Latest Articles

• Student Life: Make money at uni

  15 May 2015 by Aaron
  Life as a university student is (for the most part) a balancing act of achieving good grades, maintaining some form of social life and doing your best to get to class… all while being poor. image by Hossein Alipour To make life a little easier, your pockets a little fuller,...

• What $250 gets you in a Perth share house

  26 November 2019 by Flatmates Team
  No longer our forgotten sister out west, Perth has set her foot as one of the hot capital cities of Australia. With world class beaches, delicious wine and great universities, Perth has something for everyone. From high-rise CBD apartments to quiet beachside townhouses, Perth has got your back for all...

• Your guide to moving to and living in Australia

  28 October 2019 by Claudia
  Come backpacker, international student, grey nomad or traveller, here’s what you need to know if you’re moving to Australia (and want to unpack). At Flatmates we’re proud to welcome a Kaleidoscope of sharers from all walks of life. Use our guide below to help you make your best decisions about...

• What is co-living?

  2 October 2019 by Claudia
  A modern apartment with all inclusive bills, free internet and gym and funky communal areas to hang out with friends. Let’s not forget the provision of a weekly linen wash and a professional cleaner. Welcome to Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), the new frontier. Hmlet communal balcony You may have...

• What $250 gets you in an Adelaide share house

  11 September 2019 by Flatmates Team
  You’ve got beautiful beaches, amazing festivals, good wine and cheap rent, with beachside share house rooms going for as little as $200 a week. Radelaide is actually, well, rad. Did you know Adelaide was named in the world’s top 10 most liveable cities just last week? As flabbergasted as you...

• How to live your best life on the cheap

  8 August 2019 by Claudia
  Adulting is HARD, especially when you’re share housing and have to remain social, eat good food, pay your rent, do your chores, water your plants, catch up with friends, get good grades, drink water, call your mum and pay for everything. We’ve all been in a situation where money is...

• What $250 gets you in a Brisbane share house

  30 July 2019 by Flatmates Team
  If value’s the name of the game, Brisbane’s share house market has you covered. Compared to its fellow eastern seaboard capitals, you can get real bang for your buck just about anywhere in Brisbane. Wondering where you can get a room for $250 or less? Brisbane is known for its...

• What $250 gets you in a Melbourne share house

  9 July 2019 by Flatmates Team
  250 dollary-doos is a lot of cash. In a city as diverse and spread out as Melbourne, knowing what your cash will get and what represents good value in different parts of the city can be a real challenge. Lucky for you lot, we have compiled a list of properties...

• FLATS - Episode Four with Holly Ryan

  12 July 2019 by Monster Children
  We’ve teamed up with Monster Children to get you a sneak peak inside the flats of some of their famous friends. In Episode Four, jewellery maker Holly Ryan shows us through her beautiful wooden terrace, Witch Hazel, in Sydney’s Surry Hills. Watch as Holly introduces us to flatmates Jamie...

• How to Make Your Share House Environmentally Friendly

  27 June 2019 by Claudia
  We all know we should reduce, reuse and recycle. But when you live in a share house, it can be hard to maintain your best eco warrior ways. Living with someone who orders takeaway every night (in nasty polystyrene boxes), washes their clothes with hot water and leaves the heater...

• Where to Share: Perth

  6 June 2019 by Flatmates Team
  The Village People told us to “Go West” 30 years ago, but maybe it is time to actually Go West. Life is peaceful there and there’s lots of open air (and cheap rent too). In a city spanning 6000 square kilometres, narrowing your search to a few key suburbs can...

• What kind of flatmate are you?

  28 May 2019 by Claudia
  You’re clean, they’re a mess. You like to party, they hit the sack around 9.45pm. We take you through some of the common flatmate personalities you’ll find in any share house. Beware, some self-reflection may ensue. At Flatmates.com.au we can help you find the perfect flatmate in terms of location,...

• From Student Accommodation to Co-Living

  16 May 2019 by Flatmates Team
  Students have always been the cool kids in town and now professionals are taking up student accommodation under the pseudonym Co-Living. Source:Getty images With the changing face of student accommodation, cost of living, housing availability and rooms to rent in city spaces, student accommodation is taking a step into the...

• How share houses work in different cities: New York vs Tokyo

  7 May 2019 by Emily Hutchinson
  From Paris to Berlin in every share house you live in, the furniture to the shower customs to the way the house is run can differ country to country. Julia Robbs We’re lucky to have the next blog written by Emily Hutchinson, Author of “Shared Living: Interior design for rented...

• Plant Parenting 101

  2 May 2019 by Claudia
  Are you really a share houser if you haven’t been through the circle of life with a house plant? Nothing makes a millennial feel more accomplished than keeping a house plant alive. Image: Pablo Veiga Right now, we’re obsessed with plants. They bring nature into the home, they make us...

• Reno, Rentals and Return of the Bond

  29 April 2019 by Flatmates Team
  It’s the age old gripe of wanting to renovate but living in a rental. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to be a Reno Queen and to keep your landlord happy. Follow these steps and you’ll even get your bond back. Image: Pablo Veiga The below is an excerpt...

• Where to share: Brisbane

  16 April 2019 by Flatmates Team
  Where should you live if you’re in the market for a share house in Brisbane? In a city split by a river and with an incredibly diverse range of accommodation options, renters are spoiled for choice in Australia’s third largest city. So which suburbs should be on your list as...

• Where to share: Sydney

  21 March 2019 by Flatmates Team
  As Australia’s most expensive city, choosing where to look for a share house in Sydney can be a little overwhelming. To help you out, we look into the top 20 most searched-for suburbs on our site, from most expensive to the more affordable. Rental prices in Sydney vary wildly from...

