Property Management Fees & Tenancy Wollongong – A Landlord’s Guide
Understanding property management fees and tenancy in Wollongong is essential if you’re a landlord looking to rent your home. From screening tenants to managing repairs, a reliable Property Manager protects your investment, gets you strong rental returns AND brings you peace of mind. But what should you expect, and how the heck do you choose the right agent to tenant your home?
We’ve all heard the horror stories of dodgy tenants causing $thousands in damage. Here’s how to avoid this happening when you rent out your home!
We spoke with Simon Scholtens from Scholtens Property, a trusted Wollongong real estate professional (yup they do exist!) with over 30 years of experience helping Illawarra & Shoalhaven landlords. Simon shared expert advice on how you find a great Property Manager, current fees and returns in the Wollongong rental market – plus how to ensure you as landlord, your home and your tenants are looked after.
At What’s On in Wollongong, we connect you with the best of local life – and that includes helping homeowners navigate the local rental market with confidence. Boom, let’s do this!
Wollongong Rental Market Snapshot – Mid 2025
As of 2025, the Wollongong rental market is steady and competitive. According to Simon and his team pictured above, rental demand remains high while quality listings are tight.
“Vacancy rates are low – around 1.5% in many suburbs – so it’s a landlord’s market in terms of demand, but renters have high expectations,” he says.
Median rents currently sit around:
- $700+ per week for houses
- $600+ per week for units
Simon notes that suburbs such as Figtree, Woonona, and Mount Ousley are seeing strong enquiry and stable yields.
What to Look for in a Great Property Manager
Simon Scholtens advises that landlords should always meet with an agent before signing up and ask the right questions.
“Experience matters, but so does communication. A great property manager keeps you in the loop and cares about your property as if it’s their own.”
Key traits to look for:
- Strong local market knowledge
- Transparent fee structure
- Prompt communication
- Full-service offerings including marketing, inspections, and repairs
- Great tenant screening systems
Simon adds: “Also ask how many properties they manage per agent. If it’s too many, they might not give yours the attention it needs.”
How to Protect Yourself (and Your Home) as a Landlord
A good Property Manager doesn’t just collect rent – they help protect your investment. Key to great property management in Illawarra is finding the right tenants. Simon and his wonderful team have a substantial and effective tenant screening process. They are sticklers for getting you decent, respectful tenants who won’t trash your home!
Simon recommends you check your agent:
- Vets applicants very carefully – what is their tenant screening process?
- Provides regular inspections with written reports and photos
- Uses well-drafted, up-to-date lease agreements
- Offers a quick response to maintenance issues
- Advises you on landlord insurance to cover damage, loss of rent, or tenant default
“Your property agent is your frontline. Choose someone thorough and responsive – and make sure they’re across all tenancy law updates. Landlords have been caught out by law changes when their agent hasn’t kept them updated” Simon adds.
Realistic Rental Returns and Property Management Fees in Wollongong
Simon explains that most property management fees in Wollongong range between 5% to 8.5% of weekly rent, depending on the level of service and experience.
Additional costs to ask about:
- Lease preparation fees
- Re-letting or advertising fees
- Routine inspection charges
- End of financial year statements
He advises that returns are healthy in 2025 but vary by suburb and property type.
“Cheapest isn’t always best. A good manager will save you money by choosing the right tenants, preventing problems and keeping good tenants happy.”
Treating Tenants Fairly and Respectfully
Simon emphasises that respectful agent-tenant relationships reduce turnover and improve outcomes. However:
“Landlords should always aim to provide a clean, safe home. In return, tenants are far more likely to look after the property.”
Fair treatment of tenants includes:
- Timely repairs
- Reasonable rent increases
- Clear, respectful communication
- Privacy and proper notice before inspections
Landlord Checklist – Does Your Agent Provide This?
Simon suggests ticking off this list before choosing a Property Manager:
- Detailed tenant screening process
- Clear written management agreement
- Frequent property inspections with reporting
- Knowledge of NSW tenancy law
- Easy-to-understand monthly and EOFY statements
- Responsive maintenance and tradespeople
- Open communication with both landlord and tenant
Enquire with Wollongong’s Top-Rated Property Manager – Simon Scholtens
Want proactive, experienced support with your investment property?
Get in touch with Simon Scholtens from Scholtens Property for an obligation-free chat.
Contact Details:
Phone: (02) 4225 7010
Email: info@scholtensproperty.com.au
Website: www.scholtensproperty.com.au/landlords
Simon and his team offer honest, local advice and a personalised service that sets them apart. Thank you Simon Scholtens Property for sharing their expertise to help our local landlords!
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