Property Management in Surry Hills — Expert Local Managers

Surry Hills has Sydney’s tightest rental vacancy rate at 0.78%. Demand from creative professionals, hospitality workers, and corporate relocatees keeps stock moving fast, but only properties managed and presented correctly command the rents they should. Murray Property manages executive rentals, investment apartments, and heritage terraces across the 2010 postcode. We know which streets outperform, which buildings attract the strongest tenants, and which pricing strategy maximises your return without compromising occupancy.

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Why local expertise matters in Surry Hills

Surry Hills is not one market. The blocks between Crown Street and Bourke Street behave differently from the quieter residential streets closer to Foveaux and Cleveland. A terrace on a main-road block and one set back two streets apart can be priced $200 per week differently for the same number of bedrooms, and a property manager without suburb-level knowledge will miss that gap every time.

Murray Property is headquartered at 251 Oxford Street, less than 800 metres from the Surry Hills border, and our team brings over 40 years of combined experience managing properties across the Eastern Suburbs. We know that Crown Street-facing properties attract strong creative and hospitality professionals but require thorough tenant screening for rental continuity. We know which buildings in the Goulburn Street and Pelican Street corridor have active strata defect claims, and which ones present cleanly to executive tenants. That detail does not appear on a listing portal.

With 51% of Surry Hills residents renting, one of the highest renter populations of any inner-Sydney suburb, the pool of qualified tenants is deep. The advantage goes to landlords whose properties are accurately priced, professionally presented, and managed by a team that understands the suburb from the street level up.

Meet Michael Murray

Born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs, a respected estate agent with over 19 years experience and a superior track record in leasing results, Michael Murray is deeply  knowledgeable in Sydney’s dynamic and diverse property market. 

Michael has secured tenants for some of Sydney’s most elite properties. He has set new records for rental prices achieved, and received prestigious awards for his performance in leasing properties. 

251 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 | 0414 406 965 | michaelmurray@murrayproperty.com.au

What Murray Property provides for Surry Hills landlords:

Free professional photography, video & drone for all new landlords

Executive tenant matching via off-market register

Rent review strategy & NSW 2024 reform compliance

Proactive maintenance coordination

Transparent monthly reporting

Furnished executive property management

What Our Surry Hills Landlords Say

601/1 Poplar St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Exceptional Service

We have several properties & recently changed from a Major Mainstream Agency to Murray Properties & the Service & Attitude from Michael at Murray Properties is 100% reliable.

1504/20 Pelican Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Our trusted partner in property for 20 years

We’ve worked with Michael for nearly 20 years. He is an outstanding communicator — consistently professional, responsive, and genuinely attentive to the needs of all parties to achieve the best outcomes. His diligence and drive have been key to the growth of his business over the years. Michael also believes in building long-term, trusting relationships, which we’ve truly valued. We highly recommend his services, as we have already done with our family and friends.

46 Bennett St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Best agent to work with – always knowledgeable and professional.

Michael is always on top of the workings of our properties that’s inline with latest rental expectation. Excellent at maintaining landlord and tenant relationships that’s a win-win for all parties for long lasting tenancy. Very reliable team to have as part of our property investment strategy.

436/517 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Exceptional Property Management in Practice: A Review of Excellence in Surry Hills

Michael Murray of Murray Property stands as a model for exceptional property management practice in Sydney. His work managing our Surry Hills investment property has consistently demonstrated an elite standard of communication, attention to detail, and strategic oversight, including communication, maintenance, tenant management, professionalism, and long-term asset value. Clear, proactive, and timely communication is one of Michael’s defining strengths. Unlike many agents who respond reactively, Michael anticipates needs, raises issues early, and communicates solutions before problems escalate. This has made decision-making as property owners simple, quick, and fully informed. Michael’s professionalism is consistently evident in the way he interacts with us, with trades, and with tenants. Every interaction is conducted with integrity, punctuality, and respect. His reliability in fulfilling commitments, whether arranging quotes, attending inspections, or managing tenancy transitions, instils confidence. Not once have we had to follow up or chase a response. His understanding of property presentation—inside and out—ensures that the unit remains both functional and visually appealing. This attention to aesthetic and structural detail safeguards the property’s long-term value while reducing repair costs through early intervention. High-calibre tenants have consistently been a hallmark of Michael’s management. Every tenant introduced to our unit has demonstrated respect for the property, prompt payment history, and longevity. His screening process is methodical: he reviews applications with care, completes background checks, and advises us based on compatibility with the property and lease expectations. In summary, Michael does not simply manage a property—he stewards it, ensuring every decision protects and enhances long-term value. For landlords seeking a trusted and proven professional in Sydney, Michael Murray is unequivocally recommended.

