Sophie Kennedy-Rush - Buxton Geelong Group

19/06/2026

Thanks for the feedback Rejendra. It was wonderful working with you up to settlement and beyond. Thank you for trusting us with your investment!

16/06/2026

With our vacancy increasing by another 0.2% for the second month in a row, we're seeing renter's with the luxury of choice. This has put more of an emphasis on pricing accurately across the region.

For suburb-specific vacancy rates, yield analysis and local market insights, please explore this month’s Flyover Reports here 👉 bit.ly/market-update-may26

02/06/2026

Another strong month for rentals across the region, with increased enquiry and applications highlighting reliable rental demand and contributing to an exceptional 3.2 average days on market.

25/05/2026

Thanks Tanya for the lovely recommendation. It was an absolute pleasure working with you and sporting through the tail end of a purchase to a successful letting.

15/05/2026

Transparency and education is key.

Grateful to share some industry insight for these tough conversations. Bottom line - we want the same outcome: minimal vacancy, healthy rental return and someone who will care for your investment.

We just have to do it the right way. No exceptions.

A missed blind cord could cost your agency $56,000.

That's the reality Victorian property managers are facing every single day under the state's latest rental reforms.

Sophie Kennedy Rush, Director and Business Development Manager at Buxton in Geelong, says the November 2025 changes have fundamentally shifted how properties reach the rental market – and the conversations PMs must have with investors.

The big shift: properties must now meet full compliance across gas safety, electrical safety, smoke alarms and 15 separate minimum standards before they can even be advertised.

No more listing while you sort the paperwork. No more same-day turnarounds when a tenant vacates.

"Every rental property needs these checks and there are limited trades available to do them properly," Sophie says. "If you want someone doing it properly and thoroughly, there are going to be delays."

The numbers tell the story too – regional Victoria has seen a 0.5 per cent vacancy uptick since the reforms, compared to just 0.1 per cent in Melbourne.

Sophie's approach: get in early with pre-settlement access clauses where possible, and be relentlessly transparent when you can't control the timeline.

"You need to be experienced to have that conversation in a way that doesn't rub anyone up the wrong way – that is very educational and makes them feel nurtured rather than scared."

For PMs in Victoria (and those in other states watching reform head your way) – how are you preparing investors for compliance costs and timelines before they settle?


Sophie Kennedy-Rush - Buxton Geelong Group
Link to story in first comment 👇

15/05/2026

Recently I was able to speak on the topic of compliance and the realistic cost to investors. This cost goes hand in hand with sometimes difficult conversations between property manager's and owners. Education is the only tool to take the sting out of these discussion and I wanted to share why.

Read the article here 👉 bit.ly/eliteagent-skr

14/05/2026

With increased rental stock available, Geelong’s vacancy is now at 2.7%. While renters have more options, well‑prepared homes are still attracting strong enquiry and leasing quickly.

For suburb-specific vacancy rates, yield analysis and local market insights, please explore this month’s Flyover Reports here 👉 bit.ly/market-update-apr26

01/05/2026

Rental activity edged up slightly in April, once again confirming the steady, dependable nature of the Geelong market.

29/04/2026

Thanks to our client for this wonderful feedback. I’m really glad we could make your rental experience smooth and stress‑free. We appreciate your trust and support.

15/04/2026

Geelong vacancy now sits at 2.5% following a slight rise in available rental stock. Rents have increased across all segments, especially units, now at $480 per week. Demand for affordable, low‑maintenance homes remains strong.