What to know before selling a rental property
By Carolyn Parrella | Published 22 November 2024 | Last Updated 19 October 2026
Putting a rental property on the market is no small feat. The list of things to consider includes:
- presentation
- timing
- maintenance, and
- tenant coordination.
A well-presented property can make a stronger first impression with buyers and may support buyer interest as part of the broader sales process. The final sale result will depend on a range of factors, including market conditions, property location, buyer demand and the property’s overall condition.
Simple steps such as completing outstanding repairs, cleaning interiors, refreshing paintwork and improving outdoor areas can make the property more appealing during inspections.
How to prepare a rental property for sale
First impressions count. When a property is clean, well maintained and presented in the best possible light, it may help prospective buyers assess the property’s condition, features and potential. Any impact on buyer interest or sale price will vary depending on the property and broader market conditions.
Improvements such as repainting, steam cleaning carpets and tidying outdoor areas can help create a more attractive proposition for prospective buyers.
Unresolved maintenance issues, on the other hand, can reduce buyer confidence. Problems such as blocked gutters, poorly maintained appliances or general wear and tear may affect how buyers assess the property’s value and condition.
Address maintenance issues before listing
Before listing your rental property for sale, fix any outstanding repairs and consider whether key areas and utility systems are up to date. Some examples of maintenance tasks that may need to be completed include:
- regular gutter and drain cleaning
- gas appliance servicing, and
- air-conditioning filter changes.
Conduct inspections before going to market
A pre-sale inspection can help you identify issues early. If a routine inspection is due soon, you may choose to bring it forward so repairs can be completed before buyers begin inspecting the property.
How to present your rental property for buyers
Interior presentation
- Focus on creating a clean, fresh and neutral environment
- Steam clean carpets and furnishings
- Repaint walls where needed – it can make a noticeable difference to how the property feels during inspections
- Declutter rooms if possible. This can all improve the sense of space and condition.
Exterior presentation
- Tidy up the front garden, mow the lawn, and ensure outdoor spaces are clean. This can help create a positive first impression before buyers even enter the property
- If the property has a backyard, courtyard, balcony or shared outdoor area, make sure it’s clean, safe and accessible
- Remove debris, trim overgrown plants and improve garden presentation. These can help showcase the full value of the property.
Styling and visual appeal
Property styling helps improve emotional appeal, particularly if the property is vacant. Help potential buyers understand how each room could be used by hiring furniture, adding artwork or making décor updates.
Even modest styling improvements may lift the overall look and feel of the property. The aim is to present a home that feels cared for, functional and inviting.
When to use professionals
Property styling and staging
Professional stylists or interior decorators can provide advice on furniture placement, colour schemes, artwork and décor.
For vacant properties, styling can help improve visual presentation and make it easier for prospective buyers to understand how the space could be used.
Trades and maintenance professionals
Licensed tradies and maintenance professionals can help ensure repairs are completed safely and to an appropriate standard. This may include work involving:
- plumbing
- electrical systems
- heating and cooling
- gardening and landscaping
- appliances
- guttering, or
- general property maintenance.
Using qualified professionals can also help demonstrate that maintenance has been considered before sale, although buyers will form their own views based on the property, inspection findings and market conditions.
Using real estate agents and property managers
If the property you want to put on the market is tenanted, clear communication can help minimise disruption while ensuring the property is accessible and well presented for potential buyers.
That’s when property managers can support the sales process by:
- coordinating inspections
- communicating with tenants, and
- helping plan the property’s presentation.
Real estate agents also play an important role in preparing the property for market and managing buyer interest. They can provide guidance on:
- how the property should be presented
- recommending presentation improvements before listing
- arranging photography, marketing and open homes
- advising on pricing and buyer expectations
- managing enquiries from prospective buyers, and
- coordinating with the property manager to schedule inspections with minimal disruption.
Selling a tenanted property vs a vacant property
Selling a tenanted property
You can sell your rental property with tenants still living in it. However, this decision requires careful communication and respectful coordination. Inspection times should be managed with appropriate notice, and tenants should be kept informed throughout the sales process.
Minimising disruption is important. Bringing forward routine inspections, completing repairs early and planning open homes efficiently can help reduce the impact on tenants while still supporting the sales campaign.
Selling a vacant property
A vacant property may be easier to clean, repair and style before listing. Without furniture or tenant belongings in place, landlords have more flexibility to repaint, complete maintenance and improve the property’s visual presentation.
Vacant properties can also be professionally staged to help buyers picture how the space could look when furnished. This may improve the property’s visual presentation, but sale outcomes will depend on a range of individual property and market factors.
Just keep in mind that many insurers have policy limits and exclusions concerning unoccupied properties. For example, Terri Scheer has some restrictions in cover for unoccupied homes over 90 consecutive days or more.
Risks to consider when selling a rental property
There are several risks landlords should consider when preparing a rental property for sale:
- Damage may occur during open homes or inspections, particularly when multiple people are moving through the property
- Safety hazards can create liability risk. If a hazard exists at the property and isn’t addressed before inspections, damage, injury or loss could potentially lead to a legal liability claim
- Maintenance issues may affect the sale outcome. Buyers may use visible repairs or unresolved defects to negotiate on price, request conditions or reconsider their interest in the property.
Can landlord insurance help during the sales process?
Landlord insurance may provide cover for certain insured events connected to owning and selling a rental property, depending on the policy. Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions, and may include areas such as:
- damage or injury during open inspections
- loss of rental income
- where covered by the policy, and
- the landlord’s legal liability, where covered by the policy, as standard building and contents insurance policies may not cover landlords for these risks.
Before listing a rental property for sale, landlords may wish to review their insurance arrangements and consider whether cover remains suitable for their circumstances. This article provides general information only and does not take into account any individual landlord’s objectives, financial situation or needs.
If considering Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance, read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination to decide whether the product is appropriate.