Anyone looking for rental accommodation in the Milton Ulladulla region would understand what Chris Coffey means when he describes the current market as a 'rental crisis'.
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The principal at MUM Real Estate grew up in the local region and said the demand he's seeing at the moment is incredible.
With an increase in people working from home and moving to the region, and the added pressure on the market from 130 families who lost their homes in the bushfires, the last two months has been the busiest yet in the rental world.
"It definitely feels like a rental crisis at the moment and I don't know what the solution is, to be honest," Chris said.
"I do think this could be the new norm though. Traditionally in Sydney and the major cities you'd have the huge line ups for rental properties but the secret's out about this beautiful area now and people can work from home and live here."
The MUM Real Estate office is getting several people through the door everyday, desperately searching for a rental.
Each property is average is receiving more than 15 solid applications, and some people are doing whatever they can to secure a home - one person recently went $70 above the rental price to secure the property.
In the past six months Chris estimates rental prices have increased on average $50 a week.
"You're really doing well if you find anything under $400," he said.
With prices hitting the $600 and above mark, he said we've definitely hit new territory for the region.
"I do think this could be the new norm though. Traditionally in Sydney and the major cities you'd have the huge line ups for rental properties but the secret's out about this beautiful area now and people can work from home and live here."
- Chris Coffey, MUM Real Estate
As the sales market also continues to boom, many tenants will need to find new homes as new owners move in.
While Chris said MUM Real Estate is doing everything they can to help people find a new home, he advised people to have everything in order to make the process easier.
"Have all your documentation ready and if you see something do whatever you can, take time off work to try and inspect it if you can and get on the front foot," he said.
Looking further afield has also proved necessary. While areas like Bawley Point have usually been a smaller market, even its demand has soared.
And while he said it's common for people to think landlords are just after a quick buck, Chris said landlords know when they're onto a good thing.
"People don't want tenants leaving all the time so if you've got a good tenant with a stable job they want to hold onto them," he said
"Just the other day I had clients tell me they planned on using their home as a holiday home but have made a deliberate decision to get less income and support a local family."