Every landlord should ask themselves a question: What kind of housing conditions will attract more tenants to move in?
Based on realestate.com.au data analysis, the following are the most popular keywords for rental searches over the past 12 months. This information can help investors optimize their properties and attract more tenants.
1. Pet friendly
The most popular search keyword is "pet-friendly." With more and more households keeping pets, demand for pet-friendly properties has skyrocketed.
Expert advice:
While some landlords may be concerned about pet damage to their property, having the right landlord insurance can reduce these risks. For example,Terri Scheer Landlord InsurancePet damage can be covered up to AUD 5,000, but landlords should read the policy carefully to ensure they fully understand what is covered.
2. Furnished
For tenants relocating from overseas or interstate, a furnished rental can reduce the cost and hassle of moving. This demand is also very common in the short-term rental market, such as the fly-in fly-out worker community.
hint:
Furniture should be kept simple and functional, allowing tenants to decorate to their own tastes.
3. Air conditioning
In a warm climate like Australia, air conditioning is crucial for living comfort. Over the past year, searches for "air conditioning" have increased by 1,131,330, indicating a growing demand for temperature control among tenants.
4. Swimming pool
Despite the maintenance required, swimming pools were the fourth most searched keyword, highlighting Australians’ love for outdoor living and water activities.
5. Garage
Secure parking is crucial for tenants, especially in inner-city areas. With the rise of remote working, properties with garages are particularly attractive for those who need to park their car for extended periods.
6. Outdoor area
Whether it's for pets or people staying home during the pandemic, outdoor space has become a crucial rental requirement. "Outdoor area" and "balcony" ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, demonstrating the high importance tenants place on these amenities.
7. Aesthetics and Style
While aesthetic-related keywords didn't make the top ten search terms for rentals, "wooden flooring" (+1,29%) became one of the fastest-growing search terms. Meanwhile, "Art Deco"-style homes are also gaining popularity.
Top 10 most popular rental search terms:
- Pet friendly
- Furnished
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Garage
- Outdoor area
- Balcony
- Dishwasher
- Built-in robes
- National Rent Assistance Scheme (NRAS)
These search trends indicate that functionality and lifestyle are key considerations for tenants when choosing a property. Landlords looking to enhance their properties' appeal should prioritize improving these features to attract more high-quality tenants.


