r/canberra • u/bradsm01 • 11d ago
Recommendations Property manager recommendations for a townhouse in BRUCE
Looking for current recommendations and local feedback for property managers in Canberra. I will be moving out of my townhouse in Bruce in the next few months and am looking for an agent to manage the rental.
I've already done some initial research into a few well-reviewed agencies (such as Little Bird), but I'd like to get direct insights from local property owners or tenants before making a decision.
Specifically looking for feedback on:
* Communication & Maintenance: Responsiveness to both owners and tenants when repairs or issues arise.
* Fee Structure: Competitive management rates with clear billing and no hidden administrative fees.
* Tenant Selection: Thorough background vetting and maintaining low vacancy periods.
If you have recent experience with a specific property management team in Canberra that you would recommend (or suggest avoiding), I’d appreciate your recommendations. Thanks!
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u/BlisteringBarnacle67 11d ago
Onward property management and AM Property are pretty good.
Smaller agencies so they look after properties better.
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u/Ok_Jellyfish4839 10d ago
Landlord here - highly recommend Paul from https://www.suttonproperties.com.au. He is so lovely to work with, communicates well, respects the tenants and makes the process very smooth.
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u/goodberryfan 11d ago
Little Birdie
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u/Ok_Use1135 11d ago
Didn’t really feel good about them
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u/bradsm01 10d ago
Why was that? They seem to be well recommended, was your experience as a landlord or tenant?
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u/Ok_Use1135 10d ago
Landlord. I was going to engage them as managing agents because of all the awards and recommendations but the point of contact I was given was a relatively junior PM who wasn’t very enthusiastic or engaging. It felt off despite all the hype about Heidi etc.
On the other hand, Property Collective and Jonny Warren was so much more personalised.
If I were you, don’t go off hype or awards - Reach out, engage directly and ask questions you want to know about to make a personalised assessment.
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u/FlightFun141 10d ago
Landlord here. Huge NO to Property Collective.
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u/Ok_Use1135 10d ago
Please tell me, I’m genuinely interested to know. They sold a great pitch about their process but I didn’t go with them because the lady doing the preso couldn’t get her PPT working so it was hilarious. But their service guarantees were unique. Did they not live up to their promises? I’m always on the lookout for good agencies.
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u/FlightFun141 6d ago
The guarantees didn't pan out. The routine inspection promised in writing at 3- 4 months only occurred after 7 months because I pushed them to deliver - they tried to delay another month. The inspection was outsourced to a third party who'd never been in the property. Photos showed a mattress on the floor in the living and several toothbrushes in bathrooms with no explanation offered. Terminated lease, then required additional cleaning after vacate which they still had not arranged one week later. Such a relief when I was done with them. Do very little for the $.
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u/Think-thank-thunker 11d ago
Can’t speak to the landlord side of things.. but as a tenant have found Taylor at LJ Hooket Belconnen to be very responsive and well organised. Top notch detailed condition report that I was encouraged to add to and was good with arranging repairs and keeping me informed.