Rental properties remain in high demand in the Illawarra as the property price boom continues.
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The housing crisis has been converging in regional Australia as rental vacancy rates in some regions fall below one per cent.
According to the Real Estate Institute of NSW Vacancy Rate Survey results, residential vacancies dropped in Wollongong to one per cent (down by one per cent from the previous month) during September, while the overall Illawarra figure dropped from 1.9 per cent to 1.3 per cent.
A vacancy rate indicates how many properties are untenanted at the time of counting.
Anything under two per cent is typically when a rental market starts to see rents rising and the scales are more tipped in the landlords' favour.
Therefore, the Mercury has provided an overview of the Illawarra rental market, looking at some examples of what you can rent within various price brackets.
3/13 George Street, Wollongong - $310 per week
This one-bedroom apartment features an open plan living/dining area; oversized bedroom with built-in robe leading to a bathroom; and laundry facilities.
Managing agent, Jessika Welsh from Stone Real Estate Illawarra said it was a neat and tidy apartment complex, with an open plan living area and shared laundry facilities.
She said after a few days of being listed online it was already attracting plenty of interest from university students and elderly singles.
5/7 Russell Street, Woonona - $400 per week
This small, two-bedroom first floor modernised features ceiling fans in the lounge room and bedrooms, polished concrete flooring and air conditioning in the living area.
It features a fresh updated kitchen and bathroom and internal laundry plus single carport. According to the marketing, pets are not considered.
It's managed by Ray White Woonona. Principal Troy Johnson said it was drawing interest from local and Sydney-based singles and younger couples.
2/9 Allan Street, Wollongong - $500 per week
The townhouse features two good-sized bedrooms with built-in robes; large entertaining terrace upstairs, private courtyard downstairs; good sized lounge and dining area; remote double garaging and internal laundry. No pets.
Kerissa Papoutsakis from Illawarra Estate Agents is the managing agent.
231 Ashburton Drive, Albion Park - $600 per week
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex boasts escarpment views.
The kitchen with quality appliances boasts a large walk-in butler's pantry, dishwasher and stone benchtops.
Other features include plantation shutters throughout, separate study, plus a large ground floor area.
Managing agent, Julie Riebesehl from Harcourts said the standout feature was the large balcony/deck area with escarpment views, while it backs on to open land, meaning greater privacy.
36 Shearwater Boulevard, Albion Park Rail - $710 per week
This four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home boasts multiple living areas, an outdoor entertaining aspect and an additional converted study. It's also pet-friendly.
Managing agent, Amy Reid from A&R Property Group said after being listed on Thursday, it had already attracted 25 inquiries.
"There's not that many four-bedroom homes available in the region - and it has a great location backing on to a private reserve," she said.
46 Nebo Drive, Figtree - $900 per week
Situated under the Illawarra escarpment in a quiet cul-de-sac, this home is located near schools and shops.
Its features include four bedrooms with study; separate dining area flowing onto back deck; large rumpus or teenage retreat; pool; and solar panels on the roof.
Managing agent, Tiana Mueller from MMJ North said the listing was drawing interest from "50/50 families and university students".
"It's a large home - it's hard to find a property with more than three bedrooms and it's got a pool as well," she said.
27 Brickworks Road, Thirroul - $995 per week
The house is located in the exclusive McCauley's Beach Estate, and features open plan living, dining room and kitchen; four bedrooms with built-in wardrobes; and you can walk to the beach, cycle path and Thirroul train station.
Managing agent, Philip King from Seacliff Property said it was in a desirable, quiet location, being close to the beach and within commutable distance of Sydney.
275 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff - $1400 per week
This five-bedroom, three-level coastal pole home boasts a polished timber deck with water and escarpment views; large main living area with fireplace and reverse cycle air conditioning; a walkway to the local beach and park; and multiple fruit trees and a ready to eat herb garden.
Mattias Samuelsson from Ray White Helensburgh said the majority of interest in high-end rentals such as this one were people wanting to explore the area before potentially buying, and professionals working in the area on a contract basis.
It comes fully furnished.
50 Lower Coast Road, Stanwell Park - $1600 per week
This modern four-bedroom home offers location, views and comfort.
It features open plan living, dining and kitchen area overlooking Stanwell Park Beach; a living area flowing onto a large north-facing and covered entertaining deck with impressive views; and landscaped yards and gardens.
Ray White Helensburgh are the managing agents.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
