5 tips for choosing a property manager for your rental

When you rent out your investment property, you can choose to manage the property yourself or get a professional property manager to do the hard yards for you.


The key benefit of getting someone else to manage your property is the convenience factor. You won’t be the one organising tradespeople if the property floods or the heater blows up.


A professional property manager can help maximise your returns by finding high-quality tenants, conducting thorough background checks, and ensuring their financials are sound, all while minimising vacancies.



Property managers offer a range of services, which may include:

  • Rent advice
  • Leasing expertise and advertising services
  • Management of contracts
  • Advice about tenancy legislation
  • Inspections and hands-on management of your property


Here are some tips for choosing the right property manager.


Do your homework

Research which property management companies service the area where your investment is located. You may opt for a full-service real estate agency or use a dedicated property management company.

Make sure you read their customer reviews, even if they’ve been recommended by family and friends. That’ll give you an idea of how others have found their services and what you can expect.


Stick to local professionals

A local property manager is likely to have a solid understanding of the suburb’s demographics, the kinds of tenants you’ll attract and the right rent to charge.

This kind of local knowledge is extremely valuable when it comes to property management and will help you make informed decisions.


Make sure you understand the fees

Most property managers charge a fee based on a percentage of the rent. Others charge a flat fee amount.

There may be administrative fees, leasing fees at the start of a tenancy (usually a couple of weeks’ rent), advertising fees and additional charges for lease renewals.

Make sure you understand the fee structure and what you get for your money.


See how reachable they are

When something goes wrong with your property, you need to be able to reach your property manager fast. Test the waters and see how easy they are to communicate with.

Give shortlisted property managers a call and see how knowledgeable they are and whether they’re pleasant to deal with.

Do they only respond via email or text? Do they take a millennium to get back to you? Does their communication style work for you?


Don’t be afraid to ask questions

There are no silly questions, so ask prospective property managers anything you feel is relevant.

  • What services do they provide?
  • How do they manage maintenance tasks?
  • What sort of properties are in their portfolio and how many?
  • How do they manage rental payments?
  • How often do they do inspections?
  • Will they let you know about legislative changes that could affect your rental?
  • Asking lots of questions will help you choose the right property manager for your needs.


Let’s chat

If you’re in the market to buy an investment property, we can assist with the finance side of things. Get in touch today to talk through your options.

Can gambling impact your home loan application?

July 10, 2025
If you’re looking to buy a property, it’s important to remember that your gambling habits could be taken into account when you apply for a home loan. Your lender will look at any track record of gambling when assessing your financial situation and ability to repay the mortgage. Not only could gambling jeopardise your chances of being approved for a loan, but it could also impact your ability to refinance down the track. Understanding the process When you apply for a home loan, your lender will do an affordability assessment. As part of this, they’ll assess your income (from all sources) against your outgoings (your regular expenses). They’ll also likely check your credit score. If a lender sees evidence of regular gambling transactions as part of your expenses, it may be a red flag. They’ll look at how much money you’re gambling, how frequently you’re betting and what type of gambling you’re participating in. If it’s a small amount you’re gambling relatively infrequently for leisure, it probably won’t raise any alarm bells with the lender. The occasional Powerball ticket, for example, will be considered harmless. However, if it’s an ongoing habit that’s getting out of control, it could limit your ability to secure finance. How to turn things around There are steps you can take to try to maximise your chances of getting approved for a home loan if you do have a history of gambling. Domino your debts: Paying off your debts – whether it be credit card debt, car loan or personal loans – is a good place to start, as it shows you are able to manage your finances effectively. Budget and save: A strong track record of saving will go down well with lenders. Keep putting money aside regularly and grow your savings nest egg. Boost your credit score: You can access your credit score and credit report for free every few months. If you notice any errors in the report, contact the credit provider. The government’s moneysmart website offers tips on how to improve your credit score, such as lowering your credit card limit, paying your utility bills on time and keeping on top of credit card repayments. Stop gambling: If you think your gambling may jeopardise your home loan application, try to reduce or quit gambling. Seeking help There are many resources available to help you tackle a gambling addiction. GambleAware offers tools and support for those who are looking to stop gambling. The site includes a gambling assessment to see how the habit may be impacting your life, as well as research and links to gambling support groups. You can also get immediate support from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. It’s free and confidential. Other options can be found on the Health Direct website . Like to talk through your finance options? If you’d like to know more about how your gambling habit may affect your home loan application, we’re here to answer your questions. Talk to us confidentially about your financial situation and we’ll help you work towards getting the finance you need.

Are you retirement ready? Planning for the next chapter

By Darcey Rizzuto • May 30, 2025
Retirement often conjures up images of afternoons on a golf course or adventures in a motorhome, of growing your own vegetables or spending quality time with the grandkids.