Rental joy can be found in a ‘tough’ market – realestate.com.au

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Hobart is not as affordable as it used to be, says Priyanta Joy. Picture: Supplied

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FINDING a rental property remains a challenge, and Hobart is not as affordable as it used to be, says university masters student Priyanta Joy.

The 25-year-old cybersecurity student said he prioritised proximity to the city and campus, which meant searching for a rental in Sandy Bay and Hobart.

“The right location was the most important thing; a two-bedroom home with parking as well,” Mr Joy said.

“My girlfriend and I started our search in Sandy Bay, but it is expensive. We looked at a lot of options and settled on a unit in North Hobart.

“It was challenging to find something that suited our needs, but not as tough as it was two years ago. This is partly because we had been staying with friends and family at that time, and did not have rental history.”

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Priyanta Joy. Picture: Supplied

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Before moving to Hobart, Mr Joy was studying at Macquarie University in Sydney.

He and a few of his friends moved to Hobart expecting a more relaxed lifestyle.

“Surprisingly, Sydney is cheaper in some ways,” he said.

“Rent is about the same price, but some basic needs, like groceries, can be more expensive in Hobart.

“When I first came to Hobart, I thought affordability was its advantage, but it does not seem to be anymore.”

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For Mr Joy, North Hobart was a better option than Sandy Bay.

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Amid a market with a tight 1 per cent vacancy rate, Mr Joy said not every experience was a positive one.

“We’d see a new inspection time pop up for a home that we applied for and then have to assume we were not successful,” he said.

“It is tough.”

However, Mr Joy said sometimes “luck plays a part”.

“We were approved for two separate properties this time around and could choose the home that we liked best.”