How to Find the Right Sharehouse for You
With rental prices climbing, sharehouses are becoming the go-to option for many renters. While moving in with strangers can be a gamble, finding the right place can turn what could be a nightmare into an affordable and enjoyable living arrangement.
Not every sharehouse is a perfect fit—some are absolute disasters—but with the right approach, you can find one that suits your lifestyle. Here’s how to make the process easier and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Use the Best Platforms to Search
If you’re still browsing random online ads hoping for the best, it’s time to level up your search. Websites like Flatmate Finders, Flatmates.com.au, and our platform are designed to connect you with compatible housemates and great rental opportunities.
Real estate sites like Domain and realestate.com.au can also help if you're looking at renting a whole place to share. Facebook groups for specific suburbs can be useful too—you can find available rooms and get a sense of potential housemates before meeting them.
2. Know Your Budget & Preferred Suburbs
Don’t waste time looking at places you can’t afford. It’s easy to get drawn into listings that are outside your budget, but that only leads to frustration. Instead, set clear price limits and stick to them.
Choosing a few key suburbs also makes inspections more efficient. You can plan multiple viewings in one day instead of running all over the city. The more you focus on a specific area, the better you’ll get at spotting a great deal when one comes up.
3. Stand Out When You Apply
A one-line message like “Is this still available?” won’t get you far. When applying for a sharehouse, treat it like a job interview—because, in a way, it is.
Introduce yourself properly. Let them know what you do, what kind of housemate you are, and why you’d be a good fit. Avoid clichés like “easy-going” or “fun-loving” because everyone says that. Instead, mention something specific—whether you’re tidy, social, or prefer a quiet home.
4. First Impressions Matter
You don’t need to show up in a suit, but looking like you care helps. If you show up to an inspection in messy clothes or looking like you just rolled out of bed, people will assume that’s how you treat a shared space too.
One of my mates secured almost every sharehouse he applied for—except for two. The only difference? He forgot to wear his glasses. Sounds ridiculous, but that tiny detail made him look more put-together, which potential housemates liked. The point? Small things matter.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Before you commit to a place, ask yourself:
- Cleanliness: Do their standards match yours?
- Lifestyle: Are they homebodies or party people?
- Schedules: Will their work and sleep routines clash with yours?
- House Rules: How do they split bills? Are there any expectations around shared spaces?
- Weird Dealbreakers: Do they refuse to use the air con in summer? Buy the cheapest, scratchiest toilet paper? These things add up.
If something feels off during the inspection, trust your instincts and keep looking.
6. Keep Going Until You Find the Right Place
Sharehouse hunting can feel like a mix of speed dating and job interviews—sometimes you just won’t click with the people or the house, and that’s okay. Don’t let rejections put you off.
The right place is out there. When you find a house that feels right, with housemates you actually like, you’ll know it’s worth the search.
Looking for the perfect sharehouse? Find your ideal flatmates on our website.