What $450 per week will get you in the Gold Coast’s booming rental market

You’ll need to like ‘retro’ decor, not mind the kitchen being in the bedroom, or be prepared to share facilities with neighbours, but there are still reasonably priced rentals out there. LIST

A crushing lack of supply has caused rents to soar to unprecedented levels on the Gold Coast.

Last year, average weekly rental on the Gold Coast leapt by 17.5 per cent.

In many suburbs, the rise was more than 20 per cent – making the average cost of renting a house on the Gold Coast higher than greater Sydney.

The price rises came after vacancy levels fell as low as 0.3 per cent in many suburbs.

However there are still some cheap rentals to be had, even in some very good locations. Here’s what you would be looking at if your budget is up to $450 a week.

$320pw

a/55 Stradbroke Street, Biggera Waters

Not only is this one-bed studio apartment cheap, you also get the use of a pool. Shopaholics are well catered for, with Runaway Bay Shopping Centre and Harbour Town close by, though you might struggle for storage space if you buy too much.

$355pw

1/19 Darrambal Street, Surfers Paradise

This two-bed, one bathroom unit has a remarkable Chevron Island location. The island’s shops and restaurants are just a stone’s throw away, while the world famous Surfers Paradise beach is a mere 12-minute stroll from this unit. But there is a catch: no pets.

$385pw

20 Cadence Avenue, Mermaid Waters

This one bed, one bathroom granny flat off Sunshine Blvd in Mermaid Waters is advertised as the “perfect match” for a mature person seeing a “nice, neat and tidy home”.

But pets are not allowed, and only on-street car parking is available.

$390pw

23/45 Village Way, Oxenford

It’s rare to see two-beds with a garage space for less than $400 per week any more, but that’s exactly what’s available at this Oxenford villa.

Situated in a quiet complex, but close to the M1, Westfield Helensvale and Movie World, it’s sure to be snapped up quick.

$395pw

3/29 Golden Four Drive, Bilinga

This one-bed, one-bath unit with off-street parking also has a cracking location, just minutes from Kirra and Bilinga beaches.

It’s got a basic kitchen, a private laundry and the bedroom opens up onto a private deck. Agents advice that the rent will rise in May to $400 per week.

$410pw

2/130 Marine Parade, Southport

This ground floor, one-bedroom unit with combined bathroom and laundry is well located near the heart of Southport.

The new tenant will be able to enjoy walks in the Broadwater Parklands, which is just across the road, perhaps even with a furry friend in tow – agents say a small pet would be considered.

$420pw

21 Chisolm Way, Pimpama

They say small is beautiful and that may be the case with this duplex in Pimpama.

It may have only two bedrooms and a small fenced yard, but it is modern, has air conditioning in the living area and is close to local shops and the M1.

$430pw

12/50 Beattie Road, Coomera

Families on a tight budget might find this Coomera townhouse of interest.

It’s got three bedrooms, is in a gated complex with a swimming pool and is close to local shops, schools and theme park Dreamworld.

$445pw

2/12 Sarawak Ave, Palm Beach

This two-bed unit may best be suited to someone who like a retro feel. Ideally, the new tenant will also be easy to get along with – the back yard is shared with a neighbour.

$450pw

7/5 Haig Street, Coolangatta

This two-bed unit is just a stone’s throw from Kirra Beach.

It has been freshly painted and boasts a new fridge, oven, microwave and washing machine.

Jet-setters may also appreciate its convenient location close to the airport.

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Originally published as What $450 per week will get you in the Gold Coast’s booming rental market