Manage it yourself, or bring in help?

Start with an ordinary month

Think through the small jobs, not only the emergencies. Who will answer a repair request, arrange access, check an invoice and keep the records together? If you live elsewhere, include travel and the time needed to coordinate someone locally.

• List the tasks you are comfortable handling and the ones you would rather delegate.
• Work out who could step in when you are travelling or unavailable.
• Keep a separate allowance for maintenance and unexpected work.

Compare a defined service, not a label

A rental property manager’s authority comes from the service agreement. Ask what is included, what needs your approval and how you will receive statements. “Full service” is not a substitute for a clear description of the work.

Put the choice back into your property plan

If you are deciding whether to keep or sell a home, compare two realistic arrangements: the time and costs of managing it yourself, and the written quote for delegated work. Use your own figures in the holding-cost tool. Neither option is automatically the better one.