Aussies renting out unused parking spaces amid cost of living crunch

Both listings and enquiries are surging on apps that connect people with space to rent out with those looking for storage.

Spacer, an online marketplace where Aussies can rent out unused garages, warehouses, car parking and other spare space, have over 30,000 listings available, while enquiries have grown by 97%.

Parkhound, a similar company focusing on parking spaces, has seen listings increase by 44%, with over 50,000 parking spots currently available.

Spacer co-founder and CEO Michael Rosenbaum leasing unused space is a potential side hustle for cash strapped Aussies.

"Many property owners don't realise they could be sitting on extra income if they have an unused garage, storage cage, warehouse or marking space," Mr Rosenbaum said.

"We want hosts to know that this opportunity to earn is available and in turn, help ease a key pain point for many renters right now, affordability of space."

Spacer say the average host makes $200 each month.

More demand for space as shared accommodation increases

May was the busiest month on record for Flatmates.com.au, with 69,400 new members, 103% more than May 2022.

Some suburbs are seeing hundreds of people competing for each available room, and community manager Claudia Conley highlighted a demographic shift that suggests financial pressure is one of the key drivers of this extra traffic.

"While our core demographic is still members aged 25-34, members under the age of 35 have decreased 10% in the past year and members aged 45-65 have increased by 10%. For our younger demographic who have the option, many are choosing to stay at home for longer due to the rising cost of living. Our older demographic may be looking to rent out their spare room for extra cash as the cost-of-living bites," Ms Conley said.

With median rental rates up more than 10% in the past year, and cost of living pressures continuing to bite, shared accommodation is a means for potential savings on rent and bills.

Space sharing services could be a potential solution for renters struggling to find a storage spot for furniture or other large belongings.

Earlier in June, RBA Governor Dr Philip Lowe raised eyebrows when he said house sharing is a natural reaction as rents go up.

"As rents go up, people decide not to move out of home, or you don’t have that home office, you get a flatmate,” Dr Lowe said.

“Higher prices do lead people to economise on housing ... kids don’t move out of home because the rent is too expensive, so you decide to get a flatmate or a housemate because that’s the price mechanism at work."

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