Sydney renters are facing one of the toughest markets in the country’s history. With vacancy rates hovering around 1.3% (compared to a healthy market at 2.5%), almost every open home is crowded, almost every listing attracts dozens of applications, and almost every renter eventually hits the same wall:
You simply cannot have everything at once — not in this market.
Most people try to resist that reality at first. They feel like compromise means losing. In truth, compromise is how you win in a deeply constrained rental market. It’s how you stay competitive, move strategically rather than reactively, and — most importantly — end up genuinely happy in a home that works for your life, not just your wishlist.
At Find My Rental Property, my job is not to promise the impossible. My job is to navigate what is real — strategically, calmly and with complete honesty. I work closely with clients to help them define what matters most, identify which compromise will be the least painful (and sometimes even beneficial), and use a focused, evidence-based approach to secure a property that feels right.
Because in every search, renters inevitably have to choose between three compromises:
Price
Location
Property Requirements / Inclusions
This blog explores each one, how to choose wisely, and real-life examples of clients who found the sweet spot — not by holding out for perfection, but by making the right compromise for their situation.
Compromise #1: Price — When Increasing Your Budget Makes Life Easier, Not Harder
Most renters come to me with a firm budget in mind. And that’s smart — clear boundaries matter. But sometimes the market shifts to the point where a small increase can make a big difference in lifestyle, location and long-term satisfaction.
Real example: The client who increased his budget from $750 to $850 — and transformed his outcome
One of my clients began his search with a maximum weekly budget of $750. Based on the suburbs he wanted and the type of property he needed, it became clear early that he was stuck in the most competitive pocket of the market.
He was applying to multiple properties a week — and getting nowhere.
After walking through the numbers, weighing options and understanding which compromise would have the least impact on his life, he agreed to consider increasing his budget slightly.
We shifted to an $850 ceiling.
And immediately, everything changed.
He was suddenly competitive for:
newer, more spacious properties
safer buildings
quieter, more desirable streets
and exactly the suburb he’d dreamed of living in
Within days, we secured him a home that checked every major box — one he would never have accessed at the original budget.
Why a budget compromise can be wise — not reckless
Increasing your budget isn’t something I ever recommend lightly. But in some cases, renters discover:
✔ Cheaper properties are in worse condition
✔ Competition is far higher at lower price points
✔ More expensive properties are often better maintained
✔ A slightly higher weekly rent can eliminate significant lifestyle friction - and may even lower other lifestyle costs
In a constrained market, a modest increase can prevent months of struggle — and some renters end up saving money overall.
When to consider compromising on price
You may need to rethink your budget if:
the suburbs you want are highly competitive
your non-negotiables (eg pet-friendly, two bedrooms, parking) aren’t available at your price point
the lower-priced homes are too run-down
Sometimes, a small shift in price creates a large shift in outcomes.
Compromise #2: Location — When the Best Place Is Somewhere You Didn’t Expect
For many people, the biggest emotional attachment in the rental search is location. They imagine their life in one suburb — only to discover that the market simply doesn’t support that vision within budget or timeframe.
This is where strategic reality-checking becomes powerful.
Real example: The family who found a better lifestyle in a completely different suburb
Another client came to me with a firm idea of where they wanted to live — a very specific area of Sydney with very limited rental availability - but it soon became clear that:
nothing in the area fit their budget
the few properties available were small, dated or poorly maintained
we were not going to fins success in those areas
We revisited their brief together — lifestyle, commute, schools, community, weekend priorities.
And it turned out the reason they wanted the original suburb wasn’t actually tied to the suburb itself — but to the type of lifestyle they thought it would give them.
By switching to a different area, we found suburbs with:
the same commute time
significantly more space
parks and family amenities
a calmer environment
more property options
better value
They secured a home quickly — and now tell me they’re happier than they ever would have been in the “dream” suburb.
Why compromising on location sometimes gives you more of what you need
Location is emotional, but it’s also deeply practical. When you widen the search:
✔ You increase the number of suitable properties
✔ You unlock better value for money
✔ You reduce competition
✔ You may uncover a suburb that fits your life better
Often, the “unexpected suburb” ends up being the perfect fit.
When to consider compromising on location
You may need to rethink your preferred suburbs if:
almost nothing is being listed there
competition is pushing desirable homes far above budget
the suburb’s amenity no longer matches your life stage
better suburbs exist for your commute, lifestyle or family needs
Being flexible with suburb choice is one of the strongest levers renters can pull to achieve a great outcome.
Compromise #3: Property Requirements — When Adjusting Your Wishlist Expands Your Options
Your wishlist matters — space, layout, inclusions, outdoor areas, pets, natural light. But in a tight market, some requirements can be adapted without sacrificing liveability or comfort.
Real example: The renter who wanted a house for her dog — but found a unit that was better
One of my clients was adamant about renting a house. Not for herself, but for her dog. Outdoor space was the deciding factor.
But when we looked at the market:
houses were renting extremely fast
competition was fierce
many houses in her budget were run-down
some were not actually ideal for pets
the options for houses were very limited
We explored high-quality units instead — specifically those that were located in areas with generous common gardens and close proximity to green spaces.
She ended up renting a beautiful apartment in a complex with:
a large, well-kept garden
plenty of outdoor areas including a large balcony off the living room and another off the main bedroom
a huge dog park 200 metres away
a lower price than comparable houses
better security
lower maintenance
closer proximity to shops and transport
walking tracks
a local veterinary clinic
She and her dog are both thriving — and she is saving thousands of dollars on rent each year.
Why compromising on property features can be a smart strategy
Sometimes, the perfect home doesn’t look like the one you pictured. Adjusting your requirements can mean:
✔ better condition
✔ safer buildings
✔ modern facilities
✔ lower maintenance
✔ greater value for money
And, as seen above, the right alternative can actually be better than the original plan.
When to consider compromising on property features
You may need to rethink inclusions if:
the wishlist is longer than the current supply allows
the features you want dramatically inflate the price
compromises in location or price would be more painful
comparable renters are outcompeting you for the same properties
This is the compromise most renters resist at first — and often the one that leads to unexpected happiness.
Which Compromise Should You Choose? Here’s the Framework I Use With Every Client
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right compromise depends on your priorities, lifestyle, budget and timing.
Here is the simple but powerful decision-making model I use:
1. What affects your daily life the most?
2. What are the absolute non-negotiables?
3. Which compromise would improve the outcome?
4. What is the market telling us?
I use real-time data to advise the best compromise for your goals.
The Secret to a Successful Rental Search in 2025 & 2026
Most renters try to hold all three variables firmly in place. But those who secure great homes understand something different:
You often only need to compromise on one.
As long as you protect the other two, you will land somewhere wonderful.
My role is to help you:
✔ choose the right compromise
✔ avoid painful ones
✔ analyse market trade-offs
✔ secure a property faster
✔ reduce stress
✔ and ultimately find a home that genuinely works for you
Compromise isn’t settling — it’s strategising.
And in a market like Sydney’s, strategy wins.