14/168 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Great rental experience

Michael helped coordinate the rental of my property while I was overseas. He managed to lease out the property in one day and at a 25% increase on my previous rate and for 24 months. A very professional, safe pair of hands who delivers good results.

267A Riley Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Excellent

Michael and his team are honest and hard working team. They take good care for all our properties and the tenants.

30/628 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Recommended Property manager

Have used Murray Property for this a numerous other properties in the past. Standard of management excellent and would not hesitate to recommend this company

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does property management cost in Surry Hills?

Property management fees in inner Sydney typically range from 5–8% of the weekly rent, depending on the level of service, portfolio size, and whether leasing fees are bundled or charged separately. Full-service agencies ,covering leasing, tenant management, maintenance coordination, rent reviews, and compliance, sit toward the higher end of that range, while limited-service providers charge less but exclude key services.

At Murray Property, our fee structure is tailored to your property and circumstances. Contact our team for a breakdown specific to your Surry Hills investment.

What is the average rental yield in Surry Hills?

Surry Hills units currently yield approximately 4.4% gross. Houses yield a lower percentage relative to purchase price but show exceptional capital growth at 13.95% annually, among the strongest of any inner-Sydney suburb.

How long does it take to find a tenant in Surry Hills?

With Sydney’s tightest vacancy rate at 0.78% and 51% of residents renting, well-presented Surry Hills properties move extremely quickly. Murray Property has leased properties in a single day. Properties on our off-market register are frequently matched to tenants before public listing.

Can I switch property managers mid-lease in NSW?

Yes. In NSW you can change property managers at any time by providing written notice to your current agent. The incoming agent handles the transition. Murray Property manages this process on behalf of landlords switching to us.

Click here for more info – https://www.murrayproperty.com.au/can-i-switch-property-managers-mid-lease-in-nsw/

How often can rent be increased in NSW? 

Under NSW’s 2024 tenancy reforms, rent can be increased once every 12 months regardless of lease type. A minimum of 60 days written notice is required. The 12-month period runs from the date of the last increase, not the date of lease renewal.

Is Surry Hills a good suburb for investment property?

Surry Hills has the tightest rental vacancy of any inner-Sydney suburb at 0.78%, annual house price growth of 13.95%, and a renter population of 51%, structural conditions that consistently favour landlords. Supply is constrained, the suburb is fully built out, and demand from creative, hospitality, and corporate professionals remains strong year-round. For investors seeking low vacancy and strong capital growth, Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s most compelling postcodes.

Do I need a property manager in Surry Hills?

Not every landlord does, but Surry Hills has specific characteristics that make professional management worth considering. With 51% of residents renting and a vacancy rate of 0.78%, tenant demand is strong, but the suburb attracts a high volume of applicants across a wide range of profiles. Thorough screening, knowledge of which buildings have active strata issues, and the ability to price accurately street by street are skills that take years to develop. Self-managing landlords in Surry Hills consistently leave rent on the table or face tenancy issues that a local specialist would have anticipated. The question is less whether you need one, and more whether the cost of not having one exceeds the management fee.

What is the rental vacancy rate in Surry Hills?

Surry Hills currently has a vacancy rate of 0.78%, the tightest of any inner-Sydney suburb. A healthy market sits at around 3%, Surry Hills is running at less than a third of that. For landlords, this means minimal void periods between tenancies when the property is correctly priced and presented. For tenants, competition for quality stock is intense, which supports strong rental prices and tenant quality for owners.

How do I find a good property manager in Surry Hills?

Look for three things: suburb-level knowledge, a verifiable track record, and responsiveness. A property manager who covers 15 suburbs will price your Surry Hills property off a postcode average. One who works the 2010 corridor daily will know which streets outperform, which buildings have strata complications, and which tenant profiles suit your property. Ask for specific leasing results, check Google and RateMyAgent reviews independently, and pay attention to how quickly they respond to your first enquiry, that response time reflects how they’ll manage your tenants. Murray Property has managed properties in Surry Hills for over 19 years and holds 115 five-star Google reviews across our portfolio.

What are typical leasing fees in NSW?

Leasing fees are charged separately from ongoing management fees and cover the cost of finding and placing a new tenant, advertising, inspections, application processing, and lease preparation. In NSW, leasing fees typically range from 1 to 2 weeks rent. Some agencies bundle leasing into their management fee; others charge it as a standalone cost each time the property is re-let. When comparing agencies, always ask whether the leasing fee is included or additional, as it materially affects your annual cost of management.

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Get a Free Rental Appraisal for Your Surry Hills Property

Murray Property provides free rental appraisals for Darlinghurst landlords. We assess your property against current market conditions and advise exactly what it should be achieving,with no obligation.

251 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010   |   02 9371 5901   |   home@murrayproperty.com.au

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