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Sydney Woman Turns Rental Inspections into a Lucrative Side Hustle
In a competitive Australian rental market, a Sydney resident has found a lucrative side hustle by attending rental inspections for those unable to be present themselves. Rose Le Sebvre, aged 58, reports earning between $10,000 and $15,000 annually through this venture.
Background of the Side Hustle
Le Sebvre’s rental inspection gig was largely inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions complicated property viewings. Now, five years into her side hustle, she regularly attends inspections for clients occupied with work commitments or those residing out of state.
“The frequency of weekday inspections has risen significantly,” she explained. “It used to be just after-hours and weekends, but now open houses are held daily, at various times throughout the week.”
Her primary source of clients is Airtasker, a marketplace for tasks, along with referrals from real estate agencies that recommend her services.
How It Works
Le Sebvre’s fees range from $60 to $140 per inspection, based on the property’s size. Each job typically consumes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
During each inspection, she captures comprehensive footage of the property and its surroundings—an essential service for prospective tenants. “I produce two videos, one showing the street view and neighbourhood, and another walking through the property itself,” she said.
In her inspections, she highlights various aspects such as the property’s layout, conditions like mould or wear and tear, parking facilities, and the general vibe of the area (quiet or busy).
Additionally, she captures 30 to 40 photographs, marking each client’s name off with the real estate agent to ensure transparency and accountability. “I can also offer insights into the clients looking to rent the property,” she mentioned.
Workload and Income
Le Sebvre’s workload fluctuates weekly, with an average of 2 to 3 jobs some weeks, while others may see up to 8. The additional earnings have allowed her to fund personal goals, such as a wedding for her daughter, following a previous holiday expenditure.
Demand for Inspection Services Rising
This type of service is experiencing increasing demand, particularly in Melbourne, followed by Brisbane and Sydney, as highlighted by Airtasker’s findings. The platform has noted a consistent rise in requests for property inspection tasks, linked to tighter vacancy rates in the rental market.
According to Airtasker’s CEO, Tim Fung, “This increase in demand reflects the tightening vacancy rates, and it is encouraging to see the community coming together to ease the home-hunting process.”
Current Vacancy Rates
Domain’s latest Rent Report shows that while some national vacancy rates have slightly improved, they remain under 2%. The specifics indicate that Sydney’s rate stands at 1.1%, Melbourne’s at 1.3%, while Brisbane rests at 0.7%. Notably, Darwin records the lowest vacancy rate at 0.3%.
Le Sebvre’s story is a vivid example of how individuals can turn market demands into successful side ventures, highlighting the potential of creating opportunities in response to community needs.
This unique take on the article maintains essential information while ensuring clarity and engagement for readers interested in business, side hustles, or the dynamics of the rental market.
