At a glance

  • Ask what income the percentage is applied to.
  • Compare the full cost of the agreed service.
  • Use consistent assumptions across every proposal.

Ask what the percentage means

Before comparing two percentages, ask which amount each is applied to and whether the quoted charge includes applicable tax. Clarify how platform deductions, cleaning charges, refunds and owner stays are treated.

A lower percentage may cover fewer tasks. Put the service scope alongside the fee calculation so you can see what you would still need to organise or pay for yourself.

Use one worksheet for every proposal

Create a line for each cost: management, turnover cleaning, linen, consumables, photography, onboarding, maintenance coordination and any recurring subscription or administration charges. Ask whether each is fixed, per booking, percentage-based or charged when used.

Separate costs included in the proposal from assumptions you have supplied. This makes an unanswered question visible instead of accidentally treating it as a zero.

  • Fee calculation basis and tax treatment.
  • Cleaning and linen per changeover.
  • Onboarding and photography.
  • Maintenance charges and approval thresholds.
  • Owner-use and termination arrangements.

An illustrative comparison

Suppose the same hypothetical month has $4,000 of income on the fee basis agreed for both proposals. A 15% management charge would be $600; a 20% charge would be $800. Those percentages and income are invented for this example, not Sparkling Stays prices or a Perth market estimate.

If the first proposal also has $250 of additional services that the second includes, its comparable service cost becomes $850 against $800. The useful comparison is the agreed scope and total cost, not the five-percentage-point difference.

This simplified example excludes tax and all other operating costs. Ask for an itemised, property-specific calculation before making a decision.

Ask to see an owner statement

A sample statement should let you follow income, deductions, charges and the resulting payout. Ask how adjustments and late invoices are reflected, and when funds are paid.

Keep your own-use plans and property requirements in the comparison. A service that fits the way you want to use the property may be more useful than a headline fee that leaves important responsibilities unclear.