Australia’s most competitive share accommodation suburbs

Data from Flatmates.com.au has revealed Australia’s most sought after share accommodation suburbs, with Melbourne’s Fitzroy being the most hotly contested.

The Victorian capital featured three suburbs in the top five including Fitzroy as the nation leader with 17 people looking for every room listed, while Collingwood and Windsor followed with 12 and 11 to one, respectively.

With a ratio of 16 people to each room listed, Canberra’s Acton was the second most competitive suburb. Canberra Civic also made the list with a ratio of 12 to one.

Rounding out the list was the Adelaide suburb of Unley, tied as the fifth most sought after area with as many as 11 people looking to each room.

General Manager of Flatmates.com.au, Thomas Clement said popular suburbs were desirable locations for both professionals and students, due to their proximity to the city and campuses.

“In some suburbs there can be a huge disparity between where people want to live and are looking, versus what is actually available and where they eventually will end up,” said Clement.

“Suburbs such as Acton and Fitzroy are perfect examples where low-density housing in a desirable area, combined with large student and working professional populations means supply won’t meet demand.”

Clement suggested those struggling to secure accommodation should broaden their searches away from popular haunts.

“There are plenty of underrated suburbs in our cities that can offer just as much in terms of lifestyle and convenience.”

“I would suggest starting in your desired suburb and then move out. Try the next train stop or neighbouring area.”

“For example, Fitzroy saw 17 people grappling for each room, yet over the river in Kew only two people were competing per room listed.”

More rooms on offer saw less competition in Australia’s most expensive share accommodation city, Sydney, where Alexandria and Newton were the most competitive with eight people looking to one room listed.

In Queensland, Brisbane City was the most sought after place to find a room with seven people looking per listing. In Western Australia, Perth’s Leederville saw six people competing for each room.