What Type of Landlord Are You?
20 May 2026
Most people think a landlord is just… a landlord.
But after years working in property management, we’ve realised something important:
Not all landlords want the same thing.
And that changes everything.
At NSPM, we generally see three different types of landlords:
Investors
Homeowner landlords
Short-term landlords
Understanding which category you fall into matters more than most people realise — because each landlord has different goals, pressures and expectations from their property manager.
That’s also why a one-size-fits-all approach to property management no longer works.
The Investor Landlord
Investor landlords are usually focused on performance.
They’re thinking about rental yield, long-term growth, low vacancy, good tenants and strategic decision-making.
For this type of landlord, property management isn’t just about collecting rent. It’s about protecting and growing an asset over time.
Communication matters. Strategy matters. Proactive advice matters.
Many investors want a property manager who thinks commercially, spots opportunities early, and helps them make smarter long-term decisions.
The Homeowner Landlord
This type of landlord is often renting out a property that once felt deeply personal.
Maybe it was the family home. Maybe it’s a temporary move. Maybe life circumstances changed unexpectedly.
Either way, the emotional connection to the property is usually much stronger.
These landlords often care deeply about who is living in the home, how it’s being looked after, and whether they can trust the process.
They don’t just want efficiency. They want reassurance.
And honestly, that requires a very different style of communication and support.
The Short-Term Landlord
Short-term and holiday landlords operate in a completely different environment again.
Guest experience, presentation, occupancy rates, reviews and flexibility all play a major role.
The pace is faster. Expectations are different. The management style needs to adapt accordingly.
What works for a long-term investment property often doesn’t work for a short-term rental.
Why This Matters in Modern Property Management
One of the biggest mistakes we see in the property management industry is treating every landlord the same.
Same communication.
Same strategy.
Same service model.
But landlords aren’t all on the same journey.
A homeowner landlord doesn’t think like an investor.
A short-term landlord has different priorities altogether.
The better a property manager understands the person behind the property, the better the outcome usually is.
That’s why we believe modern property management should feel tailored, personal and strategic — not transactional.
Watch the Video: Which Type of Landlord Are You?
We recently filmed a short video unpacking the three landlord types we see most often and why understanding the difference matters.
Watch the video here: Which Type of Landlord Are You?
You may recognise yourself immediately.
And if you do, it might change the way you think about what you actually need from your property management experience.
If you'd like to chat about your property, investment goals or management approach, our team is always here for a conversation.
