Why Every Investor Needs a Great Property Manager

In a recent episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, host Aaron Christie-David sat down with Ashleigh Goodchild, Director of SOCO Realty, to discuss the invaluable role of property managers in building and maintaining successful property investments. With over two decades of experience, Ashleigh shared expert insights on navigating the rental market, choosing the right property manager, and educating investors through her innovative Empowered Investor course. Watch the full episode here.

Why a Property Manager is Your Best Asset Manager

Ashleigh strongly advocates for viewing property managers as asset managers. These professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding your investment by staying on top of legislation, managing tenants, and ensuring optimal returns.

“Investors spend significant amounts on properties, buyer’s agents, and other services,” Ashleigh explained. “Yet, they sometimes undervalue property management, which is one of the most important and affordable aspects of investing.”

She highlighted how a proactive property manager can save investors significant amounts—not just in fees but through smart financial guidance, like offering interest rate health checks that result in thousands of dollars in savings.

Choosing the Right Property Manager: What to Look For

Selecting the right property manager can make or break your investment experience. According to Ashleigh, the most critical traits to look for include:

  • Attitude and Communication: A property manager should be responsive, approachable, and easy to communicate with.
  • Purpose-Driven Approach: Teams aligned with clear values and client goals tend to provide better service.
  • Experience and Systems: Long-term, knowledgeable professionals with efficient processes are invaluable for handling unforeseen issues.

Ashleigh emphasised that investors should ask better questions when choosing a property manager, such as understanding the agency’s structure (portfolio-based vs. task-based) and their approach to maintenance and tenant management.

Self-Management vs. Professional Management

While some investors choose to self-manage their properties, Ashleigh cautioned against it unless they have the time, interest, and knowledge to do it effectively.

“Property management is not just about collecting rent—it’s about avoiding costly mistakes,” she said. “The annual management fee is negligible compared to the potential savings and peace of mind a property manager can provide.”

She shared examples of how professional management ensures faster tenant placements, reduces vacancy rates, and handles complex situations, such as disputes with neighbours or maintaining compliance with regulations.

Introducing the Empowered Investor Course

Ashleigh and her colleague, Jackie Skein, developed the Empowered Investor Course to bridge the education gap for Australian property investors. Designed by property managers, this self-paced course covers essential topics like:

  • Understanding neighbourhood risks and tenant demographics.
  • Building strong relationships with sales agents and property managers.
  • Knowing the right questions to ask before purchasing an investment property.
  • Selecting a property manager that aligns with your goals and needs.

“Investors often make decisions based on advice from mates or unverified online sources,” Ashleigh noted. “This course ensures they are equipped with the right information from industry experts.”

The Perth Market: Current Trends

During the episode, Ashleigh shared insights into the Perth property market, highlighting its mixed conditions:

  • Sales Market: Strong but slowing slightly compared to recent months.
  • Rental Market: Hit-and-miss, with some areas experiencing lower tenant demand while others remain competitive.
  • Seasonal Factors: April to October is traditionally quieter for rentals, making price adjustments and patience key during this period.

Ashleigh advised investors to consult their property managers about realistic rental expectations and to avoid relying solely on sales agents’ rental appraisals, which can sometimes mislead buyers.

Key Takeaways for Property Investors

  1. Value Your Property Manager: A good manager does much more than collect rent—they’re your partner in maintaining and growing your investment.
  2. Ask the Right Questions: When choosing a property manager, focus on their systems, responsiveness, and team structure.
  3. Educate Yourself: Resources like the Empowered Investor Course can help you make smarter decisions.
  4. Stay Informed on Market Trends: Work with your property manager to understand local conditions and adapt strategies accordingly.
  5. Don’t Undervalue Expertise: Trust professionals—property managers, brokers, and buyer’s agents—over anecdotal advice.

Ready to Empower Your Investment Journey?

If you’re ready to make smarter property decisions, contact Atelier Wealth for expert advice on financing your property goals.

And don’t forget to check out the Empowered Investor Course, created by Ashleigh Goodchild and Jackie Skein, for invaluable guidance from experienced property managers.

Know someone navigating the challenges of property management? Share this blog or the Australian Property Investment Podcast episode with them for actionable insights to help them succeed.