Rental Scams in Sydney
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Sydney — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Sydney Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | A$2,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | A$2,800 |
| 2 Bedroom | A$3,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | A$4,300 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Sydney listed under A$1,960, be cautious.
That is roughly 70% of the local average for a 1-bedroom apartment. Listings priced significantly below the market average are one of the strongest indicators of a rental scam. Scammers use below-market pricing to attract as many victims as possible before the listing is taken down.
Common Scam Patterns in Sydney
Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au Fake Listings
Scammers scrape real listings from Domain or Realestate.com.au, repost them at slightly lower weekly rent on Facebook or Gumtree, and direct victims to communicate via WhatsApp. They collect bond (typically 4 weeks rent) and 2 weeks advance rent before vanishing.
Eastern Suburbs and Inner West Pricing Scams
Any listing in Bondi, Surry Hills, Newtown, or Paddington priced well below market should raise immediate red flags. These areas are among Australia's most expensive and scammers use aspirational pricing to attract victims.
Inspection Day Scams
Sydney's competitive rental market means open inspections attract dozens of applicants. Scammers create fake open inspections at real properties (using temporary access), collect application fees and holding deposits from multiple attendees, then disappear.
Overseas Landlord Bond Scam
Scammers claim to be Australian property owners living overseas, offering to rent their property at below-market rates. They request the bond be sent via international transfer rather than lodged with NSW Fair Trading, as legally required.
How to Protect Yourself in Sydney
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Sydney, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through official records — through NSW Land Registry Services (nswlrs.com.au).
- ✓Never wire money or pay with gift cards. Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards.
- ✓Compare prices against the rent averages above. If a listing is more than 30% below average, treat it as suspicious until verified.
- ✓Run the listing through our free checker to scan for 40+ scam patterns before you engage with the landlord. If you encounter fraud, Report to Scamwatch Australia.
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