Competition for house-sitting on the increase

It’s one of the savviest ways to scrape together a house deposit, travel the country for nix, or live rent-free while you chase a creative ambition.

But now house-sitting – once considered odd – is booming, and competition is heating up for the best house-sits in town.

“So many more people are seeing house-sitting as a really good option – either for travel or just saving money,” says Kylie Fuad, co-founder of one of the country’s most popular sites, Aussie House Sitters.

“If you’re looking in a popular location, especially in city areas, we find that it’s very competitive.”

In 2014, more than 9100 home owners advertised for sitters, and 6000 active house-sitters were on the books.

By last year, the numbers had jumped to 8000 active house-sitters competing for almost 16,500 sits across the country.

While more house-sits are available than ever, those in highly sought locations are attracting huge interest.

Fuad says home owners were getting so inundated with applications that advertisements are now automatically removed once a home owner receives 10 inquiries.

At Mindahome, the number of sitters jumped from 3000 to 5000 in the past 12 months, while the number of home owners also skyrocketed from 4500 to 8000.

“The inner-city ones are always very popular. Places like Sydney and Melbourne are so expensive to rent and buy in,” co-founder Sue Coombs says.

Many of Mindahome’s sitters are working professionals, and 40 per cent are aged between 18 and 35 – many of them saving for a house deposit, she says.

So with increasing numbers of sitters vying for inner-city or holiday locales such as the Gold Coast, how can you prove you’re the best person for the job?

Kylie Fuad says house-sitters should spend time crafting a quality profile that also gives a quick snapshot of relevant skills – such as house-sitting or gardening experience, or perhaps time spent with a specific breed of dog.

“Have a friendly blurb about yourself that makes you sound welcoming but professional,” she says.

A photo of you cuddling a cute pet – your own or someone else’s – never hurts.

Good references are golden, and being able to produce a police check could curry favour with some home owners, Fuad says.

To snap up the best house-sits, you’ll need to get in early. Set up alerts through whichever site you register with so you can pounce on sits advertised in your desired area as soon as they’re posted.

“If you can be among the first five people that contact the owner, that puts you in a really good position,” Fuad says.