GATT_MANUFACTURER_NAME_STRING_CHARACTERISTIC,
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             'Fitbit',
             [descriptor],
@@ -109,13 +109,13 @@ async def main():
             [
                 Characteristic(
                     'D901B45B-4916-412E-ACCA-376ECB603B2C',
-                    Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
                     Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
                     CharacteristicValue(read=my_custom_read, write=my_custom_write),
                 ),
                 Characteristic(
                     '552957FB-CF1F-4A31-9535-E78847E1A714',
-                    Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
                     Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
                     CharacteristicValue(
                         read=my_custom_read_with_error, write=my_custom_write_with_error
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ async def main():
                 ),
                 Characteristic(
                     '486F64C6-4B5F-4B3B-8AFF-EDE134A8446A',
-                    Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+                    Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
                     Characteristic.READABLE,
                     'hello',
                 ),
diff --git a/examples/run_notifier.py b/examples/run_notifier.py
index 673286b..5f6def3 100644
--- a/examples/run_notifier.py
+++ b/examples/run_notifier.py
@@ -74,19 +74,21 @@ async def main():
         # Add a few entries to the device's GATT server
         characteristic1 = Characteristic(
             '486F64C6-4B5F-4B3B-8AFF-EDE134A8446A',
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([0x40]),
         )
         characteristic2 = Characteristic(
             '8EBDEBAE-0017-418E-8D3B-3A3809492165',
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.INDICATE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([0x41]),
         )
         characteristic3 = Characteristic(
             '8EBDEBAE-0017-418E-8D3B-3A3809492165',
-            Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY | Characteristic.INDICATE,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ
+            | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY
+            | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([0x42]),
         )
diff --git a/tests/gatt_test.py b/tests/gatt_test.py
index 3dc0f5f..0652197 100644
--- a/tests/gatt_test.py
+++ b/tests/gatt_test.py
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ async def test_characteristic_encoding():
 
     c = Foo(
         GATT_BATTERY_LEVEL_CHARACTERISTIC,
-        Characteristic.READ,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         123,
     )
@@ -144,7 +144,9 @@ async def test_characteristic_encoding():
 
     characteristic = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([123]),
     )
@@ -240,7 +242,9 @@ async def test_attribute_getters():
     characteristic_uuid = UUID('FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806')
     characteristic = Characteristic(
         characteristic_uuid,
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([123]),
     )
@@ -285,7 +289,7 @@ def test_CharacteristicAdapter():
     v = bytes([1, 2, 3])
     c = Characteristic(
         GATT_BATTERY_LEVEL_CHARACTERISTIC,
-        Characteristic.READ,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         v,
     )
@@ -421,7 +425,7 @@ async def test_read_write():
 
     characteristic1 = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
     )
 
@@ -438,7 +442,7 @@ async def test_read_write():
 
     characteristic2 = Characteristic(
         '66DE9057-C848-4ACA-B993-D675644EBB85',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         CharacteristicValue(
             read=on_characteristic2_read, write=on_characteristic2_write
@@ -501,7 +505,7 @@ async def test_read_write2():
     v = bytes([0x11, 0x22, 0x33, 0x44])
     characteristic1 = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         value=v,
     )
@@ -545,7 +549,7 @@ async def test_subscribe_notify():
 
     characteristic1 = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         bytes([1, 2, 3]),
     )
@@ -561,7 +565,7 @@ async def test_subscribe_notify():
 
     characteristic2 = Characteristic(
         '66DE9057-C848-4ACA-B993-D675644EBB85',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.INDICATE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         bytes([4, 5, 6]),
     )
@@ -577,7 +581,9 @@ async def test_subscribe_notify():
 
     characteristic3 = Characteristic(
         'AB5E639C-40C1-4238-B9CB-AF41F8B806E4',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY | Characteristic.INDICATE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY
+        | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         bytes([7, 8, 9]),
     )
@@ -797,32 +803,46 @@ async def test_mtu_exchange():
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 def test_char_property_to_string():
     # single
-    assert Characteristic.property_name(0x01) == "BROADCAST"
-    assert Characteristic.property_name(Characteristic.BROADCAST) == "BROADCAST"
+    assert str(Characteristic.Properties(0x01)) == "Properties.BROADCAST"
+    assert str(Characteristic.Properties.BROADCAST) == "Properties.BROADCAST"
 
     # double
-    assert Characteristic.properties_as_string(0x03) == "BROADCAST,READ"
+    assert str(Characteristic.Properties(0x03)) == "Properties.READ|BROADCAST"
     assert (
-        Characteristic.properties_as_string(
-            Characteristic.BROADCAST | Characteristic.READ
-        )
-        == "BROADCAST,READ"
+        str(Characteristic.Properties.BROADCAST | Characteristic.Properties.READ)
+        == "Properties.READ|BROADCAST"
     )
 
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-def test_char_property_string_to_type():
+def test_characteristic_property_from_string():
     # single
-    assert Characteristic.string_to_properties("BROADCAST") == Characteristic.BROADCAST
+    assert (
+        Characteristic.Properties.from_string("BROADCAST")
+        == Characteristic.Properties.BROADCAST
+    )
 