• The secret to living harmoniously with your flatmates

  15 April 2019 by Claudia
  The secret to living peacefully with your flatmates isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It involves being respectful, doing what’s best for the house and most importantly cleaning up after yourself (this includes your pet dog, goldfish, rock, boyfriend and the plethora of mates who come to visit.) Image: Masao Nishikawa...

• FLATS - Episode Three with Gab Cole

  15 April 2019 by Monster Children
  We’ve teamed up with Monster Children to get you a sneak peak inside the flats of some of their famous friends. In episode three, Gab Cole shows us through his arty share house in hipster Carlton North .

• 5 ways to deck out your home on the cheap

  4 April 2019 by Claudia
  Taking the lead from Shared Living, we list 5 ways you can deck out your house on a budget and make it a home. Image: Pablo Veiga You’ve just moved into your new share house and you’re broke. You’ve spent most of last month’s pay on double rent, moving costs...

• The unspoken rules of share homes

  18 December 2018 by Flatmates Team
  If you’ve lived in a share house for any length of time, you’ll know there are certain ‘rules’ that housemates generally abide by. You won’t find them written in your tenancy agreement, but they’re every bit as important if you want to live in harmony with your flatmates and enjoy...

• Where to share: Melbourne

  28 March 2019 by Flatmates Team
  Melbourne is an eclectic city with a different vibe, social scene and aesthetic depending on which suburb you live in. To help you know where to share, we look into some of the most popular choices among renters on our site. INNER NORTH They’re awash with culture, they’re close to...

• The freeloader in the room: five ways to deal with your flatmate’s partner

  14 April 2016 by Aaron
  So your flatmate and their Tinder date from a few weeks back appear to have become regular thing. Good for them, right? Except you’re starting to see their new partner more than them. Not so good. Most flat-shares are fairly open to having the occasional guest or partner stay over....

• What will it cost to rent a room close to my university?

  28 February 2019 by Flatmates Team
  It’s a question that hundreds of thousands of Australian students ask themselves every year as they weigh up their accommodation options before the 12 months of study ahead. Living within close proximity of your campus is the holy grail for many students. A short walk or bike ride to your...

• FLATS - Episode Two with Zoe Cross

  24 February 2019 by Monster Children
  We’ve teamed up with Monster Children to get you a sneak peak inside the flats of some of their famous friends. In this episode Zoe Cross shows us through her lush pad just outside of Byron Bay.

• FLATS - Episode One with Craig Anderson

  16 January 2019 by Monster Children
  We’ve teamed up with Monster Children to get you a sneak peak inside the flats of some of their famous friends. Up first is Craig Anderson and his colourful flatmates, showing us through their share home in Newcastle.

• How to break up with your flatmate and still be friends

  5 February 2019 by Flatmates Team
  In an ideal world, we’d all find the perfect flatmates and settle in for a few years of hassle-free living. Source: Getty Images But sometimes things don’t work out. And that’s OK. Maybe you’re just not the right fit for each other, or perhaps they’ve got some habits that you...

• How to maintain a good relationship with your flatmates

  17 January 2019 by Flatmates Team
  Maintaining a good relationship with your flatmates is about the most important thing you can do as a member of a share house. Source: Getty Images Anyone who’s lived in a house in which a relationship has broken down will tell you how tense, awkward and downright unenjoyable being at...

• How sharing a place can save you money

  17 December 2018 by Meredith
  Every renter would love to live in their city’s most desirable suburbs. But in prime locales, even one-bedroom or studio apartments can be prohibitive in price. The beachside lifestyle that a one-bedroom/studio in Bondi offers will set you back, on average, almost $600 a week, while a similar property at...

• 5 Share suburbs in Perth you should consider

  22 November 2018 by Meredith
  Perth’s share house market is as good as it gets in Australia at present, with a wealth of rooms available at very attractive price points in comparison to other capital cities. Perth City. Image: Beau Van Der Graaf / EyeEm But even with an abundance of options, there are gems...

• 8 tips for finding your ideal share house

  18 December 2017 by Aaron
  When it comes to finding a share home, choosing a place with the right people can be more important than simply choosing the right place. Finding the right fit. Image: svetikid Source: Getty. While amenities, bedroom size and bathroom type are important for comfort, it’s ultimately the people you share...

• 5 tips for listing your first share house

  22 October 2018 by Meredith
  Listing a share house for the first time is an exciting experience. Source: Getty Images After all, you’re about to welcome new people into your home and your life. But you want to make sure you get it right, and attract the kind of people you’re going to be happy...

• 5 Adelaide share suburbs you should consider

  9 November 2018 by Meredith
  Finding a share house in Adelaide can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if you have your heart set on living in the most popular share house suburbs. Adelaide, South Australia. Image by Robert Lang The city’s share house market is as competitive as it’s ever been, with some rooms attracting...

• Clean. Without The Freak

  30 June 2015 by Katie from Airtasker
  Living with strangers (or even friends) can be trying at times. Any seasoned home-sharer will tell you: sharing isn’t always caring. Tenuous sharing arrangements have been known to destroy otherwise firm friendships. When it comes to keeping the space clean, everyone seems to have different standards, expectations and pet peeves....

• 5 of the best Melbourne suburbs you need to consider

  19 September 2018 by Meredith
  5 of the best Melbourne suburbs you need to consider Melbourne’s share house market is as competitive as it’s ever been, with rooms in the most popular suburbs attracting interest from hundreds of potential renters every week. But potential flatmates who are prepared to widen their scope and look just...

