Choosing the best housing option depends on your lifestyle and mainly on how long you plan to stay. For an easy explanation, this content is organised in three accommodation groups. Check what best suits your life.

• Shared accommodation (stay 30 days or longer)
• Long term rentals (12+ months contract)
• Short stay – Hotels, hostels, and BnBs

Shared accommodation: stay from 30 days

Ideal for: Local and international students, working holiday visa holders, and newcomers.

Renting shared accommodation (co-living, shared homes, student accommodation) is very common in Australia. For decades, sharing has been the most affordable, flexible, and convenient renting options - students and temporary workers favourite. Find out why.

Co-living has been my choice since 2016. :) I live in a 5-star apartment, with everything I need (much more than I need, actually). The costs are shared with my flatmates. Thanks to sharing, I can afford living in a 5-star apartment with a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, cinema, party/dining rooms, co-working space, concierge, and much more. I have great mates to chat with, have brunch or dinner with, and to recharge.

If you wonder what it's like to live in shared accommodation, the idea is simple. Instead of renting and paying for the whole property, you rent only a room or a bed. Home responsibilities like rental payments and cleaning routines are shared. Each resident has their own space, but living rooms and kitchens are shared by everyone.

Type of Rooms

• Shared room: A bedroom with two single beds. You rent a bed and share the room with others.
• Private room: Rent a room entirely for yourself. Private rooms are usually for one person only, but they are still date-friendly.
• Couple room: Ensuite rooms, with extra storage room. Ideal for you live with the love of your life.

With both options, you have your own wardrobe and your own space in the kitchen cupboard and fridge. You can use anything from the shared spaces.

Low upfront cost. Another big advantage of renting a shared accommodation. There is no need to buy furniture, as shared homes usually come with essential furniture and appliances such as bed, cooktop/oven, fridge, washing machine, dining table, and sofa. The bond amount is cheaper. Rent payment terms and lease duration are much more flexible, and you can stay from 30 days to 4 years.

That's the idea behind my business. The Landlord Housing offers shared rooms, private rooms, and couple rooms in prime locations of Melbourne. Always close to train stations, tram stops, or within walking distance of key English schools, universities, and areas with job opportunities. Pay a fixed price and rent your fully furnished, stylish home with all-inclusive amenities (electricity, water, gas, and unlimited internet). Easy! If you need a hand renting your next home, talk to us.

Pros	Cons
Flexible contract terms Low bureaucracy Cheaper upfront costs Meet people from all over the world! Friendly and fun atmosphere Includes furniture & appliances	Limited privacy Limited space (be minimalist) Risk of scammers

Many renters choose co-lease to save money. Share accommodation is one of the most popular accommodation choice among international and local students. Co-living is a more inclusive, friendly, and fun way to live.

Average rent cost (per week, bills not included)*

• Shared room: from $200 (each bed)
• Private room: from $320
• Ensuite couple room: from $350
• Bond amount: 1-2 weeks

For electricity, water, and gas consider $30 per person. If you take long showers or use AC frequently, consider $40-45 per week, per person.

Requirements

Mostly photo ID, and visa grant (if applicable).

Long term properties: rent for 12+ months

Ideal for: Couples, families and group of friends.

Those planning to stay in Melbourne for 12 months or more can choose between renting just a room or renting a whole property. However, if you are looking for privacy, space and freedom, this is the first sign that you may consider renting a property entirely for yourself.

To rent a residential property, real estate agents and private owners require at least a 12-month lease (with rare exceptions). You will need to provide piles of paperwork, including details of your personal, professional, and financial life. Additionally, most properties on the market come with no furniture, no appliances, meaning you will have extra costs buying essential things. Talking about costs, rent prices vary greatly depending on the suburb. In Melbourne CBD, a 2-bedroom apartment will cost you above $600 per week, plus utility bills, removal services (around $700 one-off), furniture, etc.

Seems hard to rent and set up a new home? It is indeed very hard and expensive to get everything ready. That’s why The Landlord is here for. The Landlord Housing makes renting easier, safer, and with lower upfront costs! Rent fully furnished properties, with flexible lease terms starting from 3 months.

Average rent cost (per week, bills not included)*

• Studio: from $360
• 1-bedroom apartment: from $450
• 2-bedrooms / 1 bathroom: from $620
• 2-bedrooms / 2 bathrooms: from $680
• 3-bedrooms apartment: from $850
• Bond amount: 4-6 weeks

For electricity, water, and gas consider $30 per person. If you take long showers or use AC frequently, consider $40-45 per week, per person. A 50Mbps internet plan costs around $79 per month.

Short stay – Hotels, hostels, and BnBs

Ideal for: Travelers or anyone staying for less than 30 days.

Straight forward? You should look at one of the following options:

• AirBnB
• StayZ
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Look for short-term leases (people share it on social media – be aware of scammers).

Average booking cost

Good luck! Short stays can be very expensive in Australia. Save at leat $150-200/night. Please refer to the booking platforms for prices.

Requirements

Only primary ID.

* For the latest rental property market data, visit Realestate.com.au