Should You Self-Manage Your Investment Property or Hire a Property Manager?
One of the first big decisions a property investor faces is whether to manage the property themselves or engage a professional property manager. At Your Property Team, we often speak with landlords weighing up these two options. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks—so how do you know what’s right for you?
Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.
1. Cost – Saving vs. Strategic Investment
Self-managing your property might seem like the cheaper option, as it avoids the management fees (typically 7-10% of the weekly rent) and leasing costs charged by agencies. However, cost savings can quickly be wiped out by expensive mistakes—such as breaching tenancy laws, setting the wrong rent, or missing a maintenance issue that turns into a major repair.
At Your Property Team, we not only ensure compliance with all legal obligations but also help maximise your rental return through strategic pricing, proactive maintenance, and thorough tenant screening. In many cases, our clients find the added value outweighs the cost of our service.
2. Time and Effort – Your Time is Valuable
Managing a rental property isn’t just collecting rent—it involves advertising vacancies, screening tenants, conducting inspections, handling maintenance requests, and navigating any tenancy issues that arise.
If you have a full-time job, live far from your investment, or simply want more free time, hiring a property manager can relieve you of these ongoing tasks. We handle the day-to-day management, so you don’t have to be on-call 24/7 for tenant emergencies or routine concerns.
3. Legal Knowledge and Risk Management
Rental laws in Australia are complex and vary by state. Self-managing landlords are responsible for staying up to date with legislation, notices, bond procedures, and dispute resolution processes. Mistakes can lead to fines, delays in resolving disputes, or even tribunal hearings.
Our team stays across all the latest legislative updates to ensure your property is managed in full compliance—protecting you from costly legal risks and helping avoid unnecessary stress.
4. Tenant Relationships – Professional and Neutral
Some landlords enjoy developing a direct relationship with their tenants, which can work well in ideal situations. However, this dynamic can become difficult if there are disputes, late rent payments, or the need to issue a breach notice.
Having Your Property Team as a professional intermediary helps maintain a positive, business-like relationship with your tenants. We handle communication and conflict resolution objectively, which often results in longer tenancies and fewer issues.
5. Local Market Insight and Access to Quality Tenants
As a landlord, you want to attract reliable, respectful tenants—and set a rent that’s competitive yet profitable. This requires understanding current market trends, demand in your suburb, and tenant expectations.
At Your Property Team, we use local market data and years of experience to price your property correctly and market it effectively. Our thorough screening process helps place quality tenants faster, reducing vacancy periods and maximising your income.
What’s Right for You?
If you enjoy being hands-on, have time to spare, and are confident with legal responsibilities, self-managing might suit you. But for many property owners, especially those building a portfolio or managing from a distance, hiring a property manager is a smart investment that saves time, reduces stress, and helps protect your asset.
At Your Property Team, we’re here to take the hard work off your hands—while keeping you fully informed and in control. Want to know more about how we can help? Contact us today.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult with your professional advisors regarding your individual circumstances.