• 5 best share suburbs you haven't considered in Sydney

  27 August 2018 by Meredith
  Finding a share house in Sydney can be a challenge, particularly if you’re set on living in one of the city’s popular inner-city suburbs. The city’s share house market is as competitive as it’s ever been, with rooms in the most popular suburbs attracting interest from hundreds of potential renters...

• Most expensive suburbs to rent a room in Australia

  5 December 2017 by Aaron
  If there’s one topic Sydneysiders love to bring up it’s how expensive their rent is. Sydney Harbour Bridge. Image: Zetter. Source: Getty Images It’s a popular conversation piece amongst Harbour City residents and the figures show why. According to recent data from Flatmates.com.au a whopping 97 of the top 100...

• 6 apps that will keep your share house running smoothly

  31 August 2017 by Aaron
  It’s 2017 and pretty much any task you can think of can be done from the palm of your hand. You can order food from the comfort of our couch, task someone to clean your home and even find a date while using the bathroom—so why can’t you expertly manage...

• What it costs to rent a room near some of Australia’s most famous beaches

  26 September 2017 by Aaron
  With the weather warming up, it’s easy to start daydreaming about living by the beach for the summer. Manly Beach, NSW And what better way to spend those glorious warm days than by one of Australia’s famous beaches. While room rents at some of these beaches can be a little...

• 5 ways you can support your LGBTQI+ flatmates during the postal survey

  13 September 2017 by Aaron
  The Government’s postal survey on marriage equality is in full swing with Australians being asked if same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. While on the surface this may seem like a simple yes or no issue to many, the unfortunate fact is the survey has placed an already marginalised...

• Melbourne's most expensive train stations to rent a room near

  20 June 2017 by Aaron
  Renting a room close to some Melbourne trains stations can be costly according to recent data from Flatmates.com.au. The data from the flat-sharing site showed average rooms prices within 1km of the train stations were more expensive than the suburb average in 53% of suburbs considered. 
Southern Cross Station with...

• Six questions to ask a potential flatmate

  21 August 2017 by Aaron
  Finding a new flatmate can be daunting process which isn’t made any easier by the fact it comes with time constraints—unless you’re ok with forking out for the entire rent. It can therefore be easy to rush the whole process in an effort to get it over with. However, it’s...

• Vote for love

  24 August 2017
  As an inclusive community and workplace, Flatmates.com.au proudly supports same-sex marriage. We believe every person should be equal in every respect, as such, we encourage all Australians to vote for love and equality. To our LGBTQI+ friends, family and flatmates, hold tight— after the rain will be a rainbow....

• Sydney’s priciest train stations to rent a room near

  19 June 2017 by Aaron
  If you live in Sydney sans car, it can be pretty important to be as close to public transport as possible—and trains are arguably the best bet. 

Unfortunately, living close to a station in the harbour city can be costly with data from Flatmates.com.au showing that renting a room within...

• Cheapest Melbourne train stations to rent a room near

  22 June 2017 by Aaron
  Finding a room in Melbourne within walking distance of public transport, a reasonable commute to the city and under budget can be a tough task. In fact, data from Flatmates.com.au showed that average room prices within 1km of 53% of Melbourne stations were higher than their respective suburbs. Thankfully, the...

• Brisbane's cheapest stations to rent a room near

  27 June 2017 by Aaron
  Finding an affordable place to live within a short commute of Brisbane city has just become easier thanks to recent data from Flatmates.com.au. The flat-share site has compiled a list of the cheapest train stations to rent a room near with Salisbury Station, 11 stops the city, topping the list...

• Sydney’s cheapest train stations to rent a room near

  21 June 2017 by Aaron
  Living close to a train station in Sydney can be a welcomed convenience, particularly if you don’t have a car—but like everything else in the harbour city it can also be super expensive. In fact, data from Flatmates.com.au showed that renting a room within 1km of a station was more...

• Sydney Rent Map: What it costs to rent near a Sydney train station

  23 May 2017 by Aaron
  Finding a cheap rental in Sydney’s heated market can be a tough ask—particularly if you need to be close to public transport. Sydney rent map, find average room prices near stations Thankfully, Flatmates.com.au have made the search a little easier by combining the Sydney train map with average room rentals...

• Brisbane Rent Map: What it costs to rent near a station in Brisbane

  23 May 2017 by Aaron
  Living in Brisbane without your own set of wheels can make getting about pretty tough. You either have to rely on that one friend who has a car or live as close to public transport as you can—both of which are easier said that done. Thankfully, the team at Flatmates.com.au...

• Melbourne Rent Map: What it costs to rent a near a Melbourne station

  24 May 2017 by Aaron
  If you don’t have a car in Melbourne, living within walking distance of transport can be pretty crucial. But how much would it cost to rent a room close to a train station? Thankfully, the team at Flatmates.com.au have answered the question with an interactive train map to help sharers...

• Most affordable Sydney suburbs to rent a room within 10km

  17 May 2017 by Aaron
  Newly released data from SGS Economics and Planning (Rental Affordability Index), has confirmed Sydney’s rental market is well and truly cooked with affordability in the harbour city at a record low. Average private room rents in Sydney, 2017 In case you missed it, the report showed that rents in suburbs...

• Least competitive share accommodation suburbs within 10km of Brisbane City

  9 May 2017 by Aaron
  Flatmates.com.au have released a handy list of the least competitive share accomodation suburbs in Brisbane—making the search for a room close to the city a little easier. Carina Heights and Mount Gravatt East were the best place to score an easy room according to the data, with both suburbs seeing...

