The rental crisis continues to worsen, and this can make would-be renters feel like they are in a constant spiral of rejection and sub-standard home options. This crisis will be temporary, but it is a real problem for those who need to find somewhere quickly. It could be time to get creative, and below, we share some of the top methods for beating the rental crisis and securing somewhere to live.
The issues listed below are all problems that might rule a property out of your shortlist, but actually, there are workarounds that mean you shouldn’t instantly discount properties with these problems.
Mould
If you see a property and find that it has mould inside, you would ordinarily rule it out straight away. While you shouldn’t make any compromise when it comes to your health, mould might not be as much of a problem as it appears.
It is all about working out the cause of the mould. If there’s a broken pipe or water is coming through the ceiling or walls, it is likely that you would require a huge fix. Avoid places with this kind of issue. However, it could be that mould has come from a broken fan in the bathroom and previous tenants not maintaining the property.
Some mould issues are solved by replacing the bathroom fan and treating the room with some mould-killing spray and then installing a dehumidifier .These sprays use a fungicide to kill the mould and even prevent it from growing back.
Some varieties of mould are more severe than other types, so do your best to identify the mould and work out how much of a problem it will be. If it is fixable, the property might have potential that others aren’t seeing.
Noise
Noisy locations are often not the most desirable, and this means that a lot of potential renters will be put off. If the property is near to an area with a lot of traffic, nightlife, a sports venue, or even an industrial space that is likely to be noisy, it might be more affordable and easier to win. But can you cope with the noise?
There are actually many different methods that you can use to cope with the noise. Think about whether the apartment has been set up to properly block out the external sound? You may be able to make some simple changes that make a huge difference.
Thick and heavy curtains can help to create a sound barrier, and you can use white noise machines to drown out the sound. This can be particularly helpful when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Noise-cancelling headphones can potentially block out as much as 70% of ambient noise. Silicone earplugs may also block out a similar level of external noise, leaving you to get a peaceful night’s sleep even if the apartment suffers from external noise.
Lack of Light or Ground Floor Properties
A lot of people are put off when they see that there isn’t a lot of natural light entering buildings. Humans need sunlight, and it can certainly be very appealing to find an apartment with lots of large windows to soak up those rays.
However, there are workarounds. Using mirrors is a great way to maximise the light that is in the property already. LED striplights are cheap and easy to install and remove, and some of them can even mimic sunlight by replicating the hue of natural light. If a place appears dark and dingy, don’t worry too much as this is something that can be fixed.
The Area Doesn’t Seem Safe
It is best to live in an area that gives you peace of mind, of course, but if an area doesn’t seem safe it isn’t necessarily something you should rule out.
There are so many more potential security features including motion detection cameras with speakers. These can automatically video your intruders and even warn them that they are being filmed. It also gives you the chance to alert the authorities.
If your home is kitted out with security equipment and a smart doorbell, it is likely that any potential criminals will steer clear.
Poor Internet
There are still plenty of areas where the internet connection may not be ideal, and low-speed or unreliable connection can be a dealbreaker.
However, just because a home’s current setup isn’t great, it doesn’t mean that it will be when you move in. Shop around for the best 5G deals. A 5G internet installation can offer you enough speed for streaming, gaming, video calls, and pretty much everything else you need.
If the internet is poor in some areas of the property, you may be able to set up a booster, but this isn’t always an option. In this scenario, a powerline network can give you a lot more stability by using the existing electrical setup of the property to boost connectivity.
Work Travel Distances
Being shackled to the office is one of the main limiting factors in terms of where you can live. Nobody wants to spend hours and hours driving to work every day.
It could be time to talk to your bosses and considering moving your career to online work. In 2021, over 20% of people were working from home in Australia. If you can get yourself into this sort of position then there is every chance that you can cast the net much wider for your new rental property.
But what if all else fails… what next?
We’ve covered the issues that you might experience and some workarounds, but there are more novel ways to think about your living situation.
Find a Town That is Actively Trying to Get New People to Move There
There are towns and settlements out there trying to boost their population. The Australian Outback town of Quilpie recently launched a scheme to try and encourage people to move there. People who move in and buy a house receive the value of the land back as a grant, meaning that the land itself is effectively free of charge. Explore whether there are any places currently offering incentives for people to move in.
