Start with your finances. Before you look at a single listing, speak to your bank or a mortgage broker about your borrowing capacity and get pre-approval in place. This tells you exactly what you can spend — and makes you a credible buyer when you find the right property.

Yes. Without exception. Even on a brand-new property. A licensed inspector can identify structural issues, moisture problems, termite activity, and other defects that are invisible to an untrained eye. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of what a missed problem can cost you later.

Buyers often get caught out by the costs they didn't account for. Beyond the purchase price, budget for:

• Stamp duty (this varies by state, property value, and buyer eligibility)
• Conveyancing or legal fees
• Building and pest inspection fees
• Loan application or establishment fees
• Moving costs and utility connection fees

Start with the basics: clean thoroughly, declutter, and make any obvious repairs. Then consider the presentation from a buyer's perspective — not yours. Fresh paint, tidy gardens, and a clean front entrance make a strong first impression. If your budget allows, professional styling can make a meaningful difference to your result.

Selling costs typically include :

• Real estate agent commission (percentage of sale price)
• Marketing and advertising costs
• Conveyancing or legal fees
• Pre-sale repairs, cleaning, or staging
• Any outstanding council rates or levies settled at settlement

We'll walk you through an estimate before you sign anything.

Honestly, it depends — on the market, the price, the property, and the marketing. In a strong market, well-priced properties can sell within a few weeks. In slower conditions, 30 to 90 days is more typical. We'll give you a realistic expectation upfront rather than tell you what you want to hear.

Attend an inspection, then submit your application with the following:

• Current photo ID
• Proof of income (payslips, employment letter, or Centrelink statement)
• Previous rental history or landlord reference
• Personal or professional reference
• Contact details for all people who will be living in the property

A complete, well-presented application significantly improves your chances of approval.

This depends on the individual landlord and the specific property. Some owners are happy to consider pets on a case-by-case basis. We always recommend being upfront about pets in your application — trying to hide them creates bigger problems down the track. Ask us about specific properties and we'll find out the landlord's position.

A bond is a security deposit — usually four weeks' rent — that is held by the relevant government tenancy authority for the duration of your lease. It's returned to you at the end of your tenancy provided:

• The property is left in the same condition as when you moved in (fair wear and tear excepted)
• All rent is paid
• No lease terms have been breached

Complete that Entry Condition Report properly and photograph everything when you move in. It makes the end of tenancy process straightforward for everyone.

We handle the full scope of managing your investment property:

• Tenant sourcing, screening, and selection
• Lease preparation and management
• Rent collection and arrears management
• Routine inspections and condition reporting
• Maintenance coordination
• Financial reporting and owner disbursements
• Compliance with all relevant tenancy legislation

You own the property. We manage it.

Once rent is collected from the tenant, it's processed and transferred to your nominated account along with a detailed statement. We aim to disburse funds on a regular cycle — typically fortnightly or monthly, depending on your preference. You'll always have a clear record of income and outgoings.

First, we conduct a thorough inspection and document all damage with photographs and written reports. Depending on the nature and extent, costs may be claimed against the bond or pursued through the tenancy tribunal. We manage the entire process — you don't need to deal directly with the tenant. We also strongly recommend that all investment property owners hold landlord insurance. If you don't have it, ask us — it's worth every cent.

We're a boutique agency. That means your property is managed by someone who actually knows it — not handed off to a junior staff member in an overloaded portfolio. We're responsive, we're transparent, and we give landlords straight answers. Our business is built on the results we get for the clients who trust us.

Phone: 0450 767 367
Email: admin@mkrealestate.com.au
Office: 2 Myall Road, Para Hills, South Australia, Australia, 5096
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

You can also fill out the contact form on our website and a team member will get back to you the same business day.