My Neighbourhood with Claire Smith

Teleisha Thomas

March 2025

Claire Smith High Res edited — As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to highlight industry leaders like Claire Smith, whose 25 year career at Jellis Craig is a testament to her dedication, and innovation. From spearheading Jellis Craig Short Stays to navigating legislative changes —now the largest holiday rental portfolio on the Mornington Peninsula—Claire has shaped the real estate landscape with her forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence.
In this article Claire reflects on her journey, shares invaluable lessons from her career, and offers insight into the evolving world of holiday rentals. She also reveals her favourite local spots and what’s next on the horizon

Congratulations on reaching 25 years with Jellis Craig. What has kept you inspired and engaged in the property industry for so long?

My role has changed and evolved over the years and there’s always been something new to learn, whether it be the evolution of our Jellis Craig Short Stays business, advancements in technology or changes in the Residential Tenancies Act. The fun of never knowing what each day will bring, is what keeps me invested and excited to be here each day.

What propelled you to launch Jellis Craig Short Stays, and how has it grown into the largest holiday rental portfolio on the Southern Peninsula?

Before the launch, our Sorrento office received daily enquiries, asking us to manage their holiday rental proper ties. At the time we didn’t offer this service but saw the potential for our already strong client base.

From our first Short Stay listing 7 years ago, to the 260 proper ties we manage today, there’s been a huge amount to learn and a phenomenal amount of work along with an around the clock commitment that I didn’t quite anticipate. However, it’s become my love and passion and now being the strongest short term rentals business on the Southern Peninsula, it’s exciting that with the dedication of our entire team, we have been able to achieve this growth.

After such a long and successful career, what’s next? Any goals or projects on the horizon?

We opened a second office in Rye nearly 2 years ago which has expanded our reach from Portsea to Rye/Tootgarook and has assisted with the growth of our entire business. I would love to be able to offer fabulous experiences for our clients and make sure every stay is 5 stars, we will keep changing and evolving to ensure we can achieve this and more.

Sorrento 6 edited — **What sets Jellis Craig Short Stays apart from other holiday rental providers in the Mornington Peninsula?**
Coming from a Property Management background, I couldn’t believe how unregulated the short term rental sector was, and the gaps that existed in the service that was currently provided by other businesses. For example, many agents and shor t stay providers didn’t even visit properties after a guest check-out to check the condition the property was left in, I couldn’t believe it. Some agents had never actually even been to the house they were offering to holiday lease.
We decided we would do it better, and as such put rigorous stands in place. Conducting pre and post inspections on every single booking, which I believe is a huge point of difference. We essentially do a mini condition report for every booking, which is very time consuming, however gives our owners the assurance that their property is being cared for and maintained to a high standard for each subsequent guest and provides an opportunity to suggest any essential maintenance.

Can you share a particularly rewarding or memorable experience from your career?

The most rewarding thing for me is being able to help families turn their financial goals into reality, whether it’s affording a dream holiday, paying school fees or overcoming a debt issue.

There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding people to financial freedom.

I am thrilled that our business is bringing more people to the Southern Peninsula, helping local businesses such as cleaners, trades, restaurants, and shops to all make enough money to keep our town
thriving.

I’m also proud of our Short Stay team, growing and nurturing a business from scratch and then bringing four staff through the ranks that share my passion and commitment, is very humbling and rewarding.

What key trends are you noticing in the short-stay rental market, and how do you see it evolving in the coming years?

I think AI will be able to assist with the selection process for guests as well as assisting with direct push-marketing. Ideally it will result in more holidays being booked and bring more people to support local businesses on the Peninsula.

I’m very mindful that the expectations of guests continue to increase and it’s a constant challenge to maintain entire houses, with so many factors in maintaining appliances, gardens, pools, and professional cleaning to keep properties functional week in and out.

Guests expect a hotel-like standard which has meant our minimum standards criteria has evolved, and we need to be experts in every element of every house we manage.

You’re clearly passionate about the Mornington Peninsula - what are some of your favourite local spots for dining, wine tasting, or unwinding?

I have lived here for 13 years, and my husband, kids, the pugs and I all love it. Our favourite places are Sorrento Sailing & Couta Boat Club, the kids love jumping off the pier there and having a bow l of chips on the deck. We also love Panda in Blairgowrie, we walk there for a cocktail or dinner and they often have live music, a great place where you can sit outside in the sun and relax. Nora’s in Rye is another favourite, with delicious food and a great atmosphere.