This is a very timely question and brings up an important point. With the flurry of online information about tight vacancy rates and increasing rents, it’s easy to feel discouraged about your rental prospects. 

However, many reports that garner attention in traditional and social media tend to take a broad, macro view, focusing mainly on major capital city trends. Yet, regardless of whether you want to live in Stuart Park, Darwin, Turvey Park, Wagga, or Kirwin in Townsville, digging into the rental market conditions specific to your suburb, town, or region is essential.

For instance, if you’re keen to find accommodation in East Gosford, a suburb of the Central Coast in NSW, websites such as realestate.com.au offer valuable insights into median property values and rents. 

In East Gosford, the median house price is $975,000, with a median rent of $600 for houses. If you’re considering an apartment, the median sale price for units in East Gosford is $720,000, with a median rent of $500. While house rents in East Gosford have recorded a 3.4% increase over the last 12 months, apartment rentals have experienced a 3.8% decrease, which bucks the national trends we often read about online. To access this information, simply type “East Gosford property statistics” into your favourite search engine. Then sites such as realestate.com.au, properytyvalue.com.au, and domain.com.au can provide valuable information that you can use to assist your rental property search. 

That said, in a competitive rental market, persistence, punctuality, and presentation are critical factors in securing a property, even when armed with the correct information. 

For starters, it’s essential to dedicate time to inspecting numerous rental properties using platforms such as the Raine & Horne website (rh.com.au) and the real estate portals. Then be sure to approach open homes with property managers as you would a job interview, opting for smart casual attire and polished shoes over casual wear. Bringing a parent or guardian to inspections can enhance your chances of landing a rental and having them co-sign the lease can further strengthen your application. Here are some general tips to help you into a rental property:

1.    Treat open homes with property managers like job interviews.

2.    Be punctual and present yourself professionally.

3.    Having parental support during appointments or offering a rental guarantee backed by mum and dad can be  advantageous for younger or first-time renters.

4.    Strong references from employers, university lecturers, schoolteachers, healthcare providers, or past landlords are crucial.

5.    Prepare necessary paperwork, such as your driver’s license, passport, and rental ledgers that log every rent payment, the date of each payment, the amount paid, and any late fees or other charges incurred. 

6.    Act swiftly when offered a property to avoid missing out.

Contact your local Raine & Horne office today for more information about the rental market in a suburb or town you’re considering.