Complete Guide to Property Management Fees in Brisbane (2024)
Navigating property management fees can be daunting for property owners. In Brisbane, fees vary widely, and understanding what you're paying for can make a significant difference in choosing the right property management company. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about property management fees in Brisbane, ensuring you're well-informed and confident in your choice to hire a property manager for your real estate.
What Are Property Management Fees?
Property management fees are typically broken down into
Management Fees and
Letting Fees.
These fees are for the services provided by property management companies that are essential for maintaining your property, finding and managing tenants, and ensuring your investment remains leased and profitable.
Types of Property Management Fees
1. Management Fees
This is the core fee that property managers charge for managing your property. In Brisbane, management fees usually range between 7% and 9% of the weekly rent. However, it’s important to understand what services are included in this fee. For example, does it cover tenant selection, routine inspections, or rent collection? Are there monthly administration fees? What other annual costs will I have? Preparing these questions for your property manager can help you compare different management companies, like for like and ensure you're not up for any hidden costs.
2. Letting Fees
Letting fees are charged when a new tenant is found. In Brisbane, this is often equivalent to one or two weeks' rent. This fee covers the cost of advertising the property, conducting viewings, and processing tenancy applications. Be sure to ask whether this fee is charged each time a new tenant is secured or only once per lease. At CAPEX Property, we only charge the 1st week rent as a letting fee.
3. Advertising Fees
Advertising fees are often an additional cost. These can range from $100 to $500, depending on the platforms used to market the property. Consider asking your property manager how they plan to market your property and whether the cost is included in the letting fees. CAPEX Property does not charge any additional advertising, as this is included in the letting fee.
4. Lease Renewal Fees
When an existing tenant renews their lease, a lease renewal fee may be charged. This fee in Brisbane typically ranges from $200 to $400. It’s a good idea to clarify if this fee is negotiable or if it’s waived for long-term tenants. However, at CAPEX Property, lease renewals are included in standard management fee.
5. Routine Inspection Fees
Routine inspections are vital for maintaining your property’s condition. Most agencies include inspection costs in their management fee, but some may charge an additional $25 to $100 per inspection. CAPEX Property, includes 3 inspections per year as standard, with no additional charge.
6. Administration Fees
Administration fees cover the cost of trust accounting and preparing monthly statements. These are typically small, fixed monthly charges. Be sure to look out for cut price management fees that more than make up for their low advertised rate with monthly admin fees!
7. Maintenance and Repair Fees
Property maintenance is crucial, but the fees can add up. Some Brisbane property managers might charge a markup on repairs, typically around 10% to 15% of the repair cost. It’s important to know whether your property manager has a preferred list of contractors and whether you can provide your own. CAPEX Property does not add any extra charges for coordinating maintenance work.
8. Tribunal Fees
If there’s a dispute with a tenant that requires a tribunal hearing, your property manager may charge for their time. Tribunal fees in Brisbane are often between $100 to $500 per hour. This can be a significant cost, so it’s wise to understand the circumstances under which this fee might be applied. A good property manager will take the time to vet and secure quality tenants to avoid tribunals. Check if your property management company charges by the hour for tribunal fees of if it is included in their services.
How to Avoid Hidden Fees
Transparency is key when dealing with property management fees in Brisbane. To avoid hidden costs, ensure you have a detailed contract outlining all fees and charges. Ask your property manager to explain each fee and get everything in writing. It’s also advisable to regularly review your management agreement to ensure no new fees have been introduced.

Comparing Property Management Fees Across Brisbane
When comparing fees across different property management companies in Brisbane, consider the following:
- What services are included in the management fee?
- Are there any additional charges for services like inspections or tenant finding?
- How do the fees compare to other companies?
- Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Quality service, experience, and expertise often justify higher fees. Ensure that the property management company you choose offers value for money and meets your specific needs.
How to Maximise the Value of Your Property Management Services
To get the most out of your property management services, consider the following tips:
- Set Clear Expectations
Discuss your expectations and requirements with your property manager. Clear communication ensures both parties are aligned and can avoid misunderstandings. - Regular Communication
Maintain regular contact with your property manager. Regular updates and reports help you stay informed about your property’s performance and any issues that arise. - Monitor Performance
Keep track of key performance indicators such as occupancy rates, rent collection efficiency, and maintenance response times. Monitoring these metrics helps ensure your property manager is performing effectively. - Review Financial Statements
Regularly review financial statements provided by your property manager. Understanding your income and expenses is crucial for effective property management and maximising returns. - Stay Informed About Market Trends
Keep up-to-date with the local property market. Understanding market trends and rental rates helps you make informed decisions about your investment.
FAQ: Property Management Fees in Brisbane
What are property management fees?
Property management fees are charges by real estate agencies for managing rental properties. These fees typically include management, letting, advertising, lease renewal, routine inspection, administration, maintenance, and end-of-year statement fees.
What is letting fee for rental property
A letting fee covers advertising the property, tenant screening, and preparing lease agreements. It is usually charged when a new tenant is secured. It can be upto 1 or 2 weeks of the rent.
How much are property management fees in Brisbane?
In Brisbane, management fees usually range from 7% to 9% of the weekly rent plus GST. Letting fees are generally one week's rent plus GST. Other fees, such as advertising, lease renewal, and inspection fees, can vary. It's important to look beyond just the management fee and calculate the entire cost of manging your property. Be on the look out for hidden fees.
Are there hidden fees in property management?
Some property management companies may have hidden fees. It's essential to discuss all fees upfront with your property manager. CAPEX Property offers transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Do all property management companies charge lease renewal fees?
Most property management companies charge a small lease renewal fee. CAPEX Property includes lease renewal in our standard management fee.
Are advertising fees included in the letting fee?
Some basic advertising is often included, but enhanced advertising on major portals can incur additional costs. CAPEX Property provides premium advertising at no extra cost included with our letting fee.
What are routine inspection fees?
Routine inspection fees cover the cost of regular property inspections to ensure it is well-maintained. These fees can be included in the management fee or charged separately. CAPEX Property does not charge routine inspection fees.
What are end-of-year statement fees?
End-of-year statement fees are charges for preparing financial summaries for tax purposes. These fees typically range from $20 to $100. CAPEX Property does not charge end-of-year-statement fees.
Can property management fees be negotiated?
Some aspects of property management fees may be negotiable. For example, if you own multiple properties, you might be able to get a discount off the managmenet fee. It’s important to discuss and agree on all fees upfront with your property management company.
Final Thoughts
Understanding property management fees in Brisbane is crucial to maximizing your rental investment. By being aware of the various fees and how they’re applied, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Choose a property manager who is transparent, offers a detailed fee structure, and provides quality service.
Contact us today for a no-obligation appraisal and experience the difference of working with a dedicated, professional team committed to your success. For more information or to get started, visit
CAPEX Property.
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