Ever dreamed of making extra cash by listing your apartment on Airbnb while you're away? That dream could quickly turn into a nightmare if you haven't checked your strata bylaws first.

We dive deep into the complex world of short-term rentals in strata buildings, exploring why these restrictions exist and who they affect most. For tenants, the stakes are particularly high – unauthorised Airbnb listings can lead to lease termination, regardless of recent changes to eviction laws. Property managers have become increasingly vigilant, monitoring online listings and following up on neighbour complaints about unfamiliar faces coming and going.

Building restrictions on short-term rentals aren't arbitrary. They address legitimate concerns about security, excessive wear and tear on common areas like lifts (those suitcases take a toll!), and the disruption that high-turnover guests bring to residential communities. While beachfront properties in areas like Manly might seem perfect for holiday rentals, the same strata rules apply.

For property owners, the calculation is different but equally important. Yes, nightly rates through Airbnb can exceed regular rental income, but the increased wear and tear shouldn't be underestimated. Unlike long-term tenants who treat a property as home, holiday-makers often approach accommodation with a different mindset – sometimes even as a "party pad."

The regulatory landscape has changed dramatically too. What was once an anything-goes environment now operates under specific legal frameworks. Short-term rentals under three months fall outside the Residential Tenancies Act, creating different management challenges that most property managers prefer to avoid.

Want to know what's allowed in your building? Check your strata portal, request bylaws from your strata manager, or review your contract of sale if you're purchasing. Better yet, speak directly with your property manager before listing. Some buildings have adapted to accommodate short-term rentals, but assuming permission without verification remains the biggest mistake tenants and owners can make.

The looming federal election has property owners and investors across Australia asking the burning question: what will happen to the real estate market after votes are counted? Our Northern Beaches agents tackle this head-on, cutting through political noise to deliver insights that matter.

Forget the campaign promises – we dig into what's actually happening with housing policy. Both major parties aren't trying to make property more affordable by lowering prices. Instead, they're focused on helping more Australians enter the market through initiatives like 5% deposits without price restrictions, access to superannuation for deposits, and government equity sharing programs where up to 40% of the purchase price is covered. The result? More buyers at open homes competing for the same properties.

Our team predicts entry-level units will be the big winners post-election, with potentially 10% growth over the next year as traditional renters transition to first-time buyers. Houses may level out somewhat but still achieve 6-7% growth through 2026. While both parties promise to address housing supply, the reality remains challenging – construction costs, compliance requirements, and development fees continue making it financially risky for developers to build.

The property market resembles a freight train with momentum that transcends political cycles. Whether Labor or Liberal forms government, the fundamentals driving our market remain largely unchanged. Ready to navigate the post-election property landscape? Contact our Northern Beaches team for expert guidance tailored to your real estate goals.

Timing the property market remains one of the most common questions we receive from Northern Beaches homeowners, particularly as we approach both a federal election and the winter months. What we're witnessing right now challenges conventional wisdom about when to sell.

The numbers tell a compelling story: stock levels across the Northern Beaches have dropped dramatically to just 725 properties – remarkably low for an area with over 105,000 homes. This scarcity is driving strong buyer competition and significantly reducing days on market. One-bedroom apartments in Dee Why are now fetching $850,000, while two-bedrooms are reaching $1.2 million – figures that would have seemed unthinkable not long ago.

Despite common beliefs, seasons have virtually nothing to do with property sales outcomes. The weather doesn't determine buyer behaviour; supply and demand do. Selling during periods of lower stock – like winter – can actually work to your advantage as your property stands out more prominently to motivated buyers. Similarly, election uncertainty has minimal impact on long-term property values, with most market sentiment already "priced in" before results are announced.

For investors, current conditions present what we call "the perfect storm" – interest rates are expected to decline while rental returns continue strengthening. With rental vacancies at historic lows (we're managing over 2,000 properties but have only 13 available rentals), landlords are achieving premium returns. This rental pressure isn't likely to ease soon.

The fundamental truth remains unchanged: Northern Beaches property has historically doubled in value every decade. Rather than waiting for mythical "perfect conditions," successful property sellers recognise that timing is about relative advantage – and selling when competition is low gives you that edge.

Ready to explore your options? Our zero-dollar marketing strategy allows you to test the market without upfront costs. Connect with us today to discover what's possible in this dynamic market environment.