5 Minute Read | Tony Barton
We get it.
Owning an investment property sounds like a dream, right? Steady rent rolling in, tenants who love the place, and a property manager who’s got your back. But here’s the kicker – property management fees in Brisbane are anywhere from 6% to 12%. Yup, you read that right. Almost like you’re paying for luxury property services but, spoiler alert, it’s just your regular maintenance and tenant screening wrapped in a bow.
While rents are sky-high, it’s hard not to notice that management fees aren’t budging. Same service, bigger bite out of your returns. And what’s even more frustrating? You’re dishing out all this cash for what feels like “business as usual” service.
Imagine it: you’re sitting at home, sipping your coffee, and every month you watch as a solid chunk of your income vanishes—poof!—into the “management fee” black hole. Meanwhile, agencies justify these fees, claiming they’re necessary to “maintain standards” and “ensure quality.” (Spoiler: the only thing they’re ensuring is your frustration level.)
And don’t get us started on the old-school methods. In this day and age, where we can order groceries on our phone, does it really take that much time and effort to manage a property? Between digital inspections, online payments, and scheduling systems, you’d think it would be faster and more efficient. And maybe, just maybe, less expensive too.
So, Brisbane landlords, the big question is: Why are you paying 6-12% when rents have gone up, services have been simplified, and there are fresh, streamlined options?
Brisbane’s rental market has been on the rise, with landlords seeing increased rental returns as demand surges. Yet, despite this growth, property management fees of 6% to 12% remain a thorn in many owners’ sides. These fees significantly impact profit margins, leading many to question if they’re getting value for their money. Services like tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance coordination are essential, but when these remain unchanged, why should the cost remain so high?
The property management industry has evolved with new technology making services more efficient and cost-effective. Digital tools, online inspections, and streamlined communication mean landlords should expect more savings passed onto them. Still, many traditional agencies are sticking with their premium fees, leaving landlords paying more for essentially the same service they’ve received for years.
Crunching the Numbers: The Real Cost ‘premium’ property management.
Let’s break down an example.
A property that rents for $600 per week, managed under a 10% + GST fee, costs the landlord around $66 per week or $3,432 annually. Compare that with a 4% + GST fee, and the management cost drops to $26.40 per week or $1,372.80 per year. That’s a saving of over $2,000 annually—money that could be reinvested into the property or even used for a cheeky holiday or other personal financial goals.
Landlords are increasingly finding that the argument for higher fees, promising “premium service,” often doesn’t stack up. Instead, many are finding more satisfaction with lower-cost options that don’t compromise on quality. More and more owners are discovering that well-managed services with lower fees can provide the same, if not better, care for their investments.
Often, the issue with large agencies is you have multiple points of contact, staff that come and go and property managers taking care of 200+ properties… do you really think they can offer you a ‘premium’ service with that kind of overbearing workload (the answer is NO). Not to mention the constant sales pressure to add more properties to their portfolio… Traditional property management agencies are heading on a direct crash course and you’re along for the ride.
Kevan, a Brisbane landlord, faced the same dilemma. He had been with a well-known agency charging him around 10% in management fees. “I thought the higher price was worth it for better service, but honestly, I wasn’t impressed, ” Kevan mentioned. After moving to Maverick Property, a smaller boutique agency, with a property management rate of just 4% + GST fee, he was surprised by the improvements. Kevan mentioned he experienced excellent communication, in-depth market knowledge and dealt with an experienced team with a track record of success.
“The savings were great, but what really stood out was the communication. They were on the ball with everything, and I felt like I had more visibility and control over my properties, ” he shares.
Kevan’s experience reflects a wider trend where landlords are learning that more affordable services can deliver high-quality management, saving them thousands without losing peace of mind.
A Tenant’s Perspective Of Maverick: A Testimonial from Amy Shark (Singer)
“We rented a property with Tony (Property Manager at Maverick Property), and he was handsdown the best property manager I’ve ever dealt with. From day one, he was friendly, professional,
and super easy to communicate with. Any time I had a question or needed something fixed, he was quick to respond and took care of it without any hassle, which made a huge difference. He really goes above and beyond to make sure everything is well-maintained and that tenants feel looked after. If you’re looking for property managers who genuinely care and make renting a smooth, stress-free experience, I can’t recommend Tony enough. He sets the bar high, and any investor would be lucky to have him managing their property.” - Amy Shark & Shane Billings.
Property Owner Endorsements: Trusted by High-Profile Clients
Even industry leaders like Alan Rydge, owner of the Rydges hotel chain, have trusted Tony Barton (Maverick Property) for property management. “I have known Tony Barton for approximately two years, having approached him to act as letting agent for two properties I was leasing in Point Piper, ” Rydge explains. With his experience as a top agent, Tony managed the entire campaign from organising professional photography to listing the properties online.
“Tony was always available, and nothing was too much trouble for him. I have always found Tony
to be a professional operator, ” Rydge shares.
Likewise, Nick Greiner, former Premier of New South Wales, highlights Tony’s commitment to quality and reliability. “Tony has shown exceptional skills in tenant relations, maintenance oversight, and financial management. His proactive updates and local market knowledge gave me
full confidence in his management, ” Greiner states. “I highly recommend him to any property owner seeking a reliable, professional, and dedicated property manager.”
It’s reasonable to question what’s included in a 4% management fee. Services generally encompass professional property marketing, managing open homes, thorough tenant selection, and routine inspections. Lease agreements are drafted to REIQ standards, rent is collected and promptly disbursed, and maintenance is coordinated efficiently.
Modern property management options also include user-friendly online portals, giving landlords instant access to updates, financial statements, and reports. These transparent systems often rival the offerings of agencies charging double the fee, showing that quality property management doesn’t have to come at a premium price.
With stories like Kevan’s and Nick’s gaining traction, the property management scene in Brisbane is seeing a shift. More landlords are seeking out solutions that respect their investment by providing value-driven, transparent services. It’s a trend that benefits not just property owners but also the industry as it adapts to meet modern expectations.
Here’s some gossip (except it’s real): Brisbane landlords are switching gears and investigating boutique services like Maverick Property for one big reason—value. We’re not talking about cookie-cutter, impersonal service. This is personalised, tech-driven management that keeps you informed and in control. Think of it as having the reliability of a large agency but with the heart and innovation of a small, dedicated team.
Worried about the hassle of changing property managers? Don’t be. Moving your property management from one agency to another is easy. For example, Maverick Property has a simple transfer process: you enter a few details about your property, and voilà! The agency takes care of the nitty-gritty, ensuring a seamless handover and zero headaches. Before you know it, you’ll be saving thousands and wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner (win-win).
Landlords across Brisbane are finding that better property management isn’t just possible—it’s already here. And it’s time to join the ranks of savvy property investors making the switch to modern, boutique management with real savings and no compromises.
Because why should you keep paying 6-12% for the same service? It’s not fair and it’s time for change.