Property Management
How Much Could Better Property Management Really Save You?
Most landlords focus on the management fee percentage. That’s only part of the equation.
There’s what you pay in fees. And then there’s what you lose through under-management — missed rent reviews, extended vacancy, slow arrears response, reactive leasing decisions.
And then there’s a third cost most landlords don’t see coming: the charges that sit below the headline rate, billed separately, adding up quietly over time.
PIA addresses all three. Here’s how.
The Charges Most Landlords Don't Realise They're Paying
Most property management agreements look similar on the surface. The management fee percentage is quoted upfront. What’s less visible are the hidden line-item charges that accumulate beneath it — fees for services that many landlords assume are simply part of the service.
They’re not. At least not everywhere.
At PIA, the following services are included in your management fee — not billed separately:
These inclusions aren’t a discount — they reflect how we’ve structured our service. When your property manager is supported by specialist teams and proprietary systems, the cost of coordination drops. Those savings flow back to you as inclusions, not extras.
Table note: ‘Typical industry charge’ reflects common practice among Sydney property management agencies. Actual charges vary by agent and agreement. Always confirm inclusions before signing.
The Charges Most Landlords Don't Realise They're Paying
Most property management agreements look similar on the surface. The management fee percentage is quoted upfront. What’s less visible are the line-item charges that accumulate beneath it — fees for services that many landlords assume are simply part of the service.
They’re not. At least not everywhere.
At PIA, the following services are included in your management fee — not billed separately:
These inclusions aren’t a discount — they reflect how we’ve structured our service. When your property manager is supported by specialist teams and proprietary systems, the cost of coordination drops. Those savings flow back to you as inclusions, not extras.
Table note: ‘Typical industry charge’ reflects common practice among Sydney property management agencies. Actual charges vary by agent and agreement. Always confirm inclusions before signing.
Advertisement Fee
Typically $150-$250
Incuded
Comprehensive tenant screening & background check
Typically $15-$150
Incuded
Tenancy renewal
Typically $100-$200 each
Incuded
Monthly financial statement
Typically $150-$250
Incuded
Regular property inspection
Typically $15-$150
Incuded
Entry & exit condition report
Typically $100-$200 each
Incuded
Inventory report (furnished property only)
Typically $150-$250
Incuded
Regular, emergency repair & maintenance coordination
Typically $15-$150
Incuded
Processing insurance claims
Typically $100-$200 each
Incuded
Calculation & collection of water and sewerage
Typically $150-$250
Incuded
Disaster / emergency management
Typically $15-$150
Incuded
Outgoing management fee
Typically $100-$200 each
Incuded
Tribunal case preparation fee
Typically $100-$200 each
Incuded
Why This Isn’t a Typical Fee Comparison
Most fee comparisons stop at the headline management rate. They don’t show you the full picture — what’s included, what’s not, and what you’re quietly paying for elsewhere.
This comparison focuses on:
Transparency, not just headline numbers
The full cost of management, not just the percentage
Services you should expect as standard — and whether you’re actually getting them
Because for investors, knowing exactly what you’re paying for — and what you’re not — matters as much as the rate itself.
What Better Management Can Unlock
With the right systems, specialists, and accountability in place, landlords typically experience:
More consistent income
Fewer surprises
Less time managing issues
Greater confidence in long-term performance
That’s the difference between simply managing a rental — and managing an asset.
Want Accurate Numbers for Your Property?
The calculator gives you a directional view. For personalised advice based on your specific property, location, and market conditions, request a rental appraisal.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an indicative estimate only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual outcomes depend on property type, condition, location, market conditions, and tenant behaviour. For personalised advice, speak with a PIA Asset Manager.