Zac Morgan: What it’s like managing properties in Sydney’s most elite suburb

Article by Camilla Jones 23 June 2025

Zac Morgan, Head of Property Management at Double Bay’s JT Allen, has nearly two decades of experience in property management, working in some of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, including Point Piper. 

After starting his career in rural Maitland in 2009, he quickly transitioned to managing high-end properties in Sydney’s affluent areas. 

“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t have any horror stories about managing elite properties per se,” Zac says.  

“It’s more about ensuring tenancy applications are rigorously checked to determine a tenant’s suitability. 

“At this end of the market, everything needs to add up — you have to be meticulous in protecting your clients’ properties.” 

Avoiding rental scams in the luxury market 

Zac recalls instances where he almost leased a property, only to triple-check an application at the last minute and uncover fraudulent documents. 

“They had completely fabricated their workplace and employment details. They claimed to work for major blue-chip companies and listed references who were impossible to contact,” he says. 

“Everything looked perfect on paper. At first glance, it seemed like a no-brainer. Someone with less experience might have approved them immediately.” 

Further investigation revealed that the references and bank statements were falsified. A final review led to the cancellation of their application and the return of their holding deposit. 

“If you get that part of the process right, everything else should fall into place,” Zac says. 

Reputation over contracts 

In Sydney’s elite property market, deals often depend on reputation and trust rather than rigid contracts. 

“You always want an agreement in place, but at this level, people tend to rely heavily on their word and reputation,” Zac explains. 

“Some still prefer the old-school handshake deal, and many follow through simply because they don’t want to damage their standing.” 

However, Zac warns that this can create challenges. 

“You need to operate with integrity, but at times, questioning someone’s word can be seen as offensive — especially when fraud is suspected.” 

Navigating egos in Point Piper 

Managing luxury properties also means managing the expectations of high-profile owners and tenants. 

“In Point Piper, there are a lot of strong personalities, and you need a backbone to handle it,” Zac admits. 

“Owners and tenants at this level don’t want to get into the details of a lease — they just want to sign and move on. But as a property manager, you have to stand firm and guide them toward decisions that protect their best interests within the law.” 

He adds that striking the right balance is key. 

“You can’t overcomplicate things to the point where they lose interest and go with another agent. At the same time, you can’t compromise on the quality and suitability of the tenant,” Zac revealed. 

Protecting luxury homes and their assets 

Managing properties in affluent areas isn’t just about securing good tenants — it’s also about safeguarding high-value assets. 

“We managed a home on Wolseley Road in Point Piper that generated huge rental income. The ingoing condition report alone took days. It usually takes an hour or two,” Zac recalls. 

“Because we had to document expensive furniture, cutlery, and furnishings, the report ended up taking about nine or ten hours. It was probably one of the most detailed reports I’ve ever done.” 

Advice for Property Managers entering the luxury market 

For those considering a career in Sydney’s high-end property sector, Zac offers a word of caution. 

“Think about why you want to work in this space. Shows like Luxe Listings portray a glamorous lifestyle, which can make people chase these markets for the wrong reasons.” 

He advises that experience is crucial before stepping into the elite property world. 

“If you genuinely enjoy property management and believe you’d be good in this market — just as you would in any other — then give it a go. But you need a solid foundation of experience first. 

“In this space, you’re dealing with big personalities and strong egos. You need to be resilient, professional and ready to handle high-pressure situations if you want to succeed.”