Property management fees in Sydney: what landlords pay in 2026
Most Sydney landlords pay a management fee of around 5–8% of the rent collected, plus a letting fee of 1–2 weeks' rent each time a new tenant is found. Recent industry data puts the Sydney averages at about 5.4% and 1.2 weeks' rent.
But the headline percentage is only part of the cost. Two agents quoting the same rate can charge very different amounts once inspection, advertising, renewal and statement fees are added. This guide explains each fee and how to compare quotes properly.
The two main fees
Management fee. A percentage of the rent the agent collects each month. It covers the day-to-day work: collecting rent, paying bills from the rent, chasing arrears, handling tenant requests and keeping records. In Sydney it typically sits between 5% and 8%; regional areas can be higher.
Letting fee (leasing fee). A one-off charge when a new tenant is placed, usually 1–2 weeks' rent. It covers advertising coordination, open homes, checking applications and references, and preparing the lease. You pay it again whenever the property is re-let, so a property with frequent tenant turnover costs more to manage.
Fees to check before you sign
| Fee | What it is | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Routine inspection fee | Charged per inspection, usually every 3–6 months | Is it included in the management fee? |
| Advertising / marketing | realestate.com.au and Domain listings, photos | Passed on at cost, or with a margin? |
| Lease renewal fee | Charged when a tenant signs a new fixed term | A flat fee or a percentage? |
| End of financial year statement | Annual income and expense summary for your tax return | Is it free? |
| Tribunal (NCAT) attendance | Preparing for and attending hearings | What is the hourly rate? |
| Admin / sundry fee | Monthly flat fee for postage, software, phone | Is there one at all? |
| Transfer or set-up fee | Charged when you switch from another agent | Is it waived? |
All fees attract GST, so confirm whether each quote is GST-inclusive before comparing.
How to compare two quotes
Percentages are hard to compare on their own. Instead, work out the total yearly cost for your property:
- Weekly rent × 52 × management fee %
- Plus one letting fee, if you expect a new tenant this year
- Plus every extra fee from the table above, for one year
- Add GST to all of it
Example: a Sydney apartment renting at $750 per week
The lower headline rate saves less than $100 a year here, and Agent A's extras grow if inspections or renewals are more frequent. Ask every agent for their full fee schedule in writing.
What a good property manager saves you
The cheapest agent is not always the lowest-cost one. A week of vacancy on a $750 per week property costs $750, more than most fee differences. So compare agents on:
- Days on market: how quickly they lease properties in your suburb
- Arrears rate: how often their tenants fall behind on rent
- Rent reviews: whether they keep rent in line with the market each year
- Communication: who your contact is, and how fast they reply
Property management fees are also generally tax-deductible for investment properties. Check with your accountant for your situation.
Switching property managers
If you are unhappy with your current agent, you can usually switch even with a tenant in place. Check the termination clause in your agency agreement: notice periods of 30–90 days are common. The new agent then handles the handover of keys, bond records, the lease and tenant details.
What could your property rent for?
At Golden View Property we don't charge a transfer fee or a routine inspection fee, and we give every landlord a full written fee schedule before they sign. Our English and Chinese speaking team manages rental properties across Sydney and the Central Coast.
Areas we manage:GosfordWoy WoySydney CBDMarrickvilleWolli CreekAll regions
Sources: Local Agent Finder (March 2026); WhichRealEstateAgent (March 2026). The two-agent comparison is a worked example, not real quotes. This guide is general information, not financial or tax advice.