• Least competitive share accomodation suburbs within 10km of Melbourne city

  4 May 2017 by Aaron
  With Melbourne home to some of Australia’s most in-demand share accommodation suburbs, it’s not surprising that scoring a room can be tough. But not all is lost according to recent data from Flatmates.com.au, which has revealed Melbourne’s least competitive suburbs within 10km of the CBD. Caulfield North was the best...

• Least competitive share accommodation suburbs within 10km of Sydney's CBD

  2 May 2017 by Aaron
  Finding a place to call home in Sydney’s competitive realestate market can be a challenge—even when it comes to shared places. But, there is still hope according to data from Flatmates.com.au, which has revealed the least competitive suburbs to find a room within 10km of Sydney’s CBD. North Willoughby on...

• Brisbane’s most competitive share accommodation suburbs

  1 May 2017 by Aaron
  Found it hard to score a room in Brisbane recently? You probably weren’t alone if these suburbs were on your list. According to new data from Flatmates.com.au landing a room in some Brisbane suburbs over the past three months may have been tough, with demand for rooms outstripping supply. Dutton...

• Melbourne’s most competitive share accommodation suburbs in 2017

  21 April 2017 by Aaron
  Struggling to score a room in Melbourne’s inner city? You’re probably not alone. Demand for rooms in many inner city suburbs over the past three months has been high according to new data from Flatmates.com.au, which saw Fitzroy top the list with 80 people looking per room listed. Collingwood and...

• Sydney’s most competitive share accommodation suburbs in 2017

  21 April 2017 by Aaron
  If you’ve struggled to find a room in Sydney over the past three months, you might not be alone. Data from Flatmates.com.au has revealed the most competitive share accommodation suburbs over the past three months with figures showing demand was high in many inner city areas. Beachside-suburb Tamarama topped the...

• 7 common mistakes people make when it comes to share houses

  24 March 2017 by Aaron
  Sharing a home with others can be a rewarding experience which can leave you with lifelong friends and memories. The casual nature of shared living in Australia, however, can mean that important details for a happy outcome are sometimes overlooked or forgotten— which can turn people off the experience altogether....

• What does a flatmate look like in 2017?

  17 March 2017 by Aaron
  The face of shared living is not what you would think, according to an analysis by Flatmates.com.au, which found those traditionally linked to sharing– namely students and travellers— are now in the minority. The analysis of person listings created on the site over the past six months revealed what a...

• What it costs to rent a room around Australia

  2 March 2017 by Aaron
  If you live in Sydney and you’re blissfully unaware of how much rent you pay compared to other cities, feel free to click back now—unless you’re looking for a solid reason to move cities. Sydney: It’s expensive. If you’ve recently taken a job or university offer in Sydney, however, you...

• How much could you save by swapping a one-bed flat for a flatmate?

  10 March 2017 by Aaron
  It may seem obvious that sharing a place would be cheaper than renting a one-bed apartment. But, how much cheaper would it be? 

 Data from realestate.com.au and Flatmates.com.au has revealed that renters could save a whopping $15,000 per annum by ditching the one-bedder and getting a flatmate. The comparison...

• Perth Rent Map

  22 February 2016 by Jen
  Looking for a new place? Finding something near convenient transport can be a one of the pains of searching for a new place. To help you out, we’ve paired average room prices with their respective train stations. Click the image to view an interactive PDF of the map All prices...

• Cheapest Sydney suburbs to rent a room within 5km of the CBD

  18 January 2017 by Aaron
  Renting in Sydney is pretty damn expensive, and there doesn’t appear to be any signs of relief for those of us currently shelling out a small fortune each week. While many have turned to sharing as a means to reduce their rental and living costs, the unfortunate fact is that...

• 7 Budgeting hacks all university students should know

  6 January 2017 by Bianca
  In order to be able to make ends meet after moving out of home for the first time, it’s important to know how to save money where you can. 1. Draw up a weekly budget and stick to it! Calculate your weekly needs, include groceries, transport, and entertainment. Before going...

• 4 tips for living with people for the first time

  9 January 2017 by Bianca
  Let’s be real, sometimes it is hard enough just living with your family, but moving out to live with new people - that’s a whole different story. Moving out of home for the first time can be a daunting experience, particularly when it involves living with people you’ve never met...

• Cheaper Suburb Finder

  24 October 2016
  If you’re all about that lifestyle but your bank balance can’t keep up, our Cheaper Suburb Finder might be just what you need. It lets you find more affordable suburbs close to your desired area, meaning you get to save your hard-earned dosh without compromising too much on your...

• 4 things I wish I knew before moving out of home

  6 January 2017 by Bianca
  Moving out of home for the first time might be a tad terrifying, so here is some information that I wish I had known before I left home that might be able to help you survive and thrive. 1. How to budget Before moving out of home I loved going...

• Cheapest Melbourne suburbs to rent a room within 5km of the CBD

  24 January 2017 by Aaron
  Renting in Melbourne isn’t exactly cheap and although recent news suggests it has become more affordable, the unfortunate fact is it still costs the average Melburnian a quarter of their yearly salary. It’s not surprising then that renters have flocked to searching for share homes in an effort to...

• 13 cheapest Inner West suburbs to rent a room

  12 January 2017 by Aaron
  It wasn’t too long ago when sharing a place in the Inner West meant you’d be guaranteed cheap digs. However, gentrification and interest in the area in recent years has seen things change drastically. Data from Flatmates.com.au showed private room rents in Tempe alone grew by 38% between 2014 and...

• The resurgence of the granny flat

  5 January 2017 by Aaron
  Traditionally, the granny flat (as the name might suggest) was a secondary dwelling for a family dependant—like, your grandma. And while the extended family living together has become less common today, the granny flat has grown in popularity with both homeowners and private renters. According to year-on-year data from Flatmates.com.au,...

