PropertyMe vs Console Cloud: The Quick Answer
If you run a small to medium Australian agency managing residential properties, PropertyMe is the stronger choice for most situations.
If you run a larger established agency and are already embedded in the Console ecosystem, Console Cloud is worth serious consideration.
Read on for the full comparison.
Overview
PropertyMe and Console Cloud are the two leading property management platforms built specifically for the Australian market. Both offer native trust accounting, Australian tenancy legislation compliance, and local support. The choice between them comes down to agency size, workflow preferences, and existing software relationships.
| PropertyMe | Console Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Market position | Mid Market | Mid Market |
| Pricing | From ~$100/month AUD | Quote-based |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Small to large agencies | Medium to large agencies |
| AU trust accounting | Native | Native |
| NZ support | Yes | Basic |
| Parent company | Independent | REA Group |
Background
PropertyMe launched in 2013 and has grown to become the most widely used property management platform in Australia. It is independently owned and focused exclusively on the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Console Cloud is the cloud-based successor to Console Gateway, one of the longest-established property management platforms in Australia. Console was acquired by REA Group (the company behind realestate.com.au) which gives it significant backing and integration potential with the REA ecosystem.
Trust Accounting
Both platforms offer native Australian trust accounting compliant with state-specific legislation. This is the minimum requirement for any licensed property manager in Australia and both platforms meet it.
Neither has a significant advantage here for standard residential portfolios. Both are auditable, compliant, and well-regarded by industry bodies.
Verdict: Tie.
Ease of Use
PropertyMe is consistently rated as easier to learn and use than Console Cloud. Its interface is cleaner and more modern. New staff members typically get up to speed faster on PropertyMe.
Console Cloud has a more complex interface reflecting its heritage as a comprehensive agency management system. It offers more configuration options but requires more training investment.
Verdict: PropertyMe for ease of use and faster onboarding.
Feature Depth
Console Cloud offers deeper configuration and more advanced features for complex agency operations. If you have specific workflow requirements or need extensive customisation, Console Cloud gives you more to work with.
PropertyMe covers the core property management workflow excellently but is more opinionated about how things should be done. Less flexibility but fewer decisions to make.
Verdict: Console Cloud for agencies with complex or non-standard workflows.
Integrations
Console Cloud benefits from REA Group ownership with tighter integration into the realestate.com.au ecosystem. If REA integrations are important to your agency, this is a meaningful advantage.
PropertyMe has a strong integration ecosystem with accounting platforms, inspection apps, and other proptech tools. Both integrate with Xero and other common tools.
Verdict: Console Cloud for REA ecosystem integration. PropertyMe for broader proptech integrations.
Pricing
PropertyMe pricing is more transparent, estimated from around $100/month AUD for smaller portfolios scaling with the number of properties managed.
Console Cloud pricing is quote-based and varies significantly by agency size and requirements. Larger agencies typically negotiate custom pricing.
Verdict: PropertyMe for pricing transparency. Console Cloud for negotiated enterprise deals.
Support
Both platforms offer Australian-based support. PropertyMe support is generally rated highly for responsiveness. Console Cloud support quality has improved significantly since the REA Group acquisition but some users report longer resolution times for complex issues.
Verdict: PropertyMe edges ahead on support ratings.
Who Should Choose PropertyMe
Choose PropertyMe if:
- You run a small to medium Australian agency
- You want the most widely used platform in the market
- Ease of use and fast onboarding matter to you
- You want transparent pricing
- You also manage properties in New Zealand
- You are setting up a new agency and want proven software
Who Should Choose Console Cloud
Choose Console Cloud if:
- You run a larger established agency
- You are already using Console Gateway and want to migrate to the cloud version
- REA Group ecosystem integration is important to your business
- You need deep configuration and workflow customisation
- You have the training budget to invest in a more complex platform
The Migration Question
Many Australian agencies are currently on Console Gateway (the older desktop version) and considering whether to migrate to Console Cloud or switch to PropertyMe.
The honest answer: if you are happy with Console and your team knows it well, Console Cloud is the lower-risk migration path. If you have frustrations with Console Gateway or want a more modern platform, PropertyMe is worth a serious evaluation.
Both platforms have migration support teams. Budget 4-8 weeks for a proper migration regardless of which direction you go.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither platform feels right, consider:
- Re-Leased — Better for commercial property portfolios in Australia
- DoorLoop — Lower cost global platform if AU-native compliance is less critical
- Rent Manager — Flexible mixed portfolio management
The Verdict
PropertyMe is the default recommendation for most Australian property management agencies. It is the market leader for good reason: strong compliance, ease of use, transparent pricing, and broad adoption across the industry.
Console Cloud is the right choice for larger agencies with existing Console relationships or specific REA ecosystem requirements.
Still unsure? Use our decision wizard to get a recommendation tailored to your agency size, portfolio type, and specific requirements.