A Landlord’s Guide to Adelaide’s Investment Scene with Hugh Mason

As Adelaide’s rental market evolves, staying informed is more important than ever. Join us as we sit down with Hugh Mason, our Adelaide rental market expert, to explore the latest trends, emerging hotspots, and key investment tips for landlords. Whether you’re new to property investment or a seasoned landlord, these insights will help you make confident, informed decisions this year.

What have been the key shifts in Adelaide’s rental market over the past year?
We’re starting to see the market settle back into a more steady, “normal” pace after the wild growth of recent years. There’s been a lot of interest from interstate, especially Sydney, which has helped bring more investment properties onto the market.

How have rental prices and vacancy rates changed, and what’s driving this?
With more properties available, tenants now have more choices, which has naturally slowed down the rapid price increases we’ve seen in the past. Growth hasn’t stopped—it’s just happening at a slower, healthier rate. It also means tenants are a bit more price-sensitive than before.

Which Adelaide suburbs are becoming more popular with renters, and why?
Suburbs close to the city are still super popular—no surprise there. But we’re also seeing a lot of interest in the southern suburbs. They’re more affordable, which is a big draw as other areas get pricier.

Are tenants prioritising certain property features more than before?
Absolutely. Solar panels have become a huge selling point. Tenants are really focusing on energy efficiency and keeping their bills down, so properties with solar stand out.

What advice would you give to new and existing investors for the year ahead?
Don’t stretch your budget to the absolute limit. If you leave yourself some wiggle room, you’re not stuck relying on getting top dollar for rent. Plus, having a competitive price means more interest and better tenant options. A good tenant makes all the difference—especially with the recent changes to rental laws.

How has Adelaide’s population growth impacted rental demand?
It’s definitely added to the pressure. There are simply more people looking to rent than there are properties available. While interstate investors have helped by adding more rentals to the market, it’s still not enough to meet the demand.

What challenges are landlords facing, and how can they tackle them?
One of the biggest challenges right now is the limited information landlords can request from applicants. This makes it harder to confidently assess if a tenant will be the right fit. To manage this, it’s all about having a really thorough application process—getting into every detail and leaving no stone unturned. It’s the best way to find the right tenant and avoid issues down the track.

How have interest rates impacted property owners’ decisions to invest or hold rental properties?
Rising interest rates have made some property owners reconsider whether to invest or hold onto surplus properties. The gap between rental income and mortgage repayments has grown, making it harder for many landlords to justify the costs.

Are there any shifts in the types of tenants renting in Adelaide?
We’re still seeing a good mix of tenants, but there’s been an increase in relocations for work. Professionals moving here for roles tied to major companies, especially around the port, are driving demand in certain areas.

What’s your outlook for the Adelaide rental market in 2025?
We think the market will keep settling down and finding its balance. If interest rates start to drop, we’ll likely see more landlords entering the market and less pressure for them to push for premium rents.

Ready to dive into the Adelaide rental market? Contact our OC real estate experts for a head start in this new year, new beginning.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is accurate at the time of publication. Ouwens Casserly has relied upon information from external sources in compiling this publication and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Please verify details and consult your agent before making any decisions.