11 Before diving into the rental market, take a moment to consider what truly matters to you in a home. From location and layout to lifestyle and light, knowing your nonnegotiables from the outset will keep your search focused— and far less overwhelming. To help get you started, Belle Property’s expert property managers share six key tips for navigating the rental process with confidence. 6 Things to ConsiderWhen Looking for a Rental Property SITCHU MAGAZINE Looking to move homes? Learn more about the process of renting and search all our new rental properties available at belleproperty.com/rent 1. Location Create a clear map of ‘preferred’ and ‘potential’ suburbs to establish your search area. Location equals lifestyle, so look at factors such as transport, access to schools, facilities, amenities, and demographics. You can live in an extraordinary house, but the area may not match your lifestyle or needs. Once you have found a property you like, do a drive-by to make sure you are happy with the area before booking an inspection. Tip: Our Sitchu Suburb guides are a great online tool that can help you match your brief with a neighbourhood. Visit https://sitchu.com.au/suburb-guides to get searching. 2. Open Inspection Attend open inspections in-person—viewing a property ensures there are no surprises and allows you to ask the agent any questions you may have on the spot. Inspect the entire building and its facilities, including common areas like the car park, recreational facilities, and lifts. Be sure to be on time for viewings—this will put you in good favour with leasing agents and property managers. Tip: If you find a property you love, be ready to put in your application straight after you’ve inspected it, particularly if market conditions are competitive. 3. Requirements List your non-negotiables such as type of dwelling, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, access to a garden or balcony, parking spaces, and availability of heating and cooling. When inspecting a property, pay particular attention to the size of the rooms—take a tape measure with you to determine if your furniture will fit. Keep an eye out for security features on windows and doors and in common areas. Tip: Remember that even if your wish list of requirements isn’t realised, there are plenty of creative ways to style your rental to make it feel more like your own. 4. Areas of Compromise While knowing your non-negotiables is incredibly important, it is also essential to keep an open mind. Depending on market conditions and the availability of stock, you may find that your list of requirements is simply not realistic. Break your wish list into must-haves as opposed to nice-tohaves. Remember to keep the bigger picture in mind—aspects like location and lifestyle may prove more beneficial in the long run than curb appeal or a bathtub. 5. Costs Establish what you can afford and what you would ideally like to spend. Remember to factor in any hidden costs of living in the property—such as transport to and from work if the commute will be long or heating or cooling costs if it’s a large property. Do the maths to make sure your income will allow you to comfortably pay the rent while at the same time being able to enjoy the lifestyle you want. 6. Support Look for a rental property managed by a professional property management company, which employs property managers to act as conduits between tenants and landlords. As experts in their field, property managers are responsible for handling inspections, leases, rent payments, legalities, and day-to-day requests. This helps ensure a mutually positive experience for renters and owners alike. Tip: Before signing a lease, researching the property management company online and check reviews.
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