• Where the oldest and youngest flatmates were looking to live in 2016

  22 December 2016 by Aaron
  Shared living is no longer just for those moving out of the family home or for university students looking for cheap housing, according to recent data by Flatmates.com.au. 

Figures from the flatshare listing site have revealed the median age of those looking to live in each suburb of Australia—with some...

• Are sharers covered by tenancy acts?

  4 June 2015 by Aaron
  A recent survey of share accommodation users has found over half of respondents say they have little or no knowledge of tenancy laws. Photo by Staffage via: kaboompics.com Alarmingly, one-third of those who said they knew little or had never read the laws were landlords or lease holders renting out...

• Tips for conducting a room viewing

  16 April 2015 by Aaron
  For some people, conducting room viewings can be a nerve racking time, while for others it can be an exciting chance to meet new people. Regardless of how you feel, viewings are vital to filling your room and finding the perfect flatmate. Here are our top tips for planning,...

• 10 Melbourne suburbs you should live in if pizza is everything

  20 December 2016 by Aaron
  Versatile, cheap, and above all else, delicious— pizza is without question the most perfect food. Photo: Jakub Kapusnak It’s also great to share with your flatmates over drinks, a movie, or while recovering from a big weekend. No other food brings people together like pizza does. If you live in...

• Top 10 Sydney suburbs to live in if pizza is life

  16 December 2016 by Aaron
  Pizza is—without question or doubt—the single best food one can have. It’s versatile, cheap, and above all else, delicious. Pizza is also shareable, making it the perfect meal to have with your flatmates on any occasion or in any state. If you live in a suburb with few decent pizza...

• Flatmates street art by Lotte Smith

  9 December 2016 by Aaron
  We asked Sydney-based artist Lotte Smith to show us what having flatmates means to her. The finished piece can be seen in the triple j Annual 2016. You can see more of Lotte’s work on Instagram.

• Seven awesome gifts to give your share house this Christmas

  29 November 2016 by Aaron
  Gift-giving season is once again upon us. If you, like many of us, are still paying down the credit card bill from last year, then perhaps it’s time to cut back on that shopping list. One of the simplest ways is to only purchase a gift for your home, rather...

• 20 Melbourne suburbs where you can still land a room under $180 per week

  21 November 2016 by Aaron
  If you’re anything like this author, there’ll be three things that pillage your bank account each week: food (alcohol included), online shopping sales and rent. While you too probably give the former a red-hot go, with $6 doughnuts, numerous helpings of smashed avocado, and The Iconic 30%-off sales, the later...

• 20 Brisbane suburbs where you can still land a room under $180 per week

  21 November 2016 by Aaron
  If you’re anything like this author, there’ll be three things that pillage your bank account each week: food (alcohol included), online shopping sales and rent. While you too probably give the former a red-hot go, with $6 doughnuts, numerous helpings of smashed avocado, and The Iconic 30%-off sales, the later...

• 20 Sydney suburbs where you can still find a room for under $250

  15 November 2016 by Aaron
  It’s absolutely no secret that living in Sydney is insanely expensive, and it’s not getting any cheaper. Even small mercies such as free Opal trips or a coffee under $5, are all but gone— along with your hard-earned money. The ridiculous cost of living is most evident, however, when it...

• What does $250 a week get you in an Australian capital city?

  10 November 2016 by Aaron
  Depending on where you live or what you earn, $250 per week on rent may or may not seem a like a big deal. According to the Rental Affordability Index, however, a person could be considered to be experiencing housing stress if 30% of their income is spent on rent....

• Swap your suburb and save

  24 October 2016 by Aaron
  While some boomers are convinced smash avo on toast is the single biggest drain on your bank account, the honest reality is it’s most likely rent. Particularly if you live in a city like Sydney, where a private room now averages $288 per week— to which you can easily add...

• Beachside suburbs that won’t break the bank

  10 October 2016 by Aaron
  With the weather warming up, it’s easy to start dreaming about spending days by the beach. If you’ve ever thought about moving beachside to make the most of summer but held off because you thought you ‘can’t afford that kind of lifestyle’, maybe think again. There are still a number...

• Six underrated Brisbane suburbs you should consider

  5 October 2016 by Aaron
  Most people looking for a shared home in Brisbane tend to limit their searches to just a handful of suburbs that ring the city centre. And while the Valley, City and South Bank all offer great lifestyles, they also come with hefty prices and intense competition. At the time of...

• Six underrated Melbourne suburbs you should consider

  28 September 2016 by Aaron
  Share accommodation in Melbourne tends to centre around one particular suburb: Fitzroy. So much so, that the suburb regularly ranks as the most competitive place to land a room—34 people listed to each room available at the time of writing—and is one of the most expensive places (outside of Sydney)...

• Six underrated Sydney suburbs you should consider

  22 September 2016 by Aaron
  Sydney’s hot property market has meant that most suburbs don’t go unnoticed for very long— particularly when it comes to investors. The share market is quite the opposite, however, with the vast majority of sharers limiting their searches to a handful of suburbs in the Inner West, city and east....

• Australia’s most competitive share accommodation suburbs

  6 September 2016 by Aaron
  New data from Flatmates.com.au has revealed Australia’s most hotly-contested share accommodation suburbs, with inner-city, beachside and ‘hipster haunts’ dominating the list. 
North Sydney finished in top spot as the most competitive share suburb—based on searches and available listings from July to September—nudging out Melbourne’s ever popular Fitzroy. With 22,804 searches...

