McGrath Townsville
Property Management

Your local Townsville property & asset management experts

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Luke Burley, New Client Consultant - McGrath Townsville

Have a question? Ask Luke.

Get free, no-obligation advice from Luke Burley, our New Client Consultant. Whether you’re preparing to lease your first property or looking to grow your investment portfolio, Luke is here to help.

Call Luke – 0478 669 071

Free, no-obligation advice — Luke replies to each enquiry personally.

Meet Luke Burley

With several years of real estate experience, Luke is dedicated to helping Townsville landlords lease, protect and grow their property investments with confidence. His approachable style, local market knowledge and results-driven advice ensure every client receives a smooth, transparent and stress-free experience.

The McGrath Difference

Why choose McGrath Townsville?

We don’t simply manage properties—we help Townsville landlords protect, maximise and grow their investments. Experience the difference that genuine care, local expertise, proactive communication and a dedicated team can make.

  • Experienced local professionals with a strong understanding of the Townsville market.
  • 24/7 landlord app providing greater transparency, visibility and communication.
  • Accessible, Townsville-based experts who are here when you need them.
  • Practical advice and ongoing support throughout your investment journey.
  • Asset-focused management, not simply property management.
  • Fast rent disbursement for quicker access to your funds.
  • Innovative technology designed to simplify property management, improve communication and provide greater visibility over your investment.
Our Fees for Service
Family in an open-plan Townsville home opening onto a deck

Our philosophy

Maximising your return.

Our role is not to just lease your property; it is to deliver you the best rental return to maximise your asset.

01

Communication.

At McGrath, communication with landlords and tenants is our top priority. You’ll have 24/7 access to property details through our online portal, and we promise to return calls within 24 hours during business hours. Maintenance is addressed quickly, and routine inspection reports are sent via the portal as well as email for your convenience.

02

Finding your ideal tenant.

The quality of your tenant is vital to ensure the condition and value of your property. We carefully evaluate all applicants so we can recommend the very best tenant and always allow the owners the final decision.

03

Looking after your tenant.

Once we have selected the best tenant, we make sure that they also enjoy a quality experience within the McGrath family and inside your property.

04

Transparency.

All rental payments are made when funds are cleared, allowing landlords a completely transparent rental payments process.

05

Our services

  • Tenant reference check
  • Tenant documents prepared and lodged
  • Regular rental payment statements
  • Routine inspections
  • Payment of outgoings/transfer of utilities
  • Insurance claim processing
  • McGrath Property Management newsletters
  • Extended services
  • Detailed property condition report and photos
  • Arranging check-in of the tenant at the start of the tenancy
  • Managing the check-out process
  • Smoke alarm compliance check
  • Pool compliance check
  • Immediate disbursement of rents paid once funds cleared
  • Yearly financial statements
  • Access to depreciation analysis and home loan health check assessment
  • Online landlord portal access
  • Annual appraisal of your property

Our management

Property manager

When you join our McGrath Family, you are assigned a dedicated property manager.

Routine inspections

Routine inspections are conducted regularly throughout the year. We have a dedicated Routine Inspection Officer to ensure they are never missed and completed to the highest standard.

Owner portal 24/7 access

We utilise a property management software program which features a real time, 24/7 access, owner portal for you to view.

Rent collection & disbursements

Once tenants pay rent, these funds are released to the landlord on the day the funds clear our bank account.

Rent arrears

Zero tolerance policy – phone calls and text reminders from day 2, final warning day 7 – notice to remedy breach day 8.

Rental statements

Included in your management fee and sent via email when funds are released. Also available 24/7 via the landlord portal.

Rent reviews

A completed Current Market Analysis Report will be provided to you with every lease renewal instruction request to ensure you are meeting the market for your investment.

Mortgage reviews

We have access to some of the best mortgage brokers. With this we can offer you obligation-free mortgage reviews to ensure your investment is working for you.

Ask the team

Short answers to the questions Townsville landlords ask us most, straight from the team who look after your property.

  • CharlizeMaintenance
  • JackieAdvertising your property
  • KayeEnd of financial year tips
  • LukeThe Townsville market
  • LukeBuilding an investment portfolio

A minute each, no jargon. Have a question we have not covered? Send it through and we’ll answer it.

Ask a QuestionFollow us on Instagram

We can’t thank Charlize enough for everything she has done throughout our rental journey. From the very beginning, she has been incredibly friendly, professional, and responsive. Her communication has been outstanding, and she took the time to explain every step of the process, making everything easy to understand.

Samantha Tavener

What I appreciated most was her genuine care and dedication. She went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled properly and made what could have been a stressful experience feel easy and manageable.

Mel Durose

McGrath Townsville have been excellent to deal with. Communication is prompt, professional, and they genuinely make the rental process easy. Property inspections were organized well, and any queries were handled quickly. I’d highly recommend them for anyone looking for rentals in Townsville.

Jiwan Khatiwada

Jackie was outstanding throughout the entire experience. Her communication was always clear, prompt, and professional, but what truly stood out was her willingness to go above and beyond.

