Yahoo Finance Rental property $320 per week despite ‘disturbing’ detail
Prospective tenants weren’t put off by the studio’s layout, with the rental leased in two weeks.
An Aussie studio has raised eyebrows among renters for one “awkward” feature. For $320 per week, renters can take a shower right in the middle of the kitchen.
Located at 19a Billabong Street, Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast, the studio is described as offering “exceptional value” for renters just moments from public transport, local schools and shops.
But a closer look shows the property has taken the meaning of “open-plan design” to a whole new level, with the shower pictured right next to the kitchen and portable oven/stove top.
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Real estate agent Joel Fletcher, from One Agency Umina Beach, said prospective tenants were not put off by the location of the shower, and the property was rented out in two weeks.
“It was at an affordable price and it is actually becoming a very normal thing,” Fletcher told Yahoo Finance. “There have certainly been a lot coming on the market where they are a studio and it is a combined living, dining and showering space in the one room.”
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Fletcher said the property received seven applications in total and he was not aware of any feedback relating to the shower. He also noted the rental met all minimum standards, with a toilet located in the laundry room.
“The way it is advertised, it’s pretty transparent what it is, so they know what they are getting into,” Fletcher said. “It was an affordable price, clean accommodation, close to amenities and close to facilities.”
According to Fletcher, three-bedroom houses in the area are currently renting out for $700 per week, granny flats are renting out for $450 per week and studios for $380 per week, on average.
Despite this, the studio has drawn some criticism online, with many people confused about the positioning of the shower.
“Love me a bitchen. So hygienic,” one person said, referring to the combined bathroom and kitchen.
“Why didn’t they put the shower in the laundry?” another questioned.
“Awkward dinner party when the housemate showers after the gym,” another said.
“I find it disturbing that it has been leased,” another wrote.
Rent crisis continues
Rental prices are still high across the country, while the number of available properties are scarce. The median advertised rent is currently $580 per week, according to the latest PropTrack data, while the national vacancy rate was 1.09 per cent in January.
However, Fletcher told Yahoo Finance a lack of supply wasn’t something he was seeing on the Central Coast.
“There is no lack of supply in our area whatsoever,” he said. “We are seeing vacancy rates on the coast of about 2.1 per cent. When vacancy rates are about 2.1 to 2.5 per cent, that’s a balanced market.”
Rental prices are much higher in capital cities. The median advertised weekly rent was $600 per week in December. That’s compared to an average of $500 per week for regional markets.
Sydney rents are up 16.7 per cent, annually, while regional NSW rents are up 4 per cent. This has led some Aussies to consider taking “dire” options, such as sleeping on a single mattress on the floor for $185 per week.
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