Take an Adult Gap Year
Maybe you always planned to travel but you’ve just never got round to it. If you can’t find somewhere to live in Australia, this could be the perfect time.
If you’re already freelancing or working online then it is even easier, but there are ways you can make money while travelling such as fruit picking(In Australia it seems when you don’t have to worry about big city life expenses you can save $5k a month fruitpicking) or finding seasonal work around Asian or South American countries. Even much of Europe is relatively affordable, and the cost of living can be as low as 1/5th of that in Australia.
Australians have a decent amount of freedom to travel and work, with the Department of Home Affairs having set up specific deals with countries including Greece, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Chile, allowing Aussies to work in their countries for up to 12 months.
Join Forces With Someone Else Looking For a Home
If you’re used to living alone or as a couple then you might not have considered options involving other people. Even if you have children, it is possible to find somebody else who is looking for a similar property and join forces. This way, you may be able to get a much bigger property and benefit from amenities like a bigger garden.
On top of this, if there are more people on the lease, you may be a more attractive option for the landlord.
Spend More, But Budget to AirBnB One Room For 5 or More Days a Month
By letting people rent your property for a few days a month, you can make a significant dent in the rent payments, which may mean you can spend a little more on the property in the first place.
If you’re able to go back and forth to your parents’ home then you can vacate the property during this time and let others stay for weekends while you stay elsewhere.
Alternatively, you may have a lounge space that is able to be converted into a bedroom, meaning you can invite others to share the space for a fee.
Move Back Home With Your Parents
A lot of people see this as a step backwards. However, it may just make a whole lot of sense for everybody concerned. Your parents may be happy to have you back, at least temporarily, and it can be an amazing opportunity to save some money while you don’t have to deal with the current price of rent.
Moving back with your parents may feel like getting rid of some of your independence, but there are definitely some big plus points to it, and you will be in a much better situation when the rental market calms down again.
How to Beat the Australian Rental Crisis in 2023 FAQs
Are there government programs that can help me find affordable housing?
Yes, the Australian government has several programs designed to assist those facing housing insecurity. These include the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), various state-based initiatives, and housing assistance offered through Centrelink.
Can I find roommates to share the cost of rent during this rental crisis?
Yes, having roommates can significantly reduce your individual rental costs. Use reputable roommate-finding websites or personal networks to find suitable roommates.
Can offering to pay several months’ rent in advance help secure a rental property?
If you’re able to afford it, offering to pay rent in advance can make your application more appealing to landlords. However, you should also be aware of the risks involved and your rights as a tenant under the Australian rental law.
How can I find affordable housing during the Australian rental crisis?
Consider looking in areas that are less competitive, even if they’re a bit further from city centers. You can also explore shared housing options or consider renting a room in a larger house.
How can I negotiate a lower rent with landlords during this crisis?
While negotiation may be difficult in a competitive market, you can try offering to sign a longer lease, which provides the landlord with stability, or demonstrate exceptional tenant qualities, such as a history of prompt rent payment and property care.
Should I consider hiring a rental agent to help me find a property?
Hiring a rental agent can be beneficial in a competitive market. They have expert knowledge of the market, can help you find listings, and negotiate on your behalf. However, there will be a cost involved for their services.
What are the chances of rental prices dropping in the near future?
Predicting rental prices can be complex, as they are influenced by a range of factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, and government policies. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the market trends and consult with a real estate professional for advice.
What can I do to make my rental application stand out in this competitive environment?
Ensure your rental application is complete and includes any supporting documents that strengthen your case, such as employment verification and references. A cover letter explaining why you’d be a reliable tenant can also be helpful.
What is causing the Australian Rental Crisis in 2023?
A variety of factors are contributing to the Australian rental crisis. These include high demand, low supply, an increase in property prices, and economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in migration patterns and work-from-home trends may also be playing a role.
Would it be better to consider buying instead of renting in this situation?
It depends on your personal financial situation. While the rental market is tight, the property purchase market is also experiencing high prices. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to discuss the best course of action for your circumstances.
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