If a hint of diesel fumes with your spaghetti carbonara sounds like just the ticket, then Australia has the apartment for you.
A studio apartment in inner-city Melbourne, which was carefully described as “unique and humble” will set you back $450-a-week in rent — and a cursory inspection of its floor plan shows a ingenious space-saving technique.
The listing for 23 Dickens Street shows that the kitchen and garage at the cosy apartment have been combined into one room.
Spotting the listing, Melbourne MP Adam Bandt tweeted, saying it shows “something is deeply wrong with housing in Australia”.
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Other commenters on social media also piled on criticism, with one saying: “I think the Australian rental property market is broken.”
“Lol, is this for real?” asked another. “Kitchen in the garage? Walk in the front door and THROUGH the toilet... living situation in Melbourne is grim, grim I tell ya!”
Mr Bandt then wrote to Consumer Affairs Victoria, saying: “I do not believe that is acceptable in our community that renters are being forced to cook where they park their car”.
“This rental listing is a clear demonstration that the housing system is broken,” he added, writing that garage was bigger than the tiny living room.
The kitchen/garage is all yours for just A$450 a week. Photo / Supplied
“Rental prices and conditions are putting people in my electorate under serious pressure.“
The listing now appears to have been taken down, but real estate agents Hocking Stuart describe the property on its website as a “unique and humble abode”.
Despite the criticism, it states that it also has a layout and location that is “too good to refuse”.
“Comprising of security entrance, small kitchenette in a space large enough to entertain or use as off street parking for 1 car, living area opening to sunny tranquil courtyard, large bed, separate modern retreat style bathroom that completes this stunning residence,” it reads.
The listing has now been pulled down. Photo / Supplied
However, Yarra City councillor Stephen Jolly told The Age that council enforcement officers visited the property on Thursday and told the owner the studio was not compliant as a rental property.
“There should be a ban on these micro-apartments statewide. They are just middle-class ghettos. I have been in public housing which is more spacious to live in,” he said.
- news.com.au
