The 5 home must-haves that are reshaping the way Australia rents

More and more Australians are renting for longer – and in the process, rethinking what ‘home’ means.

Build-to-rent communities are redefining the experience, making renting easier, safer and truly lifestyle-focused.

Renting is no longer what it used to be (and that’s a good thing)

In Australia, the share of long-term private renters has doubled in the past decade. For many, renting is now a lifestyle choice rather than a stepping stone to buying.

Unlike traditional private rentals, build-to-rent developments offer secure tenancies, service-oriented management and access to lifestyle amenities that rival – and often surpass – owner-occupied properties.

Local: residentialAustralia’s largest professional rental platform, founded in Melbourne, is leading the charge. Each development is designed for modern tenants and combines sustainability, connection and convenience.

“Purpose-built, professionally managed rentals are already the norm in the US and UK,” said Megan Hondromatidis, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Local: Residential.

“It takes away a lot of the anxiety and hassle that often comes with traditional rentals.”

Melbourne’s answer: putting renters first

Local: Residential’s buildings in Kensington and Box Hill set the tone for a new era of rental.

Each apartment is equipped with white goods – from fridges to washing machines and dryers – and fully furnished options are available for those who prefer to move in with less.

The Kensington district features sustainably designed studios to three-bedroom houses, from $590 per week, with built-in storage and plenty of natural light.

Shared amenities include a large gym, wellness studio, cinema room, creative space, outdoor BBQ areas, heated swimming pool and private dining room.

“Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your lifestyle,” says Hondromatidis. “Our shared spaces are used daily by residents – they have become an extension of people’s homes.”

She adds that the flexible rental terms attract everyone from students and young professionals to families.

“Some opt for a shorter lease of six or nine months, while others like the certainty that they can stay there for years without the hassle of moving.”

Box Hill will add a further 425 sustainably designed apartments when it opens in January 2026.

Amenities include a wellness zone, indoor pool, sauna and steam room, private dining areas, outdoor terraces, mahjong room, work-from-home studios and a podcast room.

“We show tenants that apartment living can fit their values ​​and changing needs,” says Hondromatidis.

“If you want a sustainable home that is efficient and cost-conscious, that is what we designed for.”

Flexible lease terms, pet-friendly apartments, low $1,000 bonds, and streamlined moves mean local: residential developments are a far cry from traditional renting.

Local: Kensington homes range from sleek studios to three-bedroom family apartments.

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The 5 must-haves for tenants that define the new rental era

1. Stability and convenience

Build-to-rent developments prioritize convenience and predictability. Tenants can choose their move-in date and avoid the stress of paying double rent.

“There is certainty in the rental period,” says Hondromatidis. “People can lock themselves in for up to five years without having to deal with the constant pressure of house hunting or the uncertainty of private landlords.”

Residents can also enlarge, reduce or move within the same building; flexibility is rarely offered in the traditional market.

2. Built-in security and on-site support

Safety and service are top priorities for long-term tenants. Each building has secure Bluetooth access, camera surveillance in communal areas and a resident and maintenance team on site six days a week.

“We see more and more women in their 20s and 30s choosing to live solo, valuing both the safety and community aspect,” says Hondromatidis.

Maintenance requests are handled quickly (no more waiting weeks for a response from a private landlord) and tenants can enjoy amenities such as the gym, co-working studios and outdoor spaces without having to leave their home.

3. Lifestyle on your doorstep

From gyms and swimming pools to creative and co-working spaces, build-to-rent living combines the comfort of home with the convenience of a hotel.

“It’s about lifestyle: being able to walk out of your apartment and go straight to the gym or workspace,” Hondromatidis explains.

Regular resident events such as yoga, trivia nights, creative workshops and social mixers provide a real community connection.

Community and connection are at the heart of the Local: Kensington lifestyle.

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4. Pet and people friendly living

With more Australians owning pets, Local: Residential is taking a progressive approach.

“Everyone loves the people-centric design, but we also have plenty of cats and dogs who call Local their home,” says Hondromatidis.

Pet-friendly zones include an outdoor Bark Park and Pet Wash, while special pet-free zones cater to residents without animals, ensuring harmony for all.

5. A landlord who works with you

Flexibility and collaboration are the foundation of the build-to-rent ethos.

“We want people to enjoy living with us and stay as long as it suits them,” says Hondromatidis.

“If you can treat an apartment as if it were your own – painting it, hanging art and giving it a personal feel – it really makes a difference.”

Because Local: Residential owns and manages its buildings, it can adapt to the needs of its residents over time, ensuring the spaces it creates remain the ones people truly value.

Local: Kensington residents have more flexibility when it comes to personalizing their space.

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The new benchmark for renting in Australia

For today’s long-term renters, build-to-rent means more than just a house: it’s a lifestyle built around stability, security and connection.