From collecting rent to regular maintenance, you may be overwhelmed by the process of letting your property, especially if it’s your first time.
However, being a landlord doesn’t have to be complicated when you have a reliable and experienced property manager to help you out. We explored far and wide just to give you the best property management firms in Galway!
We’ll also give you our tips on some aspects to consider when selecting a property manager. But before we reveal our picks, let’s first discuss the estimated service costs of a property manager.
How Much Do Property Management Firms in Galway Charge?
It can be difficult to compare rates and pinpoint an exact figure as fees vary depending on the firm. Generally, you can expect to pay between 6 to 12% of the property’s monthly rental value, plus VAT.
Some firms or agents may also charge a flat rate per month. Moreover, there are also other expenses you need to consider such as the registration fee for new tenants and insurance, which may or may not be included in the firm’s monthly fee.
Because of the volatility of these rates, the best course of action is to simply ask your chosen firm about it.
The Best Property Management Firms in Galway
Now that we cleared that up, let’s head on to our list of the top property management firms in Galway.
1. Ocean Property Management
| SERVICES | Block and estate management, residential and corporate lettings, student village management, holiday lettings |
| WEBSITE | https://www.oceanpropertymanagement.ie/ |
| ADDRESS | Ocean Property Management, Mill House, 10 Mill Street, Galway |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 091 568 831 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm |
Like its moniker, Ocean Property Management is the company to call when you need someone to manage your holiday homes for letting, whether it’s by the beach or in the countryside.
But don’t be fooled by its name, Ocean Property Management can also manage different kinds of properties from residential to corporate real estate. They even manage student villages such as the prestigious National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway’s student residence.
Their let-only service is for you if you want to skip the collection of fees and screening of tenants. Otherwise, they also offer property management-only services for clients who wish to avoid dealing with tenant concerns.
You may also have them do both with their let and manage services, which includes other responsibilities such as a 24-hour on-call service for emergencies and periodic property inspections. No need to worry about your tenants waking you up at midnight for a leaky faucet!
Take note that their let and manage service requires 8% of the monthly rent excluding VAT. Meanwhile, their let-only service requires 6% of the value of the first year’s lease.
Pros
- Ideal for holiday and corporate property lettings
- Free assessment for holiday properties
- Flexible services
- Extensive property portfolio
Cons
- Other fees not advertised online
- Other property valuations may not be free
- Limited client support on weekends
Customer Reviews
Check out what Ocean Management Property’s previous clients have to say about them:
“I rented a property from Ocean Management Property and would recommend them to anyone as a letting agency. We were greeted by our agent Conor when moving into our rented property and he was always keen to ensure we were happy and comfortable in our property. He was friendly and easy to contact with regarding any questions or concerns. It was very reassuring to know we had someone who was easy contact and who was happy to help. We also met with Mike who sorted us regarding any small maintenance we needed. I had a 10/10 experience with them and would recommend their service to anyone looking for renting property in Galway.” —Niamh Horan, Google Reviews
“I have to say my renting experience with Ocean Property Management was a pleasure. I cannot fault them in any way, I have dealt with Conor and others on many occasions and they were always there to help no matter the issue. I would highly recommend using Ocean Property Management whether it be for renting or purchasing property, always a seamless process from start to finish.” —Colin Jordan, Google Reviews
2. West Coast Property Management
| SERVICES | Full management (includes evaluation and advice, point of contact, rental collection, repair and maintenance, inspections, etc.), lettings |
| WEBSITE | https://wcpm.ie/ |
| ADDRESS | West Coast Property Management The Plaza Office Suites, Headford Road, Galway City, H91 KC6V (meetings by appointment only) |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 091 765 400 or 086 837 9523 (24-hour emergency helpline) [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24 hours |
West Coast Property Management is a family-owned and managed business with years of experience in the Galway rental market. In fact, its owner Adrian Murray is a qualified financial advisor in Ireland.
And being a family business, they take pride in their hands-on and personalised approach to their work. This can be evidenced by the round-the-clock support they offer to both tenants and landlords, which we really like.
And that’s not all. They also offer free rental valuations and free advertising of your property through their “no let, no fee” policy.
While they handle corporate lettings, they mostly specialise in residential management and lettings. Their services are quite straightforward with two options: full management or let-only.
Important to note that there are two kinds of full management services, which you can compare and contrast on their website.
Pros
- Ideal for residential lettings
- Client support available 24 hours
- Free rental property assessment
- Free advertisement
- Property viewings available 7 days/week
Cons
- Service fees unavailable online
- Office meetings by appointment only
Customer Reviews
Below you’ll see some reviews by West Coast Property Management’s previous clients:
“I took a long time to find a letting agent in Galway that is this good to manage my property. I highly recommend West Coast Property Management to anyone interested in renting their property out. I have rented my property through a few agents over the past 20 years and have found West Coast provides the best service by far. Adrian and the team are excellent to deal with and nothing is ever a problem.” —Caroline Kerrigan, Google Reviews
“Adrian, Francis and co. of West Coast Property Management have helped us succeed in filling our properties with huge returns. In those particularly quiet or competitive times they have managed to help us maintain high appeal. They have at all times been professional to deal with and knowing that they understand the business has been a relief. If you are looking for a property management agent, please do not hesitate to give these professionals a call. I recommend them 100% and they will not let you down. Their service is second to none.”
