Specialist leasing and management for Surry Hills landlords, by a team with over 40 years of combined experience in the Eastern Suburbs.
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.
02 9371 5901
Facts and Figures
Experience the Murray Property difference for yourself today.
115
Five-star Google reviews
40+
Years of combined experience
22+
Years local experience
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.
This local knowledge is exactly what we bring to every property we manage, see the full detail of what’s included on our property management page for Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
Meet Michael Murray
Born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs, a respected estate agent with over 22 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
Managing a Surry Hills investment property well involves considerably more than collecting rent and arranging repairs. Here is exactly what Murray Property includes for every property we manage in the suburb:
Leasing and tenant placement
Every new tenancy begins with professional photography, video and drone footage at no additional cost. Your property is listed on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au with premium placement, and cross-referenced against our off-market register of qualified tenants already searching in the 2010 postcode. Open inspections are conducted by Michael Murray personally — not delegated to a leasing consultant.
Tenant screening
Every application is assessed against a consistent set of criteria, rental history, employment verification, income-to-rent ratio, and reference checks. In a suburb with 51% of residents renting and a high volume of applicants, screening rigour is the single biggest determinant of tenancy quality. Murray Property’s median tenancy length in Surry Hills reflects this.
Rent reviews
Rent is reviewed at every lease renewal and monitored against current market data throughout the tenancy. With annual house price growth running at 13.95% in Surry Hills, rental values move too. Landlords who do not proactively review rents leave money on the table every year.
Routine inspections
Routine inspections are conducted every 3–6 months in line with NSW tenancy legislation. A written inspection report with photos is provided to the landlord after each inspection. Maintenance issues are identified early, before they become expensive.
Maintenance coordination
All maintenance requests are triaged and coordinated through Murray Property. We maintain a trusted network of qualified trades across inner Sydney, plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, painters who respond quickly to properties we manage. Emergency maintenance is handled 24/7.
NSW compliance
Tenancy legislation in NSW has changed significantly since 2024. Rent increase limitations, no-grounds eviction reforms, pet tenancy rules and new minimum standards all affect how Surry Hills investment properties are managed. Murray Property monitors legislative changes and updates management practices proactively, landlords are notified before changes take effect, not after.
Financial reporting
Monthly statements are provided to every landlord, rent received, outgoings, maintenance costs and net income clearly itemised. Annual summaries are provided for tax purposes. Trust accounting is managed in full compliance with NSW regulatory requirements.
Facts and Figures
The Surry Hills rental market in 2026:
This local knowledge is exactly what we bring to every property we manage see the full detail of what’s included on our property management page for Darlinghurst and Surry Hills.
Executive Stock:
$1,150/week
House price growth:
13.95% annually
Vacancy rate:
0.78%
Source paragraph: Source: Surry Hills suburb profile — Cotality · Sydney vacancy rate — SQM Research
Surry Hills rental market data August 2026
Surry Hills rental market, current data
| Metric | Current figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancy rate | 0.78% | SQM Research, August 2026 |
| Median weekly rent — 1 bedroom unit | $650–$720 | Murray Property leasing data |
| Median weekly rent — 2 bedroom unit | $775–$850 | Murray Property leasing data |
| Median weekly rent — house/terrace | $1,100–$1,400 | Murray Property leasing data |
| Executive stock median | $1,150/week | Murray Property leasing data |
| Days to lease — well-presented property | 14–21 days | Murray Property leasing data |
| Gross rental yield — units | 4.4% | Cotality, August 2026 |
| Annual house price growth | 13.95% | Cotality, August 2026 |
| Renter population | 51% | ABS Census |
Data updated August 2026. Sources: SQM Research, Cotality, Murray Property leasing data.
Surry Hills consistently outperforms broader Sydney rental market benchmarks. The 0.78% vacancy rate is less than a third of the 3% figure that represents a balanced market, meaning well-managed properties in the 2010 postcode face minimal void periods between tenancies. For landlords, the data supports Surry Hills as one of Sydney’s most reliable investment postcodes.
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
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 10 Mar 2021
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Buyer ) 26 Feb 2021
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Buyer ) 23 Feb 2021
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 23 Feb 2021
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Buyer ) 22 Feb 2021
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 11 Apr 2020
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 25 Mar 2020
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 18 Oct 2018
Michael Murray
22 reviews
Reviewed by ( Vendor ) 26 Sep 2018
Why boutique property management matters in Surry Hills
Why boutique property management matters in Surry Hills
Several large franchise agencies and property-management-only operators now compete for Surry Hills landlords. The distinction between them and Murray Property is not marketing, it is structure and accountability.
At a large franchise agency, your Surry Hills investment property is one of hundreds managed by a rotating team of junior property managers. Staff turnover in franchise property management is high, the industry average is well documented, and each transition means a new manager rebuilding knowledge of your property, your tenant, and your building from scratch.
At a property-management-only boutique, you get specialisation but not the sales market intelligence that affects your investment decisions. When the right moment to sell arrives, or when you need to understand whether your property’s capital position justifies a renovation or a divestment, a sales-blind manager cannot advise you.
Murray Property manages both. Michael Murray has managed investment properties in Surry Hills for over 22 years. He is not a junior property manager building a portfolio, he is the Managing Director, and he manages your property personally. When you call, you speak to Michael. When your tenant has a maintenance issue, Michael coordinates it. When your lease comes up for renewal, Michael reviews the market and advises you directly.
That personal accountability is not scalable to hundreds of properties. It is the reason Murray Property deliberately manages a concentrated portfolio across the 2010 postcode and the Eastern Suburbs, and why landlords who have been with us for five, ten and twenty years have not left.
115 five-star Google reviews. 22 years in Surry Hills. One point of contact.
Talk to Michael about your Surry Hills investment property →
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 22 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 Surry Hills landlords. We assess your property against current market conditions and advise exactly what it should be achieving, with no obligation.
Contact us
251 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 | 02 9371 5901 | home@murrayproperty.com.au
Request a rental appraisal: murrayproperty.com.au/rental-appraisal/
Current rental listings: murrayproperty.com.au/residential-for-lease/
Free marketing package details: murrayproperty.com.au/about-us/marketing-package/
Property management enquiries: murrayproperty.com.au/contact-us/