In this powerhouse episode of Finance This, Property That, host Dion Fernandes sits down with Rachael Gibb, rooming house property management specialist and co-founder of Upside Ave, to unpack the often misunderstood world of rooming house investments. From the nuances of tenant quality and compliance to valuation pitfalls and maintenance strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for investors who want to extract high yield and long-term value from their properties. Rachael shares boots-on-the-ground insights from managing over 90% rooming house properties, while Dion brings the finance lens, exposing the funding challenges and lender misconceptions that can break a project. Whether you're mid-build, pre-purchase, or considering a pivot into rooming houses, this episode will save you from costly mistakes—and make you a smarter investor.
⏱️ Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Intro
Dion welcomes listeners and introduces Rachael Gibb from Upside Ave, a specialist in rooming house property management.
02:15 – What Makes Rooming Houses Different
Why standard property managers fall short and the complexities of managing 5+ tenancies under one roof.
07:00 – Upside Ave’s Origin Story
Rachael shares how investing in her own rooming house led to founding a niche agency focused exclusively on this space.
11:40 – The Real Work Behind the Scenes
Bins, digital locks, communal space management—why the little things aren’t so little.
20:30 – Tenants, Compliance & Culture
The fine line between quality tenants and regulatory headaches—plus how to build harmonious micro-communities.
25:50 – Common Mistakes Investors Make
From picking oversaturated suburbs like Acacia Ridge to penny-pinching on finishes, the warning signs are everywhere.
33:30 – The Valuation Trap
Why the wrong property manager can sink your valuation and how to strategically present rental data to valuers.
41:15 – Overcapitalization vs. Smart Upgrades
Tesla chargers, CCTV, and ethernet ports—when it’s worth spending more (and when it’s not).
47:00 – Parking, Solar & Future-Proofing
How overlooked features like EV charging, solar batteries, and parking ratios impact rental appeal and tenant retention.
51:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect
Rachael shares how investors can reach out, and Dion wraps with a reminder: start planning before the build.
👉 Follow Dion Fernandes on Instagram @dionfinancespecialist
and LinkedIn for more property finance insights.
🏡 Connect with Rachael Gibb at Upside Ave
or email her directly at [email protected]
to level up your rooming house strategy.