Let’s be honest — selling a property with tenants can feel a bit awkward at first.
Done without clear and committed communication, cooperation and collaboration, it can feel a bit like trying to host an open home inside a live episode of Big Brother — where people are living their lives while buyers peek in. It can feel like a logistical puzzle, with questions like, ‘Will buyers be put off?’ or ‘Can we even run a proper campaign?’
But here’s the thing: it’s not a dealbreaker — it’s just a different kind of opportunity. And with the right approach, selling a tenanted property can actually work in your favour.
While some people — including some agents — might see a house full of tenants as a hurdle, we have seen it play out as a real strength — especially when you’ve got solid experience and strategy behind it.
A built-in buyer hook
There’s something appealing about walking into a property that already has a great tenant in place.
For investors, it’s peace of mind — steady rental income from day one, no need to advertise or screen applicants, and less downtime between settlement and return.
As a bonus, they get to see their future tenant in their natural environment, and how well they look after and take pride in their home. It’s a real confidence booster!
For owner occupiers, it’s a case study in the creature comforts and the ‘feel’ of the home — in the simplest of terms, it shows them just how ‘homey’ your property can be.
Your agent should see the tenant as part of their sales story and an opportunity to show how ‘livable’ the home really is.
In some cases, that story and the subsequent certainty it brings is what gets the deal over the line. You’re not just selling a property — you’re offering a ready-made home or investment.
It’s all about framing
Sure, you might not be able to style the home to perfection or add all the little touches, and let’s be realistic, we know staging can really help buyers see the potential of a place.
But that’s okay — it’s not about having everything spotless and showroom-ready. It’s about showing the space for what it is, and who it’s perfect for.
We work with what’s there, with what a viewer can see and feel right in front of them and in every room, and we tell the story in a way that speaks to buyers who see the potential — and the value — in an already-functioning home.
Respecting the tenant, protecting the sale
One of the most important parts of this process? Keeping your tenant on side. A smooth campaign often comes down to clear communication and genuine respect.
We work with tenants to create a viewing schedule that’s fair and reasonable — while still giving buyers the access they need. We give our tenants plenty of notice of what’s coming up, prepare them and tell them what to expect and what they need to do to help out, and we keep those communication lines open.
When we enter their home — because even though it’s your property, it is where they live — if tenants need to be present for personal reasons, we are courteous and polite and we encourage the potential buyers to also be respectful and considerate, without impeding their viewing.
More-often-than-not, an onside tenant will help the process along by showcasing the potential of the property and sometimes even throwing in a few lines that drive home what a great place it is to live.
Speaking to the right audience
The way we market a tenanted home is different — and it should be. From the wording in your listing to where we advertise and who we speak to, it’s all about reaching the right kind of buyer.
When you get that part right, the whole campaign feels easier. You’re not trying to convince someone it’s the right home — you’re showing the right buyer what they’re already looking for.
At the end of the day, a tenanted property just needs a different game plan — not a compromise.
With the right agent guiding the process, what starts as a potential hurdle can quickly turn into a highlight of your campaign.
It’s still your property’s moment — we just tell the story differently
Every home has a story to tell — tenants or no tenants. And with the right strategy, we make sure that story still lands with the people it’s meant to reach.
A good result isn’t about a perfect set-up — it’s about smart thinking, clear communication, and knowing how to make every part of the process work for you, not against you.
