Secrets to reducing vacancy rates in a competitive market

Every day your property sits empty is money down the drain (and we’re not just talking about rent). It’s also insurance, rates, and the mild panic of wondering if the oven’s still switched on.

In Perth’s rental market, where competition is stiff and listings move fast, keeping your property tenanted is crucial. Vacancy gaps chip away at your returns, rack up holding costs, and can make even the best investment feel like it’s working against you.

The good news is that with the right approach, you can keep tenants in, keep interest high, and keep that ‘For Lease’ sign collecting dust in the garage.

1. Retention is your real MVP

Finding great tenants is hard. Keeping them? That’s where the magic (and the savings) happen.

If you’ve got renters who pay on time, treat the place with respect, and don’t throw parties every weekend for 40 of their closest mates — hang onto them. The fewer lease turnovers you deal with, the fewer gaps in rent and re-listing headaches you’ll face.

What helps is having fast, no-fuss maintenance, clear and polite communication, and giving them plenty of notice when it’s time to renew. It doesn’t take much to show you care, but it can mean the difference between a happy long-term tenant and another empty living room.

2. Nail the timing

In Perth, leasing activity tends to spike during summer and early autumn (January through March), when people are keen for a fresh start.

Listing your property right in the middle of winter? Although it’s not the end of the world, you might be in for a longer wait.

To stay ahead, we recommend you start marketing 6-8 weeks before your current lease ends. That gives you time to run ads, hold viewings, and line up a new tenant without missing a beat. This way, you’ll have no awkward gaps and no panicked scrambling, just an overall smoother handover and uninterrupted rental income.

3. Be smart with your rent

If your property’s been sitting quiet, it might be time to check the price tag. Overpricing (even by just $20 a week) can scare off great tenants and leave you empty-handed for a bit.

Scan similar listings in your suburb, adjust for condition and features, and aim to sit just under the competition if you want fast results. Being flexible on price now can mean securing a longer-term tenant and more reliable income later.

4. Make the place pop (without going overboard)

First impressions do count, and no one’s lining up for a place that looks tired, dark, or unloved. A deep clean, some tidy staging, and letting in as much natural light as possible can instantly lift a space.

You don’t need to go full display-home vibes, but it should feel fresh and well looked after. Add a floor lamp or two, maybe a pop of colour in the cushions. A little effort here goes a long way in turning browsers into applicants.

We’ve actually just put together a full guide on how to stage your rental property for maximum impact, which is perfect if you want to make your investment stand out without blowing the budget.

5. Step up your marketing game

A great property won’t lease itself (not if no one knows it’s available). Effective marketing is half the battle when it comes to cutting down vacancy time.

Start with standout photography (no blurry iPhone hallway shots, please), followed by a listing that actually sells the dream — think lifestyle, not just specs. Mention the features people care about, such as natural light, aircon, NBN, and local cafés, etc…

And don’t just blast your listing into the void. Sure, Facebook Marketplace might get you messages at 2am asking “Is this still available?”, but serious tenants are looking elsewhere.

Perth-focused rental platforms (like ours!) offer a more curated approach. We’re selective for a reason, which means better outcomes for landlords and tenants alike. When your rental’s shown in the right places to the right people, it doesn’t sit around for long.

6. Don’t skip the screening

Finding someone fast is great. But finding someone reliable? That’s where the real value lies.

It pays to take the time to check a potential tenant’s rental history, confirm their income, and actually call their references. A bit of due diligence now can prevent a whole lot of trouble down the track.

Good tenants stick around, treat the place well, and pay on time. That’s exactly the kind of consistency that keeps your vacancy rate low and your property stress-free.

7. Flexibility wins in tough markets

If you’re only offering 12-month leases, you could be missing out on some great tenants.

Shorter (and longer) lease terms, pet-friendly policies, or even partially furnished options can open your property up to a wider range of renters. Such as relocating professionals to students or families in transition. Especially in a competitive market like Perth, a little flexibility can go a long way in reducing vacancy.

It’s not about lowering your standards. It’s about making your property work for more people, without compromising on quality.

8. Use a property manager that gets it

Managing a rental isn’t always sunshine and passive income… especially when vacancies start dragging on. That’s where a solid property manager can make all the difference.

At Semple Property Group, we know the Perth rental market inside and out because it’s what we do every day. We don’t just throw your listing online and hope it sticks. Instead, we create a strategy that suits your property, carefully screen for quality tenants, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

We’re selective for a reason. It means less stress for you, better tenants, and a rental that works harder for your investment.

No tenants… no thanks

Vacancy is never just a quiet period. It’s lost income, extra holding costs, and missed opportunities in a market that moves quickly. But the right strategies can make all the difference.

By setting the right rent, making your place shine, and being smart with your lease terms, you give your property the best chance to stay tenanted and perform well.

If you’re ready to hand things over to someone who gets it, our team at Semple offers property management in Perth that’s designed to minimise vacancy and maximise value. We know what works, we know what tenants want, and we’d love to help you get the most from your investment.