Andrew Jansen

Nicole was so accommodating and really helped us with our new place. Very swift and always available to take your call when needed. I would highly recommend McGrath Townsville to anybody. Well done.

Jason Davis

Meet the Team

Our dedicated Property Management team delivers the perfect balance of old-fashioned service, local expertise and industry-leading technology to help protect and grow your Townsville investment.

Principal
0419 670 488
Office 07 4781 0500
Property Manager
0497 463 299
Office 07 4781 0500
Property Manager
0439 674 141
Office 07 4781 0500
New Client Consultant
0478 669 071
Office 07 4781 0500
General Manager
07 4781 0549
Office 07 4781 0500
Property Manager Associate
0499 560 026
Office 07 4781 0500

Items to consider

We can provide you with further details if required.

If the property is deemed water efficient by a licensed plumber, and is separately metered, you can on-charge water consumption to tenants.

We can assist with having the rates, water bills etc. sent to us for our team to pay out of the rental income on your behalf. This is at no additional cost. Please note this must be lodged by the owner in order to give us authorisation.

A tax depreciation schedule allows owners of income-producing properties to claim depreciation allowances.

Items to consider

Once a Tenant has completed our comprehensive application form, we begin our detailed assessment and due diligence on their suitability which includes:

Checking current and previous rental references for a minimum of 5 years, where possible.

Assessment of their financial ability to pay the rent.

Confirmation of their employment details.

Checking all personal references.

Should the previous reference be a private landlord, we will do an ownership database search of the property to ensure that we are speaking with the rightful owner of that property current or previous.

When all these check are completed, the summary is passed on to the owner for discussion. The decision to accept or reject an application will always be the owners and we make a recommendations to assist owners in making the decision.

 

Property management FAQs

Rent and Rental Appraisals

How much rent could my Townsville investment property achieve?

Rental value depends on your property's location, size, condition, features and current demand. Our Townsville property management team bases every appraisal on recent local leasing results and current market trends, so you get a figure that reflects what is actually happening in your suburb right now, not a generic estimate.

Contact McGrath Townsville for a free, no-obligation rental appraisal and expert advice on maximising your return.

Can I get a free rental appraisal from McGrath Townsville?

Yes. We offer free, no-obligation rental appraisals for investment properties across Townsville. Our experienced property managers assess your property's location, size, features, condition and current local market conditions to prepare a detailed rental assessment.

Whether you are renting out your home for the first time or reviewing your current return, simply send us your property address and we will prepare a personalised rental valuation and market report.

How do I know whether my investment property is achieving the right rent?

Rental markets move quickly, and a property that has not had a recent rent review can fall behind similar homes nearby. Our Townsville property management team offers a free rental check-up where we compare your property with current market rentals and recent leasing results, so you always know where you stand.

Get in touch and we will let you know how your property is tracking against today's market, with no obligation.

Fees and Value

How much does property management cost in Townsville?

Fees vary depending on the level of service, the number of properties you own and your individual requirements, so it is worth comparing the full offer rather than the management fee alone.

We are happy to prepare a free, no-obligation fee proposal outlining our full range of services. Let us know how many properties you own, where they are located and their current rental returns, and we will tailor a package to suit your portfolio.

Choosing and Switching to McGrath

Why should I choose McGrath Townsville to manage my investment property?

Exceptional property management is built on personalised service, local expertise and proactive communication. We combine experienced local property managers with industry-leading technology, so when you choose McGrath Townsville you benefit from:

  • A dedicated property manager who knows your property, your tenants and your investment goals.
  • Every enquiry is managed locally by our Townsville team.
  • Same-day rental disbursements once rent clears our trust account, so landlords typically receive payments weekly.
  • A secure 24/7 owner portal with instant access to statements, inspection reports, maintenance updates and invoices.
  • Strategic pricing, presentation and market advice to maximise your rental return.
  • Premium marketing across leading property websites.
  • Experienced property managers with strong local knowledge and excellent staff retention.

Whether you own one investment property or an extensive portfolio, our goal is to protect your asset and maximise your rental income.

How easy is it to switch property managers?

Much easier than most owners expect, and it will not affect your tenant or your existing lease. Once you sign your management agreement with us, we manage the entire process on your behalf:

  • We prepare and send the required termination notice to your current property manager.
  • We coordinate the handover of keys, files and documentation once the notice period ends.
  • We liaise directly with your existing agent for a smooth transition.
  • We notify your tenants of the change and keep them fully informed.
  • Your existing tenancy agreement continues, so there is no interruption to the lease or your tenant's rights.

You do not need to wait for the lease to end to make the switch. If you are not receiving the level of service you expect from your current agent, now is a good time to talk to us.

Can you take over management of a property that already has a tenant?

Yes, and it is more straightforward than most landlords expect. We manage the entire transition on your behalf, including issuing the termination notice, transferring keys, files and tenancy records, liaising with your existing agency and notifying your tenant, all without disrupting the current lease.

Most management agreements require a 30-day notice period, so we recommend starting the process ahead of your lease renewal to keep the transition seamless.

Leasing and Tenants

How do you find and screen quality tenants?

