Sunbury has been named among the top 20 “tenant-friendly” areas within a commuting distance of Melbourne’s CBD, according to recent data.
The RentRabbit.com.au website, which allows tenants to review and compare rental properties, released its Tenant Opportunity Report on January 27.
The quarterly report states that it “has found the top 20 Melbourne rental markets for tenants who have average salaries and want to live in good areas”.
The report contains data from property research consultancy Suburbtrends Research, covering the 12 months to January 2022.
The report ranked Hoppers Crossing in first place with a median weekly rent of $350, followed by Wyndham Vale with a median weekly rent of $355.
Sunbury was listed in eighth spot, with a median weekly rent price of $395.
According to Real Institute of Victoria (REIV) data for the three months to December 2021, Sunbury’s weekly median rent is well below the median of metropolitan Melbourne ($480).
Other suburbs and towns in the top 20 included Epping, Mill Park, Bacchus Marsh, Narre Warren, Reservoir and Keilor Downs.
One Agency Sunbury Region director Adrian Sacco said location was a big factor in the suburb’s suitability for renters.
“There’s metro rail access, proximity to the airport, and it’s still within a 35 minute commute to the city,” he said.
“The price range is quite broad from entry level to bigger houses.”
RentRabbit.com.au co-founder Ben Pretty said he hoped the rankings could help renters find affordable options in a difficult market.
“Vacancy rates are low in many parts of Melbourne and landlords are responding by jacking up rental rates,” he said.
“I really feel for tenants who are being forced out of their homes and suburbs, especially when they have kids who are forced to change schools.”
For buyers, the market in Sunbury remains affordable compared to other parts of metropolitan Melbourne.
REIV data for the December quarter indicates the median sale price in the suburb to be $666,000, compared with $1.12 million in other metro areas.
