Local short-stay management agency

Property owners in a holiday town, beachside suburb or city centre who want a local manager rather than an out-of-town platform.

Commission on bookings, plus fees for cleaning, linen, restocking and check-ins, often charged separately to the owner or guest.

• Managing people and contractors
• Pricing and marketing
• Calm problem-solving with guests and owners

• Licensing: some states require a real estate agent licence to manage properties for a fee, so check with your state's licensing body before you start
• Council limits, caps on nights per year or approval rules for short stays in your area
• Workers compensation insurance once you employ staff, and check whether cleaners are genuine contractors or employees
• Handling owner and guest money, so check trust account and record-keeping requirements
• Strata and owners corporation rules, noise complaints and damage claims
• Seasonal demand, so keep a cash buffer for quiet months

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your software, premises, insurance, marketing and how quickly you build a team. Keep a cash buffer for quiet seasonal months.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many properties you manage and your fee structure. Demand is seasonal in many areas, so income may rise and fall through the year.

Some states require a real estate agent licence to manage properties for a fee, so check with your state's licensing body before you start. Also check council limits, trust account and record-keeping rules, and strata or owners corporation rules.