     # double
     assert (
-        Characteristic.string_to_properties("BROADCAST,READ")
-        == Characteristic.BROADCAST | Characteristic.READ
+        Characteristic.Properties.from_string("BROADCAST,READ")
+        == Characteristic.Properties.BROADCAST | Characteristic.Properties.READ
     )
     assert (
-        Characteristic.string_to_properties("READ,BROADCAST")
-        == Characteristic.BROADCAST | Characteristic.READ
+        Characteristic.Properties.from_string("READ,BROADCAST")
+        == Characteristic.Properties.BROADCAST | Characteristic.Properties.READ
+    )
+
+
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+def test_characteristic_property_from_string_assert():
+    with pytest.raises(TypeError) as e_info:
+        Characteristic.Properties.from_string("BROADCAST,HELLO")
+
+    assert (
+        str(e_info.value)
+        == """Characteristic.Properties::from_string() error:
+Expected a string containing any of the keys, separated by commas: BROADCAST,READ,WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,WRITE,NOTIFY,INDICATE,AUTHENTICATED_SIGNED_WRITES,EXTENDED_PROPERTIES
+Got: BROADCAST,HELLO"""
     )
 
 
@@ -833,7 +853,9 @@ async def test_server_string():
 
     characteristic = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([123]),
     )
@@ -844,13 +866,13 @@ async def test_server_string():
     assert (
         str(server.gatt_server)
         == """Service(handle=0x0001, end=0x0005, uuid=UUID-16:1800 (Generic Access))
-CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0002, value_handle=0x0003, uuid=UUID-16:2A00 (Device Name), properties=READ)
-Characteristic(handle=0x0003, end=0x0003, uuid=UUID-16:2A00 (Device Name), properties=READ)
-CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0004, value_handle=0x0005, uuid=UUID-16:2A01 (Appearance), properties=READ)
-Characteristic(handle=0x0005, end=0x0005, uuid=UUID-16:2A01 (Appearance), properties=READ)
+CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0002, value_handle=0x0003, uuid=UUID-16:2A00 (Device Name), Properties.READ)
+Characteristic(handle=0x0003, end=0x0003, uuid=UUID-16:2A00 (Device Name), Properties.READ)
+CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0004, value_handle=0x0005, uuid=UUID-16:2A01 (Appearance), Properties.READ)
+Characteristic(handle=0x0005, end=0x0005, uuid=UUID-16:2A01 (Appearance), Properties.READ)
 Service(handle=0x0006, end=0x0009, uuid=3A657F47-D34F-46B3-B1EC-698E29B6B829)
-CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0007, value_handle=0x0008, uuid=FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806, properties=READ,WRITE,NOTIFY)
-Characteristic(handle=0x0008, end=0x0009, uuid=FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806, properties=READ,WRITE,NOTIFY)
+CharacteristicDeclaration(handle=0x0007, value_handle=0x0008, uuid=FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806, Properties.NOTIFY|WRITE|READ)
+Characteristic(handle=0x0008, end=0x0009, uuid=FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806, Properties.NOTIFY|WRITE|READ)
 Descriptor(handle=0x0009, type=UUID-16:2902 (Client Characteristic Configuration), value=0000)"""
     )
 
@@ -875,7 +897,9 @@ def test_attribute_string_to_permissions():
 def test_characteristic_permissions():
     characteristic = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         'READABLE,WRITEABLE',
     )
     assert characteristic.permissions == 3
@@ -885,15 +909,21 @@ def test_characteristic_permissions():
 def test_characteristic_has_properties():
     characteristic = Characteristic(
         'FDB159DB-036C-49E3-B3DB-6325AC750806',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE | Characteristic.NOTIFY,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY,
         'READABLE,WRITEABLE',
     )
-    assert characteristic.has_properties([Characteristic.READ])
-    assert characteristic.has_properties([Characteristic.READ, Characteristic.WRITE])
-    assert not characteristic.has_properties(
-        [Characteristic.READ, Characteristic.WRITE, Characteristic.INDICATE]
+    assert characteristic.has_properties(Characteristic.Properties.READ)
+    assert characteristic.has_properties(
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
     )
-    assert not characteristic.has_properties([Characteristic.INDICATE])
+    assert not characteristic.has_properties(
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE
+        | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE
+    )
+    assert not characteristic.has_properties(Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE)
 
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/tests/self_test.py b/tests/self_test.py
index d6b16ec..5f7f4b8 100644
--- a/tests/self_test.py
+++ b/tests/self_test.py
@@ -163,25 +163,28 @@ async def test_self_gatt():
     # Add some GATT characteristics to device 1
     c1 = Characteristic(
         '3A143AD7-D4A7-436B-97D6-5B62C315E833',
-        Characteristic.READ,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         bytes([1, 2, 3]),
     )
     c2 = Characteristic(
         '9557CCE2-DB37-46EB-94C4-50AE5B9CB0F8',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([4, 5, 6]),
     )
     c3 = Characteristic(
         '84FC1A2E-C52D-4A2D-B8C3-8855BAB86638',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.WRITE_WITHOUT_RESPONSE,
         Characteristic.READABLE | Characteristic.WRITEABLE,
         bytes([7, 8, 9]),
     )
     c4 = Characteristic(
         '84FC1A2E-C52D-4A2D-B8C3-8855BAB86638',
-        Characteristic.READ | Characteristic.NOTIFY | Characteristic.INDICATE,
+        Characteristic.Properties.READ
+        | Characteristic.Properties.NOTIFY
+        | Characteristic.Properties.INDICATE,
         Characteristic.READABLE,
         bytes([1, 1, 1]),
     )
@@ -234,7 +237,7 @@ async def test_self_gatt_long_read():
     characteristics = [
         Characteristic(
             f'3A143AD7-D4A7-436B-97D6-5B62C315{i:04X}',
-            Characteristic.READ,
+            Characteristic.Properties.READ,
             Characteristic.READABLE,
             bytes([x & 255 for x in range(i)]),
         )