• Australia's most valuable spare rooms

  30 August 2016 by Aaron
  Ever insisted on renting or buying a place with an extra room as a ‘just in case’? We’ve all done it. A spare room for relatives visiting for the weekend, or a space to nurture that yet to be decided hobby—scrapbooking, perhaps. Initially, it seemed like a brilliant idea. Except,...

• Australia's most shared suburbs

  13 May 2016 by Aaron
  The tiny Sydney postcode of Chippendale – Darlington is officially the epicentre of ‘flatsharing’ in Australia, according to a recent analysis by Flatmates.com.au. Just over one in five private dwellings in the postcode (22% to be exact), were listed on the share-site over the past year—earning it the title. Not...

• 20 Melbourne suburbs to rent a room under $250

  1 April 2016 by Jen
  Is your rent getting you down? Literally down, as in your bank balance plummeting? Fear not, you’re probably not alone. Rent is on the increase in Melbourne, and unfortunately, that includes share accommodation too. New data from Flatmates.com.au, based on listings creating in 2016, revealed a startling 21 suburbs with...

• 20 Brisbane suburbs to rent a room under $200

  24 March 2016 by Aaron
  It’s no secret that living costs in Australian cities are pretty atrocious and Brisbane is no exception. If your bank account doesn’t remind you of this daily, you’ll be sure to hear about it in the media. Without a doubt, the biggest drain your account—besides food and booze—is rent, and...

• 20 Sydney suburbs you can still rent a room under $300

  11 March 2016 by Aaron
  So renting in Sydney is, well, expensive. Damn expensive tbh. Anyone looking for a place will attest to this, as will those who already outlay large chunks of hard-earned cash for a roof over their head. Despite murmurs of a declining rental market, many cannot simply wait in the streets...

• 21 tweets from flatmates who have reached peak comfort levels

  19 February 2016 by Aaron
  The first few weeks of living with new flatmates can be a little ~formal~. However, as time passes things get more comfortable, with personal boundaries and the need to wear pants around the home going out the window. 1. You no longer feel the need to get dressed up to...

• Insurance for your share house

  16 February 2016 by Fred Schebesta - Finder.com.au
  Living in shared accommodation and struggling to find contents insurance? Well, you’re not alone. The reality is, most insurers will either decline to cover those living in a shared house, or attach extra exclusions to the policy – however, all is not lost. It can be difficult to locate an...

• Loveable Aussie tosser desperately seeking flatmates

  2 February 2016 by Aaron
  Legendary bloke, Josh Hawkins, has taken flatmate finding to a whole new level by creating a hilarious video and property listing in a bid to fill his spare rooms. Image by hijosh The video and listing, posted to Flatmates.com.au, shows Hawkins explaining how he has managed to outstay his parents...

• Australia's cheapest beachside suburbs

  15 January 2016 by Aaron
  Dreaming of living by the beach this summer? Apparently you’re not alone, with recent data from Flatmates.com.au showing that more people are currently searching in beachside suburbs than traditionally popular inner-city haunts. Unfortunately, for many of us, our budgets just won’t stretch far enough to meet the steep rental prices...

• Melbourne's most valuable spare rooms

  7 January 2016 by Aaron
  Another year has come, and like most people you’ve probably set some awesome new years resolutions. New year, new me and all that jazz. Maybe you’ve been sensible and decided you’ll pay down that mortgage or bolster your savings. Or, perhaps you’ve decided it’s the year for a big overseas...

• Brisbane's most valuable spare rooms

  8 January 2016 by Aaron
  Another year has come, and like most people you’ve probably set some awesome new years resolutions. New year, new me and all that jazz. Maybe you’ve been sensible and decided you’ll pay down that mortgage or bolster your savings. Or, perhaps you’ve decided it’s the year for a big overseas...

• Sydney's most valuable spare rooms

  6 January 2016 by Aaron
  Another year has come, and like most people you’ve probably set some awesome new years resolutions. New year, new me and all that jazz. Maybe you’ve been sensible and decided you’ll pay down that mortgage or bolster your savings. Or, perhaps you’ve decided it’s the year for a big overseas...

• 19 tweets that prove your flatmates are actually family

  17 December 2015 by Aaron
  Having flatmates can evoke a varied range of emotions in you. Sometimes you’ll be happy, occasionally you’ll be furious and other times you’ll be completely bemused. Most importantly, however, is living with flatmates will make you feel a part of a special group; almost like a second family made up...

• Then vs. now: how technology changed the share house

  17 December 2015 by Aaron
  Along with technology, share homes are evolving. Then, it was a simpler time with landline phones, flatmate agencies and coloured sticky-notes called a Post-it. Now, it’s all high-tech, with bill-splitting apps, instant communication and the all-consuming internet. For better or worse, here are some of the changes. Newspapers and agencies...

• Brisbane Rent Map

  1 December 2015 by Jen
  Searching for a new place? Finding something within budget can be a struggle for anyone looking to rent in Brisbane—especially if you need to be close to good public transport. To save you the trouble we’ve paired average room prices with their respective train stations. Click the image to view...

• Gifts to gift your share house this gift-giving season

  3 December 2015 by Aaron
  It’s that time of year again — with the crowds, maxed-out credit cards, and probing questions from Aunt Linda over a hot lunch.  It’s also the time of year for gift giving. So, rather than splashing out for each of your flatmates, get just the one gift for your share...

• Melbourne Rent Map

  24 November 2015 by Jen
  Looking for a new place? Finding something within budget can be a struggle for anyone looking to rent in Melbourne—especially if you need to be close to good public transport. To save you the trouble we’ve paired average room prices with their respective train stations. Click the image to view...

