In analysing the accommodation listed on its website over the first six months of 2015, Flatmaates.com.au found that there had been a significant increase in Melbourne listings compared to the same period in 2014.
New room listings on the site surged over 110% in the first six months this year compared with the same period in 2014, while shared rooms soared by 250%.
The cost of renting a room also increased, with the average price for a private room rising in the first half of 2015 to $207.75 per week, up 3.4% from $200.98 in 2014.
The average weekly cost of a bed followed suit, rising from $175.52 in 2014 to $181.17 this year, a 3.2% increase.
Flatmates.com.au general manager Thomas Clement said the increases are likely the result of drop in the availability of affordable accommodation in the city of the last 12 months.
“Those who once rented alone, are now offering up their spare rooms to help subsidise rental and living costs,” Clement said
“Inner-city low-income earners, such as students, are now looking to share rooms in an effort to remain close to their campus and workplaces.”
While the number of listings may be up, Clement doesn’t believe there will be a shortage of people looking for a place to live, with serious competition for rooms occurring in the past/
“Earlier this year we saw as many as 40 people grappling for each room listed in Fitzroy, so the increase in property listings has given those looking far more choice.”
