Looking for alternatives to MadeComfy? Compare top Airbnb property managers in Australia and discover why more landlords are switching to boutique teams like Lane Property.
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re weighing up your options when it comes to Airbnb property management. Maybe you’ve already listed your property with MadeComfy and feel like just another number. Or maybe you're still researching and wondering: Are there better alternatives that offer stronger returns and better service?
The short-term rental industry in Australia has grown rapidly, with companies like MadeComfy scaling fast to manage hundreds — even thousands — of listings. But with that scale often comes trade-offs: less personal communication, rigid processes, and pricing models that don’t always favour the owner.
For landlords and property investors who want more control, more revenue, and a manager who treats their property like a business (not a side hustle), there’s a growing number of alternatives that blend technology with local, boots-on-the-ground service.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
Whether you’ve got one investment apartment or a growing portfolio, this comparison will help you make a smarter decision — one that pays off in reviews, occupancy, and revenue.
MadeComfy was one of the first to bring tech-driven, full-service Airbnb management to Australia. Their pitch is simple: let us handle everything — from guest messaging to pricing — while you sit back and earn passive income.
But as they’ve scaled, some landlords have begun to notice gaps between the promise and the reality.
MadeComfy’s growth means their systems are highly standardised — great for efficiency, but not always for owners who want tailored service. If you’ve got specific needs (like blackout dates for family use or input into how your property is styled), it can feel like you’re working with a machine, not a manager.
“I was getting copied-and-pasted updates from my property manager and felt completely out of the loop,” one Brisbane-based landlord shared. “It was like no one had actually visited my apartment in months.”
Guest reviews are the lifeblood of short-term rentals. While MadeComfy handles bookings at scale, some owners report inconsistent cleaning quality, slower response times, or automated guest messaging that lacks warmth — all of which can impact ratings.
Lower guest ratings don’t just hurt your ego — they impact your revenue. Airbnb’s algorithm prioritises listings with strong reviews, recent bookings, and high engagement. Miss the mark, and you fall down the rankings.
Dynamic pricing is a big part of the value promise — but some owners feel MadeComfy’s system is too generic. If pricing is too low, you’re leaving money on the table. If it’s too high, your calendar sits empty.
A local pricing strategy — tailored to neighbourhood events, school holidays, and market demand — tends to outperform automated national models over time. Especially in areas like Brisbane or the Gold Coast, where demand can spike quickly.
MadeComfy offers a fixed-percentage management fee, but the actual structure can be hard to untangle. Some owners only realise later that cleaning costs, maintenance add-ons, and marketing extras can chip away at their earnings.
Pair that with limited visibility into what's happening at your property — and it’s no wonder many landlords start looking for alternatives.
Not all short-term rental managers are created equal. While the big platforms might dazzle with tech and branding, many landlords find real value in a manager who offers substance over scale.
If you're considering switching from MadeComfy — or comparing providers before signing — here’s what actually matters when it comes to protecting your asset and maximising your returns.
A manager based in Brisbane should know which weekends book out fastest, what festivals affect pricing, and which suburbs attract business travellers vs holidaymakers. These small nuances add up to better occupancy, smarter pricing, and more strategic decisions.
Look for operators who live and breathe your local market — not just plug your property into a national pricing model.
Guests notice when a stay is well-managed. Fast responses, flexible check-ins, personal touches — these all lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.
Ask how a manager handles:
You want someone who treats guests like customers — not just data in a dashboard.
Dynamic pricing is only useful if it’s regularly reviewed and adjusted. Some platforms “set and forget” based on automation.
Instead, look for managers who:
This is especially critical in competitive inner-city markets or coastal holiday zones.
A strong manager communicates regularly and clearly. You should know:
There should be no surprises — only updates and solutions.
Some landlords want to stay in their property a few weeks a year. Others want control over guest types or minimum stays. You want a manager who says “yes” to your preferences — not one who locks you into rigid rules.
The best managers are partners, not gatekeepers.
When you combine these factors — local knowledge, guest care, pricing strategy, and clear communication — you’re far more likely to see consistent returns, fewer issues, and a smoother experience overall.
If MadeComfy isn’t quite the right fit, there are a handful of other Airbnb property management companies worth considering — each with their own approach. Below, we break down some of the most common alternatives landlords explore, along with key pros and cons.
Overview:
Hometime is a large Australian short-term rental management company with operations in major cities. They operate a tech-driven platform and outsource on-the-ground services to local “partners.”
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Investors with multiple properties who are comfortable with automation and minimal involvement.
Overview:
Sydney-based Airkeeper offers Airbnb management across Australia, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Melbourne. They promote full-service support, including cleaning, guest messaging, and pricing.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Owners who want a relatively low-cost option and don’t need high-touch support.
Overview:
Originally founded in Europe, GuestReady is an international company with a growing presence in Australia. They offer property management across multiple continents, using a global tech stack and offshore support teams.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: Investors who want global-style automation and hands-off property oversight.
Overview:
Some smaller property managers use tools like Resly or HiRUM to offer Airbnb management but don’t provide the full-service approach. These tend to be local cleaners, real estate agents, or hybrid operators adding short-term rentals to their portfolio.
Pros:
Cons:
Best For: DIY landlords who want some operational support but will stay involved.
If you’ve been underwhelmed by big-brand short-term rental managers, you’re not alone. Many landlords are now seeking something more personal, more performance-driven — and more local. That’s where Lane Property comes in.
We’re not a platform. We’re a hands-on team of short-stay experts managing properties across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. And we’ve built our business by focusing on the one thing that matters most to property owners: results.
We don’t outsource guest support to another city or country. We live and work in the same streets you do, which means faster issue resolution, better local insights, and on-the-ground attention your property actually feels.
From professional photography to listing copy that actually converts, we set your property up for success. Then we actively manage your pricing using market trends, competitor insights, and demand forecasting — not just automation.
We believe in transparency. You’ll get clear reporting, real communication, and zero surprises. Want to block off dates for family? No problem. Want to understand why your revenue spiked or dipped last month? We’ll explain every factor.
Better guests = better reviews = better revenue. That’s why we respond fast, keep your property spotless, and stay proactive with everything from early check-in requests to lost items.
We keep it simple. You get a performance-focused management fee, optional extras if needed, and no long-term lock-in. We earn your trust by delivering — not by tying you down.
Lane Property is ideal for:
We don’t try to manage thousands of listings. We focus on doing a great job with a curated portfolio — and it shows in our guest reviews, occupancy rates, and owner satisfaction.
MadeComfy helped pave the way for short-term rental management in Australia — but it’s no longer the only option. Today, property owners have more choice, more flexibility, and more control over how their investment is managed.
The key is choosing a manager that aligns with your goals.
Whether you’re in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or beyond, switching to a more personalised, results-driven manager like Lane Property could mean more revenue, less stress, and better protection of your asset.
After all, your property is worth more than just filling nights on a calendar. It deserves a partner who treats it like a business — because that’s exactly what it is.
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