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Renting your next home should be a smooth and streamlined process.
At Raine & Horne we support you at every stage to find the rental property that suits your needs and your budget – no time wasting, no hassle, just all the help you need to settle into your rental home sooner.
As a fourth-generation 100% Australian-owned family business, Raine & Horne has a reputation for expertise and a commitment to excellence. With over 300 offices around the globe and over 72,000 properties under management, we take the time to understand your rental property needs and aspirations. No matter whether you’re renting for the first time, you’re new to an area, or you’re looking for a professional property manager with local knowledge, Raine & Horne’s rental service can help you enjoy a better rental experience.
Raine & Horne experts understand the real estate market, and we can answer all your questions about the rental process, market rents in your area, and what you can expect as a tenant.
Our professional rental service
Raine & Horne helps you find the perfect rental property solution for your needs backed by:
To enjoy a bigger choice of rental properties, and a better tenant experience, talk to Raine & Horne today – we can help you into your rental home sooner.
What will rate cuts mean for homeowners and buyers?
Last month, we noted that property prices were cooling in some markets across Australia. However, investors who are waiting for prices to fall further might be disappointed. CoreLogic suggests that any downturn in values "is likely to be shallow and short-lived."
This is especially true given that interest rates are expected to fall as early as this month, potentially reigniting housing demand. The result could be a narrow window of opportunity for investors to buy now before rate cuts bring more competition to the market.
That said, it appears the genie is already out of the bottle, with new investor loan values reaching $11.6 billion in the September quarter, a 29.5% increase compared to September 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). According to a statement from the ABS, “Over the past 18 months, the average size of loans approved increased for both owner-occupiers and investors. However, the growth in investor loans was also driven by increases in the number of loans being approved.
“Investor activity remains at high levels in response to the recent growth in house prices and rental yields.”
On the finance side, the implications of a rate cut are significant for landlords and prospective investors. Craig Betalli, Senior Finance Specialist from Our Broker, explains that for landlords the gap between interest costs and rental returns is expected to narrow. In other words, if your investment property is costing you $1,000 a month, it will likely cost you less after the rate cut.
While this scenario is great news for landlords, it also improves the borrowing capacity for aspiring investors, making property purchases more accessible.
A rate cut will also ease pressure on residential borrowings, further boosting the borrowing capacity of prospective investors. This situation may prompt some homeowners to consider starting or expanding their real estate portfolios by purchasing investment properties.
If you're thinking about purchasing an investment property before autumn, get in touch with your local Raine & Horne office. For financing, Our Broker is here to help – call 1800 913 677.
As e-bikes and other e-mobility devices grow in popularity, especially among apartment dwellers in our city suburbs and regional towns, safety concerns, particularly fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, have risen.
Between 2017 and 2022, sales ballooned from 9,000 to more than 100,000 each year to make e-bikes the most popular electric vehicle in the country[i].
That said, recent incidents have highlighted the fire risk, with the NSW EPA reporting 193 battery-related fires in New South Wales between January and August 2024 – an 18% increase from the previous year[ii].
Of course, e-bikes and e-scooters are not responsible for all fires, with the majority traced back to small devices containing embedded batteries. An embedded battery is a small battery that is placed permanently within a device. They are often buried deep within the device, and they have no easy way of being removed. These devices can include wireless household products, light-up toys and even disposable vapes!
That said, pressure is mounting on strata committees across Australia to address concerns and mitigate risks associated with e-bikes.
The facts are that the e-bike lifestyle is particularly attractive for tenants living in medium- to high-density areas – and who are keen to reduce their environmental impact.
Moreover, while e-bikes are often viewed as a cost-effective, space-efficient alternative to cars for getting around our suburbs and towns, they can be more difficult to store than a standard bike.
As such, landlords increasingly report damage, such as chipped door frames, smudges on walls from handlebars, and scratched front doors. These repairs are typically the responsibility of tenants.
So, tenants need to inform their property managers if they own an e-bike or similar device. Property managers will relay this information to your landlord to ensure they know the potential risks.
It’s also recommended that landlords consult their insurance companies to determine if their policy covers a fire caused by an e-bike.
To learn more about issues relating to storing an e-bike in your rental home, talk to your local Raine & Horne Property Manager.
