Getting Started
Listing your first rental property can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Whether you are a first-time investor or transitioning from a property manager, this guide walks you through every step of creating a compelling listing on Abode that attracts quality tenants quickly.
Before you start building your listing, gather all the key information you will need. This includes the property address, property type (house, apartment, townhouse, unit, or studio), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, car spaces, and any standout features such as air conditioning, a dishwasher, a balcony, or pet-friendliness.
On Abode, you will also specify whether the property is furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished. If you are listing an apartment or unit, note the floor level and whether it has lift access, a gym, or a pool within the building complex. These details matter to renters and help your listing appear in more search results.
Photography is the single most important factor in how quickly your property gets noticed. Listings with high-quality photos receive significantly more enquiries than those with dark, blurry, or sparse images.
Aim for a minimum of 8 to 12 photos. Start with a strong hero image, typically the front exterior of the property or the most impressive room (usually the living area or kitchen). Then work room by room: living areas, kitchen, each bedroom, bathrooms, laundry, outdoor spaces, and any special features like a pool or garden.
For detailed photography advice, check out our dedicated Photography Tips for Rental Listings guide.
Your property description should paint a picture of what it is like to live there. Start with a strong opening sentence that highlights the property's best feature or its location. For example: "Perched on the top floor of a boutique complex in the heart of Newtown, this sun-drenched two-bedroom apartment offers effortless inner-city living."
Cover the key selling points: layout and flow, natural light, storage, outdoor spaces, recent renovations, and proximity to transport, shops, schools, and parks. Be specific rather than generic. Instead of "close to shops," write "a three-minute walk to Marrickville Metro and the popular Sunday farmers' market."
Abode offers an AI-powered description enhancement tool that can polish your draft into a professional listing. Simply write a rough description and let the AI refine it while keeping your intended tone and details.
Pricing your property correctly from the start is critical. Overpricing leads to extended vacancies, which cost you far more than a slightly lower rent. Underpricing means leaving money on the table week after week.
Research comparable properties in your suburb by checking recent listings and lease data. Pay attention to properties with a similar number of bedrooms, similar condition, and similar features. Abode's AI rental estimate tool analyses suburb data, property type, bedrooms, and bathrooms to suggest a weekly rent range, giving you a data-driven starting point.
For a deeper dive, see our guide on How to Set the Right Rental Price.
In Australia, each state and territory has specific disclosure obligations that landlords must meet when advertising a rental property. Failing to comply can result in fines or complications during a tenancy.
Abode's compliance engine automatically flags common disclosure requirements based on your property's location, helping you stay on the right side of the law.
Once your listing is live on Abode, prospective tenants can view the property details, submit enquiries, and lodge applications directly through the platform. You will receive notifications for each new application and can review applicants' details, employment information, rental history, and references all in one place.
From there, the application workflow guides you through approval, lease preparation, bond collection, and tenant activation, all without needing a traditional property manager. With Abode, you manage your property yourself and save thousands each year.