• The cost of renting a room in a larger share house

  20 November 2015 by Aaron
  It’s pretty common knowledge that living in a share house is the best way to cut back on the biggest drain on your bank account— rent.
 In a recent article by Domain News, it was revealed that renters in Melbourne save (on average) $6700 per year by ditching the one...

• Sydney Rent Map

  13 November 2015 by Jen
  Looking for a new place? Finding something within budget can be a struggle for anyone looking to rent in Sydney—especially if you need to be close to good transport. To save you the hassle we’ve paired average room prices with their respective train stations. Click the image to view an...

• 10 things to do with your flatmates that won’t feel like compulsory fun

  28 October 2015 by Aaron
  With busy work schedules and conflicting social obligations, it can be difficult to spend some quality time with those you live with. To maintain group cohesion or even just catch up on recent happenings, it is important to put aside some time to spend with all of your flatmates in...

• 10 meals that are great to share with your flatmates

  2 November 2015 by Lizzie @ Menulog
  Eating is the best part of every day, but it’s also an opportunity to spend some quality time with your flatmates. You get to vent about your day at work, hear about their Tinder date last night and, most importantly, put in a combined order for takeaway so you can...

• Six flatmates you need in your life

  10 September 2015 by Aaron
  One of the best things about living in a share-home is the people you meet and the new experiences you are exposed to. Living with others can also bring an added bonus, depending on their hidden skills or personality traits. 

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new flatmate,...

• Meet the baby boomers living off-grid

  30 October 2015 by Aaron
  A Sunshine Coast man has embraced a unique approach to shared living by establishing his own ‘off-grid’ community for single baby boomers. Brendan Foley established the self-sustaining Foley Farm in January this year, north of Noosa, and has since taken on four residents with plans to accept two more. Mr...

• Five myths of share accommodation law debunked

  19 October 2015 by Hugh
  There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about how share accommodation law works. To settle this, we have debunked 5 of the biggest. Note: the following legal information applies only to residential tenancy agreements covered by the residential tenancy legislation in each state and territory. Your specific agreement may...

• Top ten Sydney suburbs going steady

  16 October 2015 by Aaron
  Anyone who lives in Sydney will be acutely aware just how expensive property is to buy, rent or sometimes share. Recent data released by Flatmates.com.au, however, shows things aren’t all that bad for those in the latter category with a number average room rent prices in popular areas staying the...

• 15 stages people go through when finding a flatmate—imagined through inane stock photos.

  13 October 2015 by Aaron
  Losing a flatmate can be a difficult process to go through. They know what’s important to you: like what time you need the shower in the morning; your favourite pizza place; and how full you like your wine glass. It’s all smiles until the flatmate with the TV moves out...

• Australia's ten best beachside suburbs

  24 September 2015 by Aaron
  With winter now dead and buried, it’s time to drag those pale bodies out of the city and to the beach for some much-needed vitamin D. If you plan on making the most of summer by moving to a beachside suburb, then now is the best time to make your...

• Flatmate faux pas: When flatmates bunk together

  7 September 2015 by Aaron
  Share-homes come with a number of mutually understood rules that exist despite never being written down or spoken about. These rules generally relate to everyday courtesies such as cleaning up after yourself; replacing the toilet roll; and keeping the noise down at night. But there is one such unspoken rule...

• Finding the perfect flatmate

  7 September 2015 by Jen
  A new flatmate is one of the best things about share accommodation because they reinvigorate the household, keeping things lively. But a new flatmate only achieves this if they mesh well with existing flatmates, making it imperative you choose the right person. Establish Criteria Finding a new flatmates is a...

• Top 5 most unique share accommodation laws

  3 September 2015 by Hugh
  Putting together our legal guides, the team at Flatmates.com.au came across some great information and simplified it into our free Legal Guides. We’ve also found some baffling laws—here are our top 5 most unique share accommodation laws. 1. Sharehouse apocalypse in Western Australia Although it probably goes without saying, if...

• Housing that helps

  3 July 2015 by Jen
  Shared living is on the increase in Australia and this is why. Affordability Every weekend media sites are ablaze with articles about the exponential growth of the Australian property market. Major cities are popular places to live and as house prices increase so do rent prices. Recent data from Core...

• Tips for embarking on the share house experience

  17 July 2015 by Jen
  Moving into a share house is a fun and exciting experience – you get to meet new people and explore new places. But it can be a little daunting for the uninitiated. We’ve compiled a list to help first time share house adventurers make a smooth transition. Image by Nicolas...

• Is share accommodation a greener way of living?

  3 August 2015 by Jen
  Affordability isn’t the only good thing about share accommodation. Living with other people encourages the sustainable use of resources, reducing strain on the environment. Image by Ryan McGuire Share accommodation offers the opportunity for individuals to lower their energy use, both benefiting their wallet and the environment. In 2012, ABS...

• If Melbourne suburbs were celebrities who would they be?

  17 August 2015 by Kim Lamb, Eat Play Love Travel
  Each pocket of Melbourne has a distinct personality. If you look closely you’ll find more characters than the Big Brother house. Image by David Iliff (Own work) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Here are five Melbourne suburbs; all identified by their celebrity alter egos. St Kilda Image by David...

• Where to live in Perth: A share accommodation guide to Perth's regions

  17 August 2015 by Jen
  With Perth covering over 6000 square kilometres, it can be daunting to find the perfect suburb to live. Image by JJ Harrison (Own work) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Perth continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and it’s easy to see why. Built around...

• Australia's most competitive share accommodation suburbs

  28 August 2015 by Aaron
  Data released by Flatmates.com.au has revealed Australia’s most popular share accommodation suburbs. The data showed that some of Australia’s hipster epicentres were the most difficult places to land a room, with Melbourne’s Fitzroy leading the charge with as many as 17 people looking to each room listed. Sydney’s Newtown also...

