How is a Potts Point rental appraisal different from a general Sydney rental appraisal?

A Potts Point rental appraisal must operate at the building level, not the suburb level. The diversity of building quality, construction era, strata health, aspect, and floor level in Potts Point means suburb-wide averages are unreliable for individual property pricing. A reliable appraisal identifies comparables within your building or in buildings of demonstrably equivalent quality — not simply within the same postcode.

My current manager hasn't reviewed my rent in 18 months. What should I do?

Request an updated rental appraisal from your current manager immediately, referencing current comparable leases. If they cannot provide one within a week, or if the appraisal lacks specific comparable evidence, consider engaging an independent specialist for a second opinion. In a market like Potts Point, 18 months without a rent review in an active rental market likely means your rent is below current market rate.

Can I increase rent between fixed-term lease periods in NSW?

Yes — you can increase rent at the end of a fixed-term period by providing 60 days written notice before the new term begins. You can also increase rent during a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy with 60 days notice, provided no increase has been applied in the previous 12 months. Rent increases during a fixed-term tenancy are only permissible if the specific amount or method of increase is written into the original lease.

What if my tenant disputes the rent increase I've proposed?

A tenant may apply to NCAT to have a rent increase reviewed if they believe it is excessive relative to market. NCAT will assess the increase against comparable market rents for similar properties in the area. If your rent increase is grounded in a current, evidence-based appraisal, you are well-positioned to defend it. If it is not, you may be required to reduce or defer the increase.

How accurate are the rental estimates on realestate.com.au and Domain for Potts Point?

Portal rental estimates for Potts Point are useful as a very broad orientation — they reflect general suburb-level data. They should not be used as a basis for pricing individual properties because they cannot account for building quality, floor level, aspect, renovation standard, or current supply and demand conditions at the building level. Treat them as a starting point for a conversation with a local specialist, not as a pricing decision.

Should I use a property manager or manage the rental appraisal myself?

For a Potts Point investment property, we strongly recommend working with a local specialist for the rental appraisal — even if you self-manage the ongoing tenancy. The building-specific knowledge required to price accurately in this market is not easily replicated by landlords without a managed portfolio of comparable properties for reference. A poorly priced listing in either direction will cost you more than the appraisal saves.

How Rental Appraisals Work in Potts Point: A Landlord's Guide to Getting Market Rate

How do rental appraisals work in Potts Point? Space Property Agency walks landlords through the full appraisal process in this premium inner-Sydney suburb…