Property Types
- Unit/Flat: Apartment in a larger building
- Studio: Open-plan single-room apartment (no separate bedroom)
- Granny flat: Small self-contained dwelling in a backyard (usually cheaper)
- Terrace: Multi-storey terraced house (common in inner-city Sydney)
- Townhouse: Multi-storey attached dwelling
Abbreviations
- pw: Per week — all Australian rent is quoted weekly, not monthly
- pcm: Per calendar month (less common)
- BIL/bills included: Utilities (electricity, gas, water) included in rent
- FURN/furnished: Includes furniture — important for short-term stays
- UNFURN: Empty rooms — you need your own furniture
- EBR: Ensuite bathroom (in shared houses, private bathroom = worth more)
Bond
Bond (security deposit) is typically 4 weeks' rent, paid upfront. It's lodged with the state tenancy authority — not the landlord. Returned within 14 days of lease end if property is in good condition. Save screenshots of any existing damage at lease start.
Inspections
For competitive listings, attending the first inspection is essential. Bring your completed application, all supporting documents, and ID to the inspection. Agents can process applications on the spot for highly sought properties.
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