How to Hire a Property Manager (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you have been in real estate long enough, you know this truth:
A great property manager doesn’t just manage property; they make your business.
They keep clients loyal, tenants happy, and your rent roll humming along. But the tricky part? Finding (and keeping) one. Because in a market as competitive as Sydney, Newcastle, and the Central Coast, skilled property managers aren’t scrolling job ads, they are being tapped on the shoulder.
So, if you’re ready to hire your next Property Manager, here’s how to do it.
1. Get crystal clear on who you’re hiring
Before you even think about posting a job ad, stop and ask: What exactly am I looking for?
A clear job description is your blueprint. Define the role, expectations, and how success will be measured —both in numbers and in culture fit. The best candidates won’t just want to know what they’ll do; they will want to know why it matters.
And please, don’t assume experience replaces structure. Even seasoned property managers need a solid onboarding and training plan to hit the ground running your way, not the last office’s way.
2. Go exclusive (it’s worth it)
Here’s an industry secret: spreading your vacancy across multiple recruiters doesn’t increase your odds; it dilutes your message.
Working exclusively with a recruiter who genuinely understands real estate means your opportunity is represented with care, clarity, and consistency. One point of contact. One story. One goal: finding the perfect match, not just another résumé.
3. Pay what they are worth
Top property managers know their value, and so does the competition.
Offering a competitive salary and benefits isn’t about throwing money around; it’s about showing that you respect the responsibility this role carries. They are managing your clients’ investments and your reputation. That deserves recognition.
If you’re unsure what’s competitive right now, ask your recruiter (hi, that’s me). The right offer can make all the difference between securing an experienced property manager or a newbie who needs to be trained from scratch.
4. Keep it short and sharp
When you’ve found someone promising, move fast. The best candidates aren’t waiting around for six rounds of “we’ll get back to you.”
Keep your interview process to two rounds, max. And ideally, wrap it up within seven days.
If you take too long, someone else will move quicker, and you’ll be back to square one, wondering why it’s so hard to find good people.
5. Flexibility wins talent
The best property managers are often already employed. So if they can only meet after 5 pm or on a Saturday, make it work.
That small act of flexibility says a lot about your leadership, and it could be the difference between “thanks, but I’m staying put” and “I’m excited to join your team.”
The bottom line?
Hiring a top property manager isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about clarity, speed, respect, and a bit of strategy. When you partner with a recruiter who understands the market and the mindset of today’s property managers, you don’t just hire faster, you hire smarter.
If you’re ready to find the right person (not just the next one), let’s chat. At Recruit & Consult, we help real estate businesses across Sydney, Newcastle, and the Central Coast build property management teams that perform and stay.
