Master and ensuite in Sydney apartment can't be used amid rental crisis

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a highly desirable part of Sydney is available to rent for $650-per-week but there’s one major catch.

Listed earlier this week by Spencer & Servi, the property at 101/437 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, is undergoing major renovations due to a “water leak on the ceiling”.

The future tenant will be unable to use the master bedroom and ensuite during the six-month lease, with renovations to be completed during the tenancy.

As stated on the listing, “access (to the apartment) must be provided when required”.

The future tenant will only be able to use the remaining bedroom and bathroom which have been described as “spacious” and “large” on the listing.

DEPOSIT RECEIVED!!

101/437 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010

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Despite the baffling conditions, the agents for the apartment are very complimentary, highlighting the new fixtures which include “polished floorboards”, “new blinds” and a “modern kitchen with stone benchtop”.

They even go so far as to describe the living space as a “stunning apartment in a great location” and “be sure to not miss out”. The future tenant will also be required to pay $2,600 for bond.

According to the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales, the median rent for Surry Hills is $600-per-week.

The rental crisis has definitely taken hold in Sydney, and the market is still tipped in landlords’ favour as short supply props up high prices.

According to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, Sydney’s vacancy rate dropped to 1.7 per cent in July. This is its lowest record since August 2017.

In August, the figure dropped to 1.3 per cent in Sydney, according to SQM Research.