Our screening process starts from the very first interaction, whether that is a phone call, email or open home. Once an application is submitted through 2Apply, we complete a comprehensive assessment including:

  • Verification of identity and employment.
  • Rental history and references from previous property managers.
  • Income verification and personal reference checks.
  • TICA database checks where appropriate.
  • Assessment of affordability and overall suitability.

We prepare a detailed summary of the strongest applicants with our recommendations, and the final decision on who rents your property always remains yours.

How do you minimise vacancy between tenants?

As soon as we know a tenant intends to vacate, we get to work on a leasing strategy, including a competitive rental price based on local trends and a professional marketing campaign with premium photography and exposure across Australia's leading property websites.

Prospective tenants can apply before attending an inspection, so we can pre-screen and, where appropriate, have applicants pre-approved before they walk through the door. We stay in close contact with your outgoing tenant throughout the move-out process, then complete the final inspection and any required maintenance or cleaning promptly so the property is ready to relist without unnecessary delay.

Inspections, Maintenance and Rent

How often will routine inspections be completed?

The first routine inspection takes place approximately three months after the tenancy commences, to ensure tenants have settled in well and the property is in good condition. After that, inspections continue every six months.

If we identify any maintenance issues, lease breaches or concerns, we take prompt action, whether that is arranging repairs, requesting evidence they have been rectified or scheduling a follow-up inspection.

Will I receive photos and a detailed report after each inspection?

Yes. Every routine inspection is followed by a comprehensive report which includes a 360 degree virtual walk through of the property, with detailed comments and professional photographs of each area of the home, highlighting how the property is being maintained and flagging any items requiring attention.

Where issues need addressing, we discuss them with you promptly and arrange repairs, request evidence they have been resolved or schedule a follow-up inspection, so you always have full visibility over how your investment is performing.

What happens if my tenant falls behind in rent?

We have a strict arrears policy and monitor all rental payments closely. Our property management software sends automated reminders before rent is due, and if a payment is missed we begin following up immediately, taking action in line with Queensland tenancy legislation, including the appropriate breach notices, where required.

If you receive your rental income as soon as funds clear our trust account, you know at the same time we do if a payment is missed. We keep you informed throughout the process and explain each step as it happens.

How are repairs and maintenance requests managed?

Maintenance requests can come through the portal, by phone or email, during routine inspections or from your property manager's own recommendations. Your dedicated property manager knows your property and its maintenance history, and assesses each request as urgent or non-urgent under Queensland tenancy legislation.

For non-urgent work, we provide our recommendations and, where required, obtain quotes before anything is authorised. For genuine emergencies, our trusted network of local tradespeople is available outside business hours, so urgent issues are attended to promptly while non-urgent repairs are managed appropriately.

Will you contact me before approving maintenance expenses?

Yes. For non-urgent maintenance, your property manager sends the details, quotes and recommendations through email, and no work is authorised without your approval unless you have already given us specific instructions.

For urgent maintenance during business hours we make every effort to reach you first. If we cannot reach you and the repair meets the legal definition of urgent under Queensland tenancy legislation, we follow the authority set out in your management agreement to protect your investment and meet your obligations as a landlord.

Managing Your Investment From Interstate or Overseas

Can you manage my Townsville investment property if I live interstate?

Absolutely. Many of our clients live interstate or overseas and rely on us to be their eyes and ears on the ground, from leasing and tenant management to maintenance coordination and routine inspections.

You will receive regular communication, detailed inspection reports with photographs, maintenance updates, financial statements and 24/7 access to your secure landlord portal, so you can stay connected to your investment wherever you are.

Local Area Expertise

Do you manage rental properties in multiple suburbs?

Yes, we manage rental properties across all suburbs of Townsville and the surrounding areas, including North Ward, Kirwan, Douglas, Idalia, Belgian Gardens, Hermit Park, Bushland Beach and Townsville City.

Our experienced local team understands the different rental markets throughout the region and can assist with everything from marketing and tenant selection to routine inspections, maintenance, rent collection and ongoing tenancy management. Contact McGrath Townsville to discuss your property and how we can help maximise your investment.

How much rent could my property achieve?

Rental returns vary depending on the property's size, condition, features and the level of tenant demand in your suburb. We assess recent comparable rentals, current listings and local market activity to recommend a competitive rental price designed to attract quality tenants while maximising your return.

Speak with McGrath Townsville to arrange a complimentary, no-obligation rental appraisal.

Talk to Luke

Can Luke Burley review my current property management arrangement?

Absolutely. Luke Burley, our New Client Consultant, offers a free, no-obligation property management review for owners across Townsville. Whether your concern is communication, vacancy, maintenance or rental returns, Luke can review your existing arrangement and give you honest, professional advice on where there may be room to improve.

As part of your complimentary review, Luke can assess whether your property is achieving current market rent, your current service and communication, vacancy and tenant retention, marketing and leasing performance, maintenance management and opportunities to maximise your return.

Simply send through your property details and current rental information, and Luke will prepare a personalised report and talk you through his recommendations, with no obligation.

Ready to get more out of your investment?

Switch to UsCall Luke – 0478 669 071

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