Why share a house in Brisbane? 

Share housing is popular in Brisbane. It’s a great way to meet new people, and it can be the simplest way to secure accommodation if you don’t have a rental history in Australia. 

Another benefit is that the house or unit is often furnished, and the kitchen is usually pre-stocked with utensils and appliances, meaning you can arrive with your suitcase and settle in without worry. 

Share houses also provide you with a group of local, friendly, young people with invaluable knowledge of the city’s best restaurants, bars, markets and anything else you might need to know. So what are you waiting for? 

How to find a room in Brisbane 

There are a couple of places where you can find a room to rent in Brisbane. First, sign up to your institution’s student news or notice board where you can find out about local students renting rooms. You may find a study buddy and a roommate at the same time.  

If you can’t find a share house that way, you can start your search online. 

Flatmates is a website specifically for finding a room/roommates. Rooms start from $150 and are spread across Brisbane, including locations close to major Brisbane university campuses. Bond (your deposit) and contract information is provided on the listing and you can see when the room is available. 

Australia’s own ‘Craigslist’, Gumtree is a one-stop shop to buy, swap and sell. The rooms advertised on Gumtree start from $150 and are usually available straight away. Depending on the household, you may not have to go on a lease. Bond can range from two to four weeks’ rent. 

There are also purpose-built student residences across Brisbane which offer a range of multi-bed rooms or studios specifically for students. You will need to go on a lease, but in this case, these leases are not subject to rental history requirements. 

Still haven’t found a room you like? Head to Facebook as a last – but not least – resort. Add yourself to one of the share house groups like West End Share Houses or Inner City Share Houses where pages are updated hourly with new rooms. You have to be quick to snag a room on here, so don’t hold back if you see something you like. 

Local tips for renting a room in a share house 

Make sure that the place you move into is close to public transport that easily connects you with your educational institution. Trains, buses and ferries are the most popular and cheapest way to get around Brisbane, so keep this in mind when you’re looking for a room. 

Not all rooms are furnished, but don’t let that turn you off. If you need to furnish your room, use Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to source cheap (and sometimes free) furniture. If you would prefer the convenience of an already furnished room, make sure you check that in your search for a share house. 

If you do end up on a rental lease, make sure you know the terms and conditions. The RTA governs rental contracts in Brisbane and can help you with any questions or information about joining or starting a lease.  

Lastly, meet the people you plan to move in with before you make the decision. While it’s great to have a big room, air-conditioning and great views of the city, you still want to know that the people you’re going to live with are friendly, fun and respectful.  

Ask to see the room and make sure you hang around and chat with them for at least 15 minutes so you can get to know your future flatmates, and they can gain an understanding of your personality and how you will fit with the share house dynamic.  

Have fun, and good luck finding your new share house in Brisbane this semester!