Are there risks with self-managing my property?

Owning a rental property is a great way to build your investment portfolio and diversify your assets as you plan your life into retirement. When you do purchase you will find the decision to either have the property managed or self-manage.

Employing a property manager to take care of the intricacies of property rentals can remove potential stress from the day-to-day care of the property and tenant management while maximising your investment.

Alternatively, you may have the time and the resources to self-manage the property. If this is a strategy that you choose, be aware of the risks and benefits around self-management.

One of the financial benefits of self-management is there are no management fees charged from an agency. These fees can range from management fees to letting fees, leasing, representation at tribunal, advertising and marketing and other ancillary fees.

You will also have a more hands-on approach with the management of the property as you will be dealing with the tenants, rental payments, and day-to-day maintenance. You will meet with and approve tenants and are required to build a relationship with them throughout the tenancy.

While there are some benefits, it is worth weighing up the financial costs with the implications of self-managing, especially should things go wrong.

Hiring a professional property manager can reduce stress and risk as they have the most up-to-date knowledge and training of the relevant acts and legislation surrounding rental properties. They are able to navigate any challenges that may rise with tenants including representation at tribunal and insurance claims if required.

A property manager will manage the collection of rental funds and ensure that the tenants are paying their rent on time per the agreed schedule, and should they fall into arrears, will take the relevant action that is required.

The time it takes to show tenants through properties, process applications, and prepare the required lease documents and condition reports add up and a property manager and their team can give you back these precious hours by including it as part of their service and fees package.

Consider how much your time is worth and analyse the costs and risks that are associated with self-managing when weighing up your time and deciding whether to have the property managed by an agent. Your time is precious, and a property manager can help you get this time back, efficiently managing the process.

They will also have a list of licensed and insured preferred suppliers that will attend your property and ensure that work is carried out to a satisfactory standard at a reasonable cost and help to mitigate any losses to you.

If you would like to compare self-management to having your investment property professionally managed, contact our property management team to discuss how we can help.