A Guide to Renting in Sydney by Real Inspect

Navigating the Sydney rental market can be a challenge, especially when you're searching from overseas or interstate. This guide will walk you through the key steps to finding and securing your property, and show you how our service makes the process seamless.

Step 1: Find your suburb

Before you start your search, it's crucial to know what you're looking for. Consider these factors to create a clear picture of your ideal rental property.

• Location vs. Budget: Before you begin your search, it's crucial to decide whether your priority is a specific location or your budget. Major Australian cities offer good public transport to commute to the CBD. 

• Inspections: The best way to secure a property is by attending a scheduled inspection which we can help. Note that some agents do not accept applications if you haven’t registered to attend the inspection.

• Accommodation Type:

• Shared Accommodation: If you want to share a home/room and split the rent, you’ll be looking for a shared house. 

• Useful website to search: https://flatmates.com.au/ or https://www.flatmatefinders.com.au/ 

• Private Rental: If you prefer to have your own space, you'll be looking for a studio apartment, a unit, or a house.

• Useful website to search: https://www.domain.com.au/ or https://www.realestate.com.au/ 

• Budget: Be realistic about your budget. Remember to factor in not just the weekly rent, but other possible expenses like utilities and public transport costs.

• Rental Payments

• Weekly Rent: Rent is typically quoted as a weekly amount, even if you arrange to pay fortnightly or monthly.

• Bond: In addition to your rent, you will be required to pay a security deposit to the Landlord/ Agent before moving in, known as a "bond." This is usually equivalent to 2-4 weeks' rent.  Bond will be refunded when moving out.

Sydney CBD

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD400 - $AUD600+ per week.

• Recommended rental suburbs: CBD, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Glebe.

• Universities: The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is located in Ultimo. The University of Sydney is also nearby in the Inner West.

• Primary and high schools: Sydney Grammar School, Abbotsleigh, and St Aloysius' College.

Inner West

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD300 - $AUD500 per week.

• Recommended rental suburbs: Ashfield, Haberfield, Summer Hill, Burwood, Croydon, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Rozelle, Dulwich Hill, Enmore, Lewisham, Marrickville, Newtown, Petersham, Stanmore, Sydenham, and Tempe.

• Universities: The University of Sydney has campuses in this area, and Western Sydney University has a city campus.

• Primary and high schools: Summerhill Public School, Ashfield Public School, Burwood High School, Fort Street High School, Newington College, PLC Sydney, Meriden School, MLC School, Trinity Grammar School and Santa Sabina College.

Eastern Suburbs

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD350 - $AUD600 per week

• Recommended rental suburbs: Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Bondi Junction, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Bellevue Hill, Randwick, and Rose Bay.

• Universities: University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Kensington.

• Primary and high schools: Woollahra Public School, Coogee Boys’ Preparatory School, Reddam House, Kambala, Bellevue Hill Public School, Scots College, and Cranbrook.

Southern Sydney

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD250 - $AUD400 per week.

• Recommended rental suburbs: Arncliffe, Bardwell Park, Beverley Park, Beverly Hills, Bexley, Kingsgrove, Kogarah, Narwee, Oatley, Penshurst, Ramsgate, and Riverwood.

• Universities: University of New South Wales (UNSW) are nearby.

• Primary and high schools: Danebank Anglican School for Girls, St Raphael's Catholic Primary School, Hurstville Public School, and St George Christian School.

Western Sydney

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD280 - $AUD460 per week

• Recommended rental suburbs: Parramatta, North Parramatta, Lidcombe, Carlingford, Dundas, Eastwood, Epping, Granville, Rydalmere, Westmead, and Wentworthville.

• Universities: Western Sydney University.

• Primary and high schools: James Ruse Agricultural High School, Matthew Pearce Public School, and Balmain Public School.

Lower North West

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD350 - $AUD500 per week.

• Recommended rental suburbs: Eastwood, Top Ryde, Epping, Ryde, and Meadowbank.

• Universities: Macquarie University is located nearby in Macquarie Park.

• Primary and high schools: Eastwood Public School, Marist College Eastwood, and Northcross Christian School.

Hills District

• Estimated rental for a room: $AUD270 - $AUD380 per week

• Recommended rental suburbs: Baulkham Hills, Winston Hills, Rouse Hill, North Kellyville, West Pennant Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Beaumont Hills, and Cherrybrook.

• Primary and high schools: Northholm Grammar School, Redfield College, Tangara School for Girls, Arndell Anglican College, Rouse Hill Anglican College, Pacific Hills Christian School, Hills Grammar, Loreto Normanhurst, and Oakhill College.

Step 2: Book Your Inspection 

Now that you've found a few properties you're interested in, this is where we come in. Since you can't be here in person, our service provides the on-the-ground support you need to make a confident decision. 

• Simply find the property on one of the websites above.

• Book on our website www.real-inspect.com.au or Email Us at info@real-inspect.com.au

• If you need further assistance, feel free to book our Rental consultation ($50) and we will work with your preferences.

• Once booked, our team will attend the inspection on your behalf and provide you with a detailed report, high-quality photos, and a video walkthrough, so you can inspect the property as if you were there yourself.