- You would prefer not to provide any information about yourself until you have viewed the flat. I understand this sentiment but only show it to people who I think I would offer it to. These are people who I know have read the blog and considered the pros and cons - they just need to confirm that it's accurate. Those viewings where dozens of hopefuls show up are awful for everyone. The alternative is to book through www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2778324 - you can use your credit card and there's more mutual accountability.
- You're very tall and you've always had queen or king beds. A double bed could be a problem.
- This is your second home in Sydney and you've already taken that trip to Ikea and Kmart and got the bedding, heaters and other basic household bits. There's not space for double of everything and it's not good value when you've already made that 'nesting investment'.
- There's a rooftop area but no balcony or outdoor area immediately off the flat. The Annexe is smoke free
- The building is pet free
- The window is big and bright but much of the view is blocked by another building
- There's no gym or pool or other mod cons. The kitchen is not stainless steel or caesar stone and does not have Smeg appliances or a dishwasher. ...and I don't iron the sheets or tea towels.
- The shower is over the bath and your knees don't bend like they used to...so getting in and out of the shower might be difficult.
- You'd prefer a gas rather than an electric cooktop
- You're worried about parking (there's nearly always a neighbour with a vacant space but it will cost you $30pw).
- You're staying 6 months or more and can find better value/more space for the money if you commit to a longer term lease.
- With bond, the move in cost is too much and you can't pay by credit card (an alternative here is to book through airbnb and pay by card)
- There are more than 2 of you or there's more than one of you and you don't want to share a bed....and you can't resolve the squabble over who gets to sleep on the blow up mattress.
- You'd rather rent from a company than a private landlady. (Remember that booking through airbnb.com is an alternative).
- It's too small
www.furnishedproperties.com.au - their studios nearby in Paddington may suit you?? I haven't seen inside but the location in Ormond St is great. For something swanky, try the studios at Quest in Bondi Junction.
www.airbnb.com - an incredible range of quality whole house and spare room options - could be a great hotel alternative if your dates don't match mine exactly.
www.shorttermapartmentrentals.com.au, www.shortstays.net, www.stayz.com.au, www.gumtree.com.au, www.sydneyterraces.com.au, www.craigslist.com.au,
www.domain.com.au, www.realestate.com.au, - these 2 tend to be for properties that usually require you take out a 6 month lease... not many are furnished...and even fewer are equipped.
www.ardenhouse.com.au - weekly guest house near Coogee Beach - for the backpacker market maybe?
...and there's more...
easyroommate.com.au, homeaway.com.au, onthehouse.com.au, rent-a-home.com.au, reiwa.com.au, realestateview.com.au, rent.com.au, allhomes.com.au, roomz.com.au, takeabreak.com.au, booking.com
If considering another place and electricity is not included, allow at least $25pw. (Some electricity billing providors such as Ausgrid may ask for a bond of $350 if you have not had an account with them before). Also allow $20pw for wifi and landline...ask about connection fees and be prepared to commit to 6 or 12 months. Many places also charge a cleaning fee of $50 or $100 on departure. These expenses are included at The Annexe.
Thanks for looking and good luck with your search.
Heather