[i] https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/our-advocacy/e-bikes/
[ii] https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia241107-central-west-residents-urged-to-dispose-of-batteries-safely-following-landfill-fires#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20the%20number%20of,traced%20back%20to%20small%20devices.
If purchasing a rental property is on your New Year bucket list, chances are you’re wondering how the market will shape up in 2025. Let’s take a look.
Investors were a driving force in 2024
Last year saw lending to property investors jump 29.5%[1] - and these investors were handsomely rewarded.
By the end of 2024 home values had jumped 14.3% after almost two years of consecutive monthly price growth[2].
Rental yields pushed total returns even higher last year. Across our state/territory capitals, investors pocketed total returns of 8.3% in 2024, a figure that climbed to 10.6% across regional markets[3].
Factors that will shape the market in 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 sees many of the same drivers for property price growth that were in place last year:
These factors point to an ongoing trend of steadily rising values over time.
A window of opportunity for investors
By late 2024, property prices were cooling in some markets. However, investors who hold out hoping for property prices to fall further could be left disappointed. CoreLogic advises that any downturn in values “is likely to be shallow and short lived”[6].
This is especially the case because interest rates are expected to fall this year, and this could reignite housing demand.
The upshot is that investors may have a narrow window of opportunity to buy today before rate cuts fuel increases in borrowing power, bringing more competition from other buyers to the market.
Long term gains remain impressive
It’s worth bearing in mind that property tends to deliver its best gains over the long term. As the table below shows, every capital city has recorded significant price growth since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Increase in property values since onset of COVID
Sydney 27.7%
Melbourne 8.4%
Brisbane 67.7%
Adelaide 72.1%
Perth 77.0%
Hobart 26.7%
Darwin 24.8%
Canberra 30.3%
Source: CoreLogic[7]
It’s clear evidence that time in the market is a more reliable way to make impressive gains on property than delaying a purchase in a bid to save a few thousand dollars on the price of a dwelling.
Three factors to look for
When you’re ready to invest, it’s worth looking for locations that meet three important criteria:
Proximity to major infrastructure projects, such as new transport links, that often drive local values higher.
Nearby gentrification or new developments that help to attract tenants and home buyers alike.
Population growth that creates rising demand among tenants and owner occupiers.
The important thing is to talk to your local Raine & Horne property expert, who can explain price trends in the area and identity investment properties that match your goals and budget.
[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/finance/lending-indicators/latest-release#housing-finance-detailed-
[2] https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2025/australias-housing-market-has-just-entered-a-downturn-whats-behind-the-shift
[3] https://www.corelogic.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/25456/CoreLogic-HVI-Jan-2025.pdf
[4] https://sqmresearch.com.au/uploads/12_12_24_National_vacancy_rates_November_2024.pdf
[5] https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/dwelling-approvals-fall-november
[6] https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2025/australias-housing-market-has-just-entered-a-downturn-whats-behind-the-shift
[7] https://www.corelogic.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/25456/CoreLogic-HVI-Jan-2025.pdf
This is an important question, particularly for those renting for the first time in 2025, such as university students.
The short answer is no, you’re not covered by the landlord’s insurance. Landlord insurance only covers the landlord and the property, not the tenant’s belongings.
To protect yourself, you’ll need “renters’ insurance”, a type of home contents insurance like what your parents use to cover the contents of their home. It ensures your possessions are protected against unexpected losses.
Renters’ insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your furniture, appliances, clothing and personal items if they are damaged by an insured event such as a flood, fire, lightning, theft, the escape of a liquid (e.g. from a burst pipe) and a fallen tree. It may also cover malicious damage, vandalism, and repairs caused by a riot, an explosion and even an earthquake or tsunami. Many insurers offer renters insurance, such as BudgetDirect, NRMA, AMMI and plenty more.
If you're a current tenant, the end of the year is an ideal time to review your renter’s insurance and explore options to ensure you have the best coverage at the most competitive price.
As the year draws to a close, the holiday season is also a perfect time to review your household expenses and look for ways to save. Consider trimming costs on essentials such as electricity, gas, phone, internet, and even cable TV subscriptions to give yourself a financial boost heading into the new year.
At Raine & Horne, we’ve partnered with DirectConnect to make cost-cutting and shopping around easier. DirectConnect can take the hassle out of shopping around for better deals on your utilities. Visit their website at www.directconnect.com.au and start saving today!
