New Owner FAQs

Swell Stays is a locally owned and operated holiday home management company based in Margaret River with over 10 years of experience managing properties in the South West.

We manage properties throughout the picturesque Margaret River region (from Gracetown through to Hamelin Bay).

It's in the way that we do it!

• Personalised & Professional - We treat your home like it's our own
• Committed to Great Service - Happy guests = repeat bookings!
• Honest & Reliable - No shortcuts, just quality management

Yes, there are other holiday home managers in the Margaret River region, and everyone does things a little differently - which is great! But before you decide, make sure you're getting the best deal by asking these key questions:

• Can guests upgrade their stay with hampers, babysitters & experiences? (More perks = happier guests!)
• Do they charge YOU extra commission for using third-party booking sites?
• Do they have a full-time Reservation Manager who can offer last-minute deals to keep your home booked?
• Is there a dedicated Operations Manager, Head Housekeeper and in-house cleaning team? (Or are they outsourcing?)
• Do they meet with you every six months to go over your home's performance?
• Are they adding hidden fees on top of third-party services?
• Do they limit how many times YOU can stay in your own home?

Not all management companies offer the same service, so make sure you're comparing apples with apples! At Swell Stays, we're upfront about our fees and services - no hidden costs, no surprises.

Every property has its own charm and character, no matter its size or value. Our role is to highlight that charm and match it to the right guests, creating unforgettable stays.

Yes. Your property must have Shire Approval use as a Holiday Home. This includes the requirement that a manager or contactable employee lives within 35 minutes of the property.

We conduct an initial audit of your property to ensure it meets the Swell Stays Standard (e.g., coffee machine, quality furniture, heating/cooling, spare linen, etc.). You will receive an Audit List during this process.

Yes. You have unlimited access for owner bookings provided there are no existing guest bookings. You will manage your owner bookings through the Owner Portal.

Bookings are handled via our central reservation system, connected to both the Swell Stays website and platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO. Guests can book 24/7 and make secure payments directly.

All guest payments are processed by Swell Stays. Owners are paid monthly after commission and any applicable fees are deducted.

No. You are only charged what the contractor charges us - no additional markup.

We have an in-house maintenance team. Owners sign a Repair Authority allowing Swell Stays to carry out repairs under $250 without prior approval. Larger repairs require owner consent.

We have an in-house cleaning team. Departure cleans are charged to the guest, not the owner. Owners will only be charged for annual Spring Cleans and additional cleans if necessary.

Your property will be promoted through:

• The Swell Stays website
• Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO
• Social media (11,000+ Facebook likes & 3,400+ Instagram followers)
• Email newsletters
• Custom marketing strategies tailored to your property

Yes. We conduct annual performance reviews and invite owners to discuss occupancy, revenue, and opportunities for improvement.

• Full refund if canceled more than 30 days prior
• Funds held as a credit if canceled within 30 days (usable for up to 12 months)
• Refund minus $50 admin fee if rebooked
• Flexible date changes outside of 30 days

No. Owners must arrange their own insurance and provide details when signing the management agreement.