To rent increase or not to rent increase? That's the question plaguing property investors with long-term tenants. This candid conversation dives deep into the emotional and financial complexities when loyal tenants face market-rate rent adjustments after years of below-market rates.

We explore what happens when the honeymoon period ends—that moment when landlords discover they could be earning $100+ more weekly and decide to bring rents closer to market value. Property managers find themselves in the crossfire, negotiating between landlords seeking fair returns and tenants who've grown accustomed to their rental bargain.

The discussion reveals fascinating tenant psychology: how minor maintenance issues suddenly become urgent complaints post-rent increase, and the curious "short-term memory" phenomenon where years of below-market rent are quickly forgotten. We examine how COVID changed the landscape, with many landlords showing exceptional empathy during difficult times, only to face resistance when eventually adjusting rents years later.

Most revealing is our breakdown of landlord types: established property owners (often baby boomers) who prioritize tenant relationships versus first-time investors who "can't afford to be empathetic" with mortgages breathing down their necks. This distinction creates fundamentally different approaches to property management and tenant relations.

Whether you're a landlord trying to decide between "cozy cash flow" or maximum returns, or a tenant wondering what goes on behind the scenes in rent negotiations, this conversation offers valuable perspective on navigating rental relationships in today's challenging market. For property investors, the takeaway is clear: maintain high standards, communicate thoughtfully, and find the balance that works for your investment strategy.

What's really at stake when you choose a property manager? According to expert Cleo, you're essentially handing over "a bag of cash" worth half a million to a million dollars—your valuable property investment—to someone you need to trust implicitly with your wealth building.

In this enlightening conversation, Cleo draws on her 20 years of property management experience to reveal what separates career property managers from those using the role as a temporary stepping stone. She explains why dedication to the profession matters: "Property management has to be your choice. You have to want to do property management. It's not something that you can just go in and out of." This commitment directly impacts how well your investment will be protected and grown.

We explore the number one complaint landlords have with property management—the frustrating experience of constantly changing staff that disrupts service continuity. Cleo offers practical advice on how to spot agencies with stable teams, emphasizing the importance of interviewing the specific person who will handle your property rather than just evaluating the agency. "Don't interview the office. Interview the property manager looking after you," she advises. She also shares why experience matters, how good property managers train landlords to make better decisions, and why switching to a more experienced company is typically free and straightforward when you're not satisfied.

Whether you're selecting your first property manager or considering a change, this episode provides essential guidance to ensure your investment is in capable hands. After all, as Cleo reminds us, property managers aren't just collecting rent—they're wealth managers responsible for one of your most valuable assets.

A stunning one-bedroom unit at Wheeler Parade just sold for $700,000, demonstrating that beachside living on the Northern Beaches remains accessible for first-time buyers and savvy investors. Located at the coveted beach end of Dee Why, this property represents the perfect stepping stone into a market many believe is out of reach.

The property's impressive investment history tells the story: purchased for $515,000 in 2018, sold for $620,000 in 2023, and now achieving $700,000 in 2025. Each owner enjoyed substantial capital growth, with the most recent sellers pocketing $80,000 after just two years of ownership. What's particularly noteworthy is how they maximised returns while holding the property, generating approximately $170 per night through Airbnb with nearly 100% occupancy – significantly outperforming traditional rental returns of around $600 weekly.

Unlike many entry-level properties, this unit required zero renovation work. It featured beautiful timber flooring throughout, stone benchtops in the kitchen, a dishwasher, balcony (rare at this price point), and a fully renovated bathroom. For first-home buyers, the numbers are compelling: purchase with just a $35,000 deposit (5%), no stamp duty for first-timers, and after-tax holding costs of approximately $109 weekly.

We ran a comprehensive financial analysis using ChatGPT, factoring in all expenses: strata ($900/quarter), water, council rates, mortgage costs at 6% interest, rental income, and tax benefits. The final numbers reveal why this property represents such an opportunity – affordable entry into beachside living that also functions as a high-performing investment.

Don't let anyone tell you that property ownership on the Northern Beaches is impossible. This sale proves that with the right approach, strategic thinking, and willingness to begin your journey with a stepping stone property, you can secure your place in one of Sydney's most desirable locations. Ready to find your own Wheeler Parade opportunity? Give us a call today.