COMPLIANCE DEADLINE LOOMS
As landlords adjust to new market realities, they’ re also focused on meeting upcoming Healthy Homes Standards( HHS), which become fully enforceable from 1 July 2025.
“ We’ re a little over 50 days from the final compliance deadline, and calls from landlords and tenants are ramping up,” Snelling says.“ There’ s some frustration because it’ s not always the‘ bad actors’ who struggle, as conscientious landlords in modern homes are also challenged by the nuances of regulation.”
Snelling cites examples where an existing heating source in a brand-new property may fall just short of the minimum output requirement, or window dimensions in a new build don’ t meet ventilation specifications.
“ The law is the law, and we can’ t skirt around it.” However, he says that professional property managers can help landlords navigate these complexities and rectify issues before enforcement becomes problematic.
Ray White’ s use of the Tapi property maintenance system, now across more than 18,000 of the network’ s 23,000 rental properties, is one such tool. It allows managers to log maintenance requests and pay for work( within set limits) in a‘ buy now, pay later’ format, easing the path to compliance and allowing landlords to spread the costs over time.
“ We expect to see more tenant-driven initiatives encouraging renters to report non-compliant landlords,” Snelling says.
“ You don’ t have to be unscrupulous or negligent to get caught out, all tenanted homes must comply by 1 July, and there’ s no longer a 120-day grace period for new tenancies.”
PRICE IT RIGHT, OR MISS THE WINDOW
With market dynamics shifting, Snelling says landlords must answer a critical question:‘ Do you want your property rented, or do you simply want it to be available for rent?’
“ Because there’ s such a big difference in this market, and it comes down to leasing strategy and service delivery.
“ The abundance of listings means tenants can afford to be selective, often shopping around, making multiple applications before committing. For landlords, that can mean longer vacancy periods if the offer doesn’ t stack up.
“ Take care of good tenants and be pragmatic about what you’ re offering,” Snelling advises.“ Tenants have more options than they’ ve had in years, and if your property doesn’ t shine, they’ ll move on.”
EMPOWERING LANDLORDS TO MAKE THE MOVE
Recognising a moment of change, Ray White launched a nationwide campaign aimed at helping landlords re-evaluate their existing management arrangements.
“ To empower landlords to make smarter choices, we launched the Make the Move campaign on 1 April. It’ s already been an overwhelming success, so much so that many offices are extending the promotion through May.”
Designed to ease the transition from existing property managers, the campaign includes meaningful incentives worth up to $ 1,000 for landlords who join the company. These range from contributions towards HHS upgrades to financial support for maintenance, free landlord insurance, and charitable donations on the landlord’ s behalf.
“ It’ s not unlike banks offering cashbacks to win new customers,” Snelling explains.“ Our participating teams handle the entire switchover process, including notifying the current manager, so it’ s stress-free and straightforward.”
Snelling says the offer has struck a chord with landlords dissatisfied with their current service levels, bringing forward hundreds of transitions in the past month alone.
NAVIGATING THE TIDE
With structural change underway across the property sector, Snelling says adaptability is critical for success in the months ahead.
“ The market is what it is. Our teams are delivering great outcomes, but it takes focus, training, and the right tools to navigate today’ s challenges,” he says.
Ray White continues to invest in leasing strategy training for its nationwide property management teams, recognising that while conditions may be challenging, opportunity remains for those who stay ahead of the curve.
“ Our value lies in our ability to proactively manage properties to maximum effect for our landlords, while ensuring tenant satisfaction and minimising vacancies,” Snelling says.
“ Regardless of market, professional property management makes a measurable difference, and in 2025, that’ s more valuable than ever.”
For more information about Ray White’ s Property Management offering visit pm. raywhite. com.
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