Insane length renter took to secure a home and beat TEN other applicants: ‘Houses are scarce’
A former lawyer has revealed the extraordinary length she took to secure a home for her family after forking out a year’s worth of rent upfront.
Sharné Lategan, a personal growth coach, said she had been looking for a home for her children and partner as they prepared to move from Queensland to Perth.
She found a house in the northern suburbs, but on open day she learned there were ten families who had also expressed their interest in the property.
‘Houses here are scarce,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I am a woman who likes to get what I want, and I wanted a house in this area so my children could be in the catchment for my children’s school.
‘The owners had over ten applications and I wanted it. I offered six months, they knocked it back – can you believe it – then I offered 12 months, and they accepted it.’
Ms Lategan said she was thankful to have gone on to secure the tenancy of the four-bedroom home.
‘I’m fortunate to have been in a position where I could put my best cards on the table, and secure the property,’ she said.
Sharné Lategan, a personal growth coach, said she had been looking for a home for her children and partner as they prepared to move from Queensland to Perth
CoreLogic revealed in January the median rent was at $601 a week – or $31,252 a year.
Ms Lategan’s drastic act comes as the country grapples with low vacancy rates and renters compete against each other to secure a property.
SQM research showed the national vacancy rate at 1.3 per cent as of April 2025.
In Sydney, a rate of 1.5 per cent represented a sluggish 0.3 per cent increase since April last year.
Perth’s vacancy rate climbed just 0.1 per cent in the same timeframe – from 0.6 per cent last year to 0.7 per cent.
Little Real Estate executive general manager Anne Crarey said tenants should ensure their applications are accurate.
‘Ensure all your details are completed correctly on the form, as you’d be surprised how many people often make mistakes or leave parts blank,’ she told WA Today.
‘Go over your application with a fine-tooth comb and make sure it’s accurate and complete.’
Personal coach at Grow and Expand, Sharné Lategan, said she was thankful her offer had been enough to sway the landlords
‘Provide as many supporting documents as you can with your application, including written references and ensuring that they’re available to call.
She suggested advising referee’s they would be contact so they could make it easier for agents to do their checks.
Ms Crarey also suggested writing a cover letter to share with agents.
‘Write a cover letter that tells agents about who you are and why you would make a good renter. Add some of your interests there to make you more memorable,’ she added.
