Share House Hunting

Choosing to live in a share house the first time you move out of home is a good idea on many fronts. A share house will most likely be already furnished, so you don’t need to buy a fridge, a couch or dining tables and chairs, although buying your own bed/mattress might be a good idea. You share the bills, meet people outside of your usual friendship circle and enjoy freedom together.

Before you start share house hunting write down what is important to you and use this as a basis to narrow down your selection. Although you can’t be too picky, try and limit the not negotiable list, it is unlikely you will tick all the boxes of your wants with the first property you move into.

Below are some things you might like to add to your Share House Hunting list;

More than one Toilet – If there are more than two people in the house, you need more than one toilet. Trust us.
Built-in Wardrobe – If a bedroom doesn’t have a wardrobe you need to factor in the space for a freestanding unit.
Furnished – If a bed is included, you might want to consider bringing your own mattress.
House Rules – Ask upfront if there are house rules, it’s better to ask at the beginning that’s its lights out at 9.30 pm!
Parking – If you have to fight for street parking every time you come home it is going to get tired quickly.
Transport – Being within walking distance to public transport is a great money saver.
Shops & Cafes – It’s great if they are within walking distances not so great if they are right next door.
Quiet Area – Think pubs, schools, main roads or barking dogs. Visit the area at different times of the day.
Utilities – Find out how you pay for the bills, do you divide the bills when they come in. Make sure they are all paid up before you move in so you don’t pay for someone else’s portion.
Aircon & Heating – You might need to by a fan or heater.
Rent is within Budget – Don’t go looking at properties above your means, you need to factor in rent increases in the future. If you can’t pay the rent no one is going to bail you out – you have to find the money, somehow.
Fixed Lease – Usually all housemates will need to have their name on the lease. Find out what you need to do if you want to move out. Do you just find someone to take over your commitment or do the other housemates want to meet prospective tenants beforehand?

Share House Bingo & Scorecard

When you are looking at multiple properties it is easy to forget which one is which. Don’t be fooled by a fancy looking place, at first glance the place may be aesthetically pleasing but if you have to share one bathroom with three other people. The pretty decor is going to get tired really quickly.

We have put together a Bingo card and Scorecard for you to fill out so you don’t have to rely on your memory. Print off one set for each property.

Bingo Card

Enter the property address at the top;
check off each item that appears on your card;
write the number of boxes checked at the top; and
order each property print out from highest to lowest.

Scorecard

parking in a locked garage – is a 10;
parking in the driveway with no cover – is a 5;
street parking would be a 3;
permit parking would be 1. (it’s an extra expense you need to add to your budget.)

Before you start looking set your budget & stick to it.

Forget about trying to impress your friends when you invite them over.

You need a safe place to sleep, eat & store your things.

Remember, this is not your forever home.

Printable Share House Hunting Pack

Download & Print

Where to start looking

Aside from asking your friends if they know if any rooms coming up in a share house, websites like flatmates.com.au is a great place to start. Also, you may not have seen them before, but most supermarkets have noticeboards where people post rooms for rent – it’s worth a look.