This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THERE are approximately seven million empty bedrooms across Australia, according to research.
According to finder.com.au analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) household projections there are 9,268,700 dwellings in Australia in 2016 – a staggering 5.28 million owner occupied residences and 1.73 million rental properties have more bedrooms than required.
Finder.com.au found 85% of owner occupied houses and 60% of rental properties have surplus bedrooms.
Consumer advocate Bessie Hassan said householders are wasting valuable space, considering the average cost of renting a room in 2015 was $202.06, this means there is $1.42 billion in untapped real estate.
“Renting out a spare room could contribute $808.24 to your monthly mortgage payment or bills.
“Tenants, alike, may be able to benefit from subleasing a spare room. This depends on your state and your tenancy agreements, but generally a landlord’s permission must be sought when subletting a room.
“In some states, for example South Australia and New South Wales, the landlord cannot reasonably refuse your proposal to sublet as long as you will be living in the property with your tenant,” Hassan said.
Australian Property Journal
