Yes Covid19 is the best excuse here, but we’ve seen property managers who achieved 70% occupancy as well as property managers who write zero income statement every month. Before the pandemic everyone is getting 80-90% occupancy and everyone thinks he/she is having the best property manager in town. The Pandemic has become a good differentiator that lets us see who actually has the real expertise to achieve the best income despite the changing market.

Cleaning is not cheap in Queenstown. Most property managers use 3rd party cleaners but a few have their own cleaning team. 3rd party cleaners add about 25% margin on top of the actual cost. Property managers with own cleaning team tend to have better quality control and have one less man taking a cut in the middle.

Asking them what their commission rates are is only asking half the question.

Property manages have very different fee structures and this can by very confusing: some charge guest a nightly rate and a cleaning fee on top, and the owner commission is charged on the gross nightly rental only; some property managers do not charge guest a separate cleaning fee (absorbed in their nightly rate and passed onto the owner). Also, whether they charge any other on-going fees on top of management commission: some of the commonly seen fees:

– Admin fee
– Surcharge on maintenance work
– Fees/surcharge on property setup (furniture purchase and assembly)
– Photography fee

Good property managers employ the right technology to advertise on as many platforms as possible, including but not limited to: Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia…etc

Frequent property inspection allow issues and damages to be discovered and dealt with promptly. Good recording keeping such as inspection photos and videos provides the evidence for claiming back guest deposits should the need arises.

“Superhost” status is awarded to property manager who achieves an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It’s a testimony to a property manager’s love and care towards the property and the guests.

It also translates to more bookings – guests are more likely to book properties where they know they’d be in good hands.