—Ria Mannion, Google Reviews
3. City Property Services
| SERVICES | Residential rentals and management, let-only service, full let and management, tenant problem resolution, portfolio management |
| WEBSITE | http://www.citypropertygalway.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 67 Prospect Hill, Galway |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 091 562 725 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Another family-run and owned business is City Property Services, which has associates with a combined industry experience of over 40 years.
Being in the industry since 2001 has allowed them to perfect their craft on residential lettings and management. They also provide potential landlords with a free rental evaluation and free advertising, so you won’t have to worry about paying extra fees if you don’t have tenants yet.
To give you a glimpse of what they can offer, they have let-only, plus full-let and management services. And if you have trouble finding resolutions to tenant problems, you can rest in knowing that they specialise in this, too.
Unfortunately, their service rates are unavailable online. But should you decide to give them a go, you may call or visit them in their office, which is a 5-minute walk away from Eyre Square.
Pros
- Ideal for residential lettings
- Free rental property assessment
- Free advertisement
- Central office location
Cons
- Limited client support on weekends and outside of business hours
- Service fees unavailable online
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what some of City Property Services’ previous clients said about them:
“We have been renting through City Property for a year.We were very happy with them.Ross in particular,was very professional and responsive to queries we had,even out of work hours.When we moved from our apartment,everything was dealt with very efficiently,which made the transition much easier for us.I would highly recommend renting through City Property.”
—Tara Kitson, Google Reviews
“Very happy with City Property Services, Eugene is very helpful and professional. He found a very nice House for us when we needed it ASAP, and all our queries were dealt with promptly. This is the second House we are renting through City Property Services and they are just brilliant. Taking good care of their tenants. Highly recommended!” —Ivana, Google Reviews
4. Hummingbird Property Services
| SERVICES | Let and full management services, let-only services |
| WEBSITE | http://galwaypropertymanagement.ie/ |
| ADDRESS | Old Monivea Road Ballybrit, Galway |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 091 763 328 or 086 819 5131 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
If you own student residential properties, Hummingbird Property Services can take care of those for you. Like other entries on our list, they currently offer both let-only, as well as let and full management services, which you can read about in detail on their website.
Since opening its doors 15 years ago, they have accumulated an extensive portfolio of student accommodations across Galway and in particular, close to NUI. This makes their properties quite popular for local and international students.
Otherwise, they also manage residential properties from sourcing potential tenants to managing all aspects of the rental process. You can also count on them to check your property thoroughly towards the end of a tenancy.
Sadly, advertisement and property assessment don’t come free unless you decide to push through with their service. However, you may try to contact them to make certain arrangements.
Pros
- Ideal for student property lettings
- No extra fees for tenants
- Competitive rates for student accommodations
- Tenant application form available online
Cons
- Limited client support on weekends and outside of business hours
- Service fees unavailable online
- Commercial lettings unavailable
Customer Reviews
Here’s a glimpse of what some of their past clients have to say about them:
“A great property management company. Both Olivia and Benny are top class.” —Damian McDonagh, Google Reviews
“Very professional, so nice to deal with.” —Heather Mcgowan, Google Reviews
5. Michelle Burke Auctioneer and Letting Agent
| SERVICES | Letting and management service, home staging, property selling |
| WEBSITE | https://michelleburke.ie/ |
| ADDRESS | Gray Office Park, Galway Retail Park, Headford Rd, Galway H91 WC1P |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 091 868 080 or 087 250 0716 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm |
If you want an all-around agent who can handle everything from property letting, selling, to home staging, Michelle Burke is your woman for the job.
She’s had extensive experience in the field with 25 years and counting, assisting hundreds of clients over the years. Her specialities include property sales, rental and management, as well as property valuations, which potential landlords can avail of for free.
Now, if you have a broad property portfolio and would like to sell one of them, Michelle Burke can also stage your home and make it stand out from the rest for as little as €100. She can also give your property a pre-sale appraisal for free.
Her rates for lettings and property management vary depending on the duration of the rental, so it’s best to contact her for more information. She, along with her team, are readily available, as proven by their clients’ testimonials.
Pros
- Provides all-around real estate services
- Weekend support available
- Long business hours
- Free property valuation
Cons
- Lack of information on property lettings/management online
- Service fees unavailable online
Customer Reviews
Check out some comments by Michelle Burke’s previous clients below:
“Michelle is an expert in auctioneering and a pleasure to deal with. I have hired Michelle twice in the past 15 years and would highly recommend her. Michelle is efficient, genuine, professional and very personable. Thank you Michelle.” —Tara R, Google Reviews
“Michelle is a top class Estate Agent who never gives up until she finds the right buyer /property for you. Together with her Team in the office, they leave no stone unturned to make the whole experience of buying and selling run smooth and super efficiently. Michelle is available at all times by phone and no question or request is too big or too small. She also gives a thorough and fair valuation, and her tips and advice for staging a property are invaluable. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Michelle Burke to anyone buying/selling/renting a property, you won’t be disappointed. Well done Michelle and Team and thanks again for everything.” —Elaine Fanning, Google Reviews
FAQs about Property Management Firms in Galway
And that ends our list of the best property management firms in Galway. If you’ve had the opportunity to work with any of the firms on our list, let us know your experience!
Likewise, leave us a message if you think there are other firms worthy to be on our list.
We also wrote about the best accountancy firms in Ireland if you need someone to handle your property expenses for you.