• Where to live in Melbourne: A share accommodation guide to Melbourne's regions

  14 August 2015 by Kim Lamb, Eat Play Love Travel
  While Melbourne is collectively known for its great arts, sports, shopping, food, fashion and coffee, some areas are better to live in than others, depending on your interests. Yet if Melbourne is as foreign to you as Madagascar, it can understandably be quite daunting to know where to start. To...

• Where to live in Brisbane: A share accommodation guide to Brisbane's regions

  7 August 2015 by Aaron
  Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia and the capital of Queensland. Covering almost 6,000 square kilometres, the Greater Brisbane area stretches over 80km end to end. Courtesy of Brisbane Marketing Brisbane is built around the Brisbane River, which divides the city not just physically but also socially —...

• Melbourne's best suburbs for food lovers

  10 August 2015 by Kim Lamb, Eat Play Love Travel
  Melbourne is a delicious, delectable city to live in, where arguing about where to find the best flat white is a state sport. If you’re moving to Melbourne and want to live in a foodie hot spot it’s hard to go wrong as good food, laneway bars and café options...

• Shared Rooms: Australians finding new solutions to housing affordability

  16 July 2015 by Hugh
  Australians are increasingly choosing to live in shared rooms as an answer to housing affordability and to find convenient accommodation in desirable areas. Shared rooms are on the rise, so here are some simple tips for landlords and roomers. Sharing rooms is just one of the ways Australians are meeting...

• Where to live in Sydney: A share accommodation guide to Sydney's regions

  28 July 2015 by Aaron
  Deciding where to live in Sydney can be a daunting task for anyone new to the city. With the Greater Sydney area covering approximately 12,000 square kilometres (4,700 square miles) and stretching over 80km from end to end, it’s easy to see why. Travel times in Sydney can also be...

• Why are share accommodation laws so confusing?

  9 July 2015 by Hugh
  Share accommodation laws are unnecessarily confusing. Flatmates.com.au explains why and what you can do to protect yourself. Share accommodation—in all it’s beautiful variety—is booming. Australians are realising the benefits, both economic and social, of living together. The ongoing debate about housing affordability indicates how hard it can be to find...

• 10 Brisbane suburbs where you can rent a room for less than $200

  24 June 2015 by Aaron
  Shared living is booming in Brisbane with room listings growing by over 140% on Flatmates.com.au in since 2014. Unfortunately though, room prices have also increased with the average room in Brisbane now renting for $194.86 per week; a seven per cent increase since last year. South Brisbane’s Dutton Park was...

• 10 Melbourne suburbs to rent a room for less than $200.

  23 June 2015 by Jen
  As demand for good locations skyrockets in major cities, finding an affordable and well-located suburb can be daunting. Photo by David Iliff. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 Recent data from Flatmates.com.au has revealed that individual rooms in Melbourne suburbs are increasingly tipping over the $200 per week mark, with the top 25...

• 10 Sydney suburbs where you can still rent a room for less than $250

  16 June 2015 by Aaron
  Anyone who lives in Sydney will tell you just how expensive buying, renting and, in some cases, even sharing a place can be. New data from Flatmates.com.au confirmed the latter showing that 44 of Australia’s 50 most expensive share accommodation suburbs are located in Sydney. Worryingly, the top 25 of...

• How to deal with a grubby flatmate

  10 March 2015 by Aaron
  Whether it’s the perpetual load of dishes in the sink, empty toilet rolls left on the holder or that thick layer of dust making its way under their bedroom door, you’ll know pretty quickly if you have a grubby flatmate in your midst. Despite your hopes that one of your...

• Is home-sharing the key to affordable property ownership?

  29 May 2015 by Aaron
  More Australian’s are considering taking on a flatmate to help them cope with mortgage repayments. Recent survey data from Flatmates.com.au found that 68% of home-owners or those planning on owning a home would consider taking on a flatmate to help pay their mortgage. The idea makes sense for many first...

• Student Life: Moving out of home

  15 May 2015 by Aaron
  Moving out of home can be a daunting, and yet exciting challenge that many first year university students will face. According to StudentVIP.com.au 47% of university students will live out of the family home in some form or another during their first year of study. image by Ryan McGuire The...

• Live rent free and make a difference

  4 May 2015 by Aaron
  With rental prices in many Australian cities at record highs, the prospect of living rent free is an an almost unbelievable opportunity to most people. Live rent free and make a difference to someones life.. (Stock image) Programs currently being run in Victoria and Western Australia are offering just that,...

• Australia's most popular share accommodation suburbs

  24 February 2015 by Aaron
  Whether you’re moving from overseas, interstate or just looking for a new area in your city, these suburbs should be at the top of your list. Many of these areas are popular because of their proximity to city centres, universities and transport hubs. 1. Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW Image by...

• Australia's cheapest share accommodation suburbs

  30 April 2015 by Aaron
  image by Rae Allen, cc 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons Quarterly data released by Flatmates.com.au has revealed the cheapest suburbs within 10kms of Australia’s major city centres. Often overlooked in favour of more sought-after neighbours, these suburbs offer cheaper rents for a similar location and lifestyle. General Manager of Flatmates.com.au,...

• Three reasons why having a flatmate could enhance your home life.

  10 March 2015 by Aaron
  Despite a commonly held stereotype of flatmates, the days of over crowded, party culture share houses are all but gone. In fact, the reality is that the average flatmate today is 27 years old, works full time and is generally looking for a comfortable home with good amenities. Opening...