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A Side Hustle to Watch: Sydney Woman Thrives in Rental Inspection Scene
In the bustling rental market of Australia, a Sydney resident has turned a unique side hustle into a lucrative income stream, making between $10,000 and $15,000 annually by attending rental inspections on behalf of others. This opportunity has gained traction particularly during recent years, as competition for rental properties intensified, and many potential tenants found it challenging to attend inspections in person.
The Genesis of the Side Hustle
Rose Le Sebvre, a 58-year-old who began this venture five years ago, found inspiration from the compromises brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, many individuals were unable to travel locally or interstate, creating an opening for her to assist those who couldn’t attend inspections due to job commitments or other constraints. As Le Sebvre notes, "There are more and more weekday inspections now," highlighting a shift from traditional inspection times primarily held on weekends.
Flexibility Meets Demand
Alongside her part-time work in strata insurance valuation, which allows her to manage her schedule flexibly, Le Sebvre has tapped into the marketplace Airtasker to find most of her jobs. Additionally, she has established connections with various real estate agencies, who refer her to clients needing comprehensive inspection services.
Le Sebvre charges between $60 and $140 per job, depending on the property’s size, and each inspection typically lasts from 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours. As part of her service, she records videos of the street environment surrounding the property, assesses the local neighbourhood, and provides potential tenants with crucial details about the area’s ambiance and transport availability.
Comprehensive Inspection Process
In her inspections, Le Sebvre meticulously documents crucial aspects, including:
- Property condition, noting any visible wear and tear or mould.
- Availability of storage and kitchen appliances.
- The level of foot traffic during her visit.
She also supplies clients with an extensive collection of photographs—usually 30 to 40 images—to supplement her detailed written feedback. This comprehensive service not only aids clients in better visualising the property but also provides them with valuable insights on factors that might influence their rental decision.
A Growing Market
Le Sebvre’s side hustle emerges amid a growing trend in Australia, where platforms like Airtasker have noted a record demand for rental inspection services. As reported by Airtasker’s CEO Tim Fung, Melbourne tops the demand rankings for such services, followed closely by Brisbane and Sydney. The current average task price varies from $40 to $200, depending on the specifics of each inspection.
A Market with Low Vacancy Rates
This burgeoning demand for rental inspection services correlates with tightening vacancy rates within the Australian rental market. A recent report indicated that vacancy rates are worryingly low, with Sydney at 1.1%, Melbourne at 1.3%, Brisbane at 0.7%, and Darwin hitting a striking 0.3%.
Le Sebvre’s efforts to provide insightful property assessments are not only helping clients make informed decisions but are also a reflection of the market dynamics that compel many to turn to alternative solutions to secure housing.
Conclusion
Rose Le Sebvre’s innovative side hustle exemplifies how individuals can capitalise on changing market needs. As the rental landscape continues to evolve, services like her inspections are increasingly critical to helping prospective tenants navigate the challenges of a competitive market.
For anyone interested in exploring similar side hustles or sharing their own stories, reaching out to community platforms like Airtasker may offer new avenues of opportunity and insight.