For advice and assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Raine & Horne Property Manager. They’re here to help, whether it’s about renters’ insurance or finding ways to save on your utilities. Contact your local Raine & Horne office today to learn more.
As we head into 2025, after an impressive run of rental growth and low vacancy rates, we’re now shifting toward a more balanced rental market.
This state of affairs means that landlords can still make decent returns, but tenants can choose from a slighter larger pool of rental properties. With more choice for tenants, landlords must proactively keep their investment properties in demand.
The key to securing long-term returns is ensuring your tenants are happy and comfortable. A satisfied tenant is less likely to move, but with more choices available, staying on top of any maintenance issues is crucial.
Regular property inspections with your Raine & Horne Property Manager are essential to spot potential problems early—whether it’s a faulty door lock or a leaking tap.
Then, after the visit, if you and your Raine & Horne Property Manager identify any repairs or outstanding maintenance issues, be sure to address them immediately.
At Raine & Horne, we prioritise ongoing training for our Property Managers to ensure they remain responsive, respectful, and attentive to tenants’ needs.
Building a positive relationship between your Property Manager and tenant is essential for a smooth, long-term rental experience.
If a lease renewal is around the corner, it’s time to get savvy about the rental market where your property is located. Knowing the local market will help when it’s time to negotiate that next lease.
During negotiations, be open to the tenant’s request for a specific lease term. If you have a long-term tenant, they may favour a longer lease for security. This option might also suit you as it could provide you with a more stable income stream. On the other hand, if the tenant is planning to buy in the next six months, they might request a shorter lease. In the current rental market cycle, the best advice is to be flexible when negotiating lease terms.
Also, if there is some wriggle room in your budget, some enhancements could encourage your tenant to stay longer. Maybe it’s a new air conditioner, a dishwasher, a fresh coat of paint, or new flooring. These small gestures show that you value your tenant’s comfort and well-being, which should be a priority.
Wishing you a successful and hassle-free year as a rental property investor, with well-maintained properties and happy tenants all year long!
Would you like to know more about buying an investment property in 2025? Speak with your local Raine & Horne team for expert insights.
This is a great question, and I’ve asked Craig Betalli from Our Broker to help answer it.
While some lenders still consider rental history, Craig notes that it’s less significant for lenders than it used to be. However, having a history of defaulting on your weekly rental payments won’t exactly work in your favour with lenders, either. That said, rental history is becoming a less important factor, especially with the advent of First Homeowner Grants and stamp duty subsidies.
Generally, as a first-time borrower, when you borrow more than 90% of a property’s value, banks want some proof that you have saved your deposit over time by what’s known as a “genuine savings policy”. It is the only way for the bank to assess if you have some financial consistency. Alternatively, suppose your savings are less than 5%, and someone gifted you part, or all of, your deposit. In that case, the banks will look at your other regular repayments - such as rental history, when considering your creditworthiness.
Craig explains that nowadays, rental history is less critical for first-time buyers because there are alternative options available. While many lenders still require genuine savings for over 90% of LVR loans, some lenders are more flexible. Also, first-time buyers can use government schemes such as the First Homeowners Guarantee. Still, keeping up with rental payments is good practice—as it shows lenders you have the financial discipline and readiness for homeownership.
Moreover, family-guarantee products are becoming more common, which reduces the emphasis on rental history. Craig explains that these products can help first-time buyers avoid the need to prove genuine savings.
Setting the issue of rental history to one side, Craig also points out that one of the biggest mistakes renters make is thinking they don’t qualify for a first home loan. Often, the natural barrier to homeownership is the borrower’s insecurity about the likelihood of obtaining an approval rather than a lack of savings. With some suitable government schemes, you may only need a 5% deposit (or 2% for eligible single parents), and if you can do something like selling a car, you might find yourself with enough for a deposit.
Craig stresses that many first-time buyers don’t know what options are available. For instance, some won’t discuss family guarantees with their parents because they fear what their family might think. But it’s vital to have those conversations and explore the options available. If you don’t qualify after those discussions, you’ll know at least what steps to take to get into a property.
We highly recommend seeking the assistance of a finance specialist, such as Our Broker, to help understand what’s required financially and explore the options available to help you buy your first home and jump off the rental treadmill.
To learn more about your finance options, call 1800 913 677 to talk to Our broker today.
