Pukeko Rental Managers
Pukeko CEO Dawn Engelbrecht on personalised property management for NZ landlords: 100 properties per manager, one all-in fee and franchise opportunities
“Some property managers get loaded up with 200, sometimes even 300 properties that they’re expected to manage, and it’s just not humanly possible.”
For New Zealand landlords, that overload shows up in all the wrong places. Property managers become hard to reach, tenant background checks get rushed, and inspections don’t happen properly. The result can be a damaged property and a very frustrated owner.
We caught up with Dawn Engelbrecht, the new CEO of Pukeko Rental Managers, to find out how this nationwide rental management franchise is doing things differently.
Dawn brings a strong business background to the role, having been a company director for brands including Beds R Us and Kitchen Studio. She has known Pukeko founder David for many years and jumped at the chance to join as fractional CEO. As a property investor with several rentals of her own, she knows first-hand how frustrating it can be to deal with some of the bigger property management agencies.
THE BEST, NOT THE BIGGEST:
At Pukeko, each rental manager is limited to 100 properties. That cap is central to the company’s philosophy of being the best, not the biggest.
“I think that makes a huge difference as a landlord, knowing that the person I’m talking to is the person that’s actually going to look after my property,” says Dawn.
Property owners get one point of contact who knows their property, their tenants and their goals. That kind of personalised property management is hard to find when a manager is juggling hundreds of homes.
ONE ALL-IN FEE:
The other big point of difference is how Pukeko charges. Many property management companies take a percentage of the rent as a management fee, then add separate charges for inspections, letting and almost everything else.
Pukeko has one all-in fee instead. “Our base fee may be slightly higher, but it literally covers all of the services that we provide,” Dawn explains.
That includes the core of rental property management: tenant screening and reference checks, regular property inspections, rent collection, marketing and showings, bond lodgement, and representation at the Tenancy Tribunal if it’s ever needed.
The only extra cost is when an outside contractor is needed, such as a tradie for repairs or meth testing between tenancies. Even then, Pukeko passes on the tradie’s own invoice with no mark-up, and the landlord is consulted first. If an inspection uncovers a water leak, for example, the owner can bring in their own trusted tradesperson or have Pukeko organise the work.
“Our job is to manage your property, not to make money on tradies,” says Dawn. “It’s that simple.”
A FRANCHISE BUILT FOR RETURN ON INVESTMENT:
Pukeko Rental Managers operates as a franchise network across New Zealand, with local rental managers supported by a tight, collaborative team. Just three weeks into the role, Dawn already has a clear vision for what she wants the business to be known for: not just the best property management service, but the best franchise system too.
For anyone looking to own their own business, a Pukeko franchise offers a low-investment entry point and the flexibility to start while still working, without having to go full-time from day one.
Whether you’re a landlord looking for a property manager who will treat your rental like their own, or you’re exploring a property management franchise opportunity in New Zealand, Pukeko Rental Managers is well worth a look.
Learn more by clicking on the WEBSITE link below.