A new survey has painted a clearer picture of the average renter.
The study, conducted by realestate.com.au and Pedestrian.TV, found that average Australian renters are most likely to be female, 25-29 years old, with a yearly income of $50,000. A number of them (33%) live with a partner, and 30.9% live with three to four housemates. The average household income is $98,000.
These average renters would fall into the census category of independent youth, which is composed of renters or house sharers, including couples or singles, under 35.
When asked about their preferred dwelling type, most renters said they preferred to live in houses. Some of them (40.9%) would choose a freestanding home, and 34.1% would opt to live in an apartment.
In addition, most renters were able to secure a place on their second application, and 12.2% of those property seekers depended on social media for research.
Most of the respondents reside in Sydney (32.8%) and Melbourne (31.1%). The survey also showed that renters who are looking for a vibrant lifestyle and established culture, with easy access to public transport, restaurants, shopping, cinemas, and health centres.
Based on the census data from 2016, all 10 suburbs where the highest proportion of this demographic lives are near to inner-city campuses in Sydney, Newcastle (Birmingham Gardens) and Wollongong (Gwynneville and North Wollongong). Clearly, distance to universities affects where young renters choose to live.
The most popular suburbs among independent youth in Melbourne, meanwhile, are mostly around the inner-city, except for Clayton and Notting Hill in the south-east, which are located near Monash University.
Carlton, Melbourne CBD, Parkville, West Melbourne, North Melbourne and Carlton North are all close to the University of Melbourne or RMIT University.
Brunswick is a little further north but still near enough to charm students and professionals who are into grungy vibe and entertainment hubs.
South Yarra offers an ideal lifestyle for urban renters, with easy access to the Yarra, the CBD and numerous shopping and dining options.
Data from the 2016 census showed that average Aussie renters live In these areas:
NSW
Darlington 49.6%
Chippendale 42.3%
Kingsford 30.1%
Birmingham Gardens 29.7%
Camperdown 27.1%
Gwynneville 26.4%
Kensington 24.6%
Forest Lodge 24.5%
North Wollongong 23.9%
Waterloo 23.6%
VIC
Carlton 48.2%
Melbourne CBD 42.9%
Clayton 33.6%
Parkville 31.3%
West Melbourne 31%
North Melbourne 30.2%
Carlton North 25.1%
Notting Hill 24.3%
South Yarra 23.3%
Brunswick 22.1%
