Property Maintenance Costs in Australia

1. Council rates (approximately A$1,500–2,500/year)

This is a fee payable every year, charged quarterly, and covers community management, waste collection and similar matters.

2. Sewerage charges (approximately A$800/year)

This water-related charge covers the maintenance and repair of sewerage pipes and is payable quarterly.

3. Body corporate fees (apartments and townhouses only)

For house communities or apartments developed as a whole, body corporate fees apply, with the amount varying between projects. A one-bedroom apartment is around A$3,000 per year, a two-bedroom apartment around A$4,000 per year, and a townhouse around A$2,500 per year.

4. Rental management fees (approximately 7%–9% of the rent)

Rental management companies provide services including finding tenants for the owner, property maintenance, rent collection and paying maintenance fees on the owner's behalf.

These matters can usually be handled by a local property management company.