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Adelaide's rental market is experiencing unprecedented tightness with vacancy rates at just 0.8% and average weekly rents reaching $668 for houses and $527 for units as of September 2025. The city has recorded Australia's highest 10-year rental growth at 81%, making it both an attractive investment destination and a challenging market for tenants seeking affordable accommodation.
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Adelaide's rental market shows significant price variation by property type, with houses averaging $668 weekly and units $527 weekly as of September 2025.
Rental yields remain steady at 3.7% while mortgage repayments ($824 weekly) exceed average rents, creating opportunities for both investors and renters.
| Property Type | Average Weekly Rent | Annual Yield |
|---|---|---|
| All Houses | $668 | 3.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Houses | $652 | 3.7% |
| All Units | $527 | 3.7% |
| 2-Bedroom Units | $510 | 3.7% |
| Combined Average | $620 | 3.7% |
| Mortgage Repayments | $824 | N/A |
| Vacancy Rate | 0.8% | N/A |
What's the current average rent across Adelaide right now?
Adelaide's rental market is showing strong price performance with weekly rents averaging $668 for houses and $527 for units as of September 2025.
The combined average across all property types sits at $620 per week, reflecting a market that has experienced substantial growth over recent years. Three-bedroom houses specifically average $652 weekly, while two-bedroom units come in at $510 weekly.
These figures represent some of the highest rental rates Adelaide has ever recorded, driven by extremely low vacancy rates of just 0.8% and strong population growth. The rental market has become increasingly competitive, with properties often receiving multiple applications within days of listing.
As of September 2025, Adelaide's rental prices continue to outpace many other Australian capitals in terms of growth rate, though absolute prices remain more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne.
How does the average rent differ between houses, townhouses, and apartments?
Houses command significantly higher rents than units, with a gap of approximately $141 per week between the two property categories.
Houses average $668 weekly compared to units (including apartments and townhouses) at $527 weekly. This price differential reflects the premium tenants place on having private outdoor space, additional bedrooms, and parking that typically comes with house rentals.
The gap between houses and units has been narrowing over recent years as demand for affordable unit living increases, particularly among young professionals and students seeking proximity to the city center. Townhouses typically fall somewhere between apartments and houses in terms of pricing, depending on their size and location.
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What are the main differences in rent between central Adelaide and the suburbs?
Central Adelaide suburbs typically command premium rents compared to outer suburban areas, though significant affordable pockets exist throughout the metropolitan area.
Prime inner-city locations like Bowden see house and apartment rentals around $600 weekly, while prestigious beachside suburbs like Glenelg can reach $850 weekly for apartments including bills. In contrast, affordable suburban options include Salisbury East units at $370 weekly, Kilburn units at $430 weekly, and Elizabeth South houses at $393 weekly.
The suburban rental market offers substantial diversity, with some areas having median rents well below the city average. Areas like Mount Barker ($580 weekly for houses) and Modbury ($630 weekly for houses) provide middle-ground options between premium inner suburbs and budget outer areas.
Distance from the CBD, public transport access, local amenities, and school zones all influence these rental price variations across Adelaide's diverse suburban landscape.
How much does rent change depending on the size of the property?
| Property Size | Weekly Rent Range | Property Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Units | $450-$500 | Apartments/Units |
| 2-Bedroom Units | $510 | Apartments/Units |
| 3-Bedroom Houses | $652 | Houses |
| 4+ Bedroom Houses | $700-$900+ | Houses |
| Studio Apartments | $380-$450 | Apartments |
| Townhouses (2-3BR) | $550-$650 | Townhouses |
What are some real examples of rental prices for typical properties in Adelaide today?
Current Adelaide rental listings show significant variation based on location and property features, with examples ranging from budget options under $400 weekly to premium properties exceeding $800 weekly.
- Klemzig unit: $385 weekly - representing good value in an established suburb
- Royston Park house: $730 weekly - premium family home in desirable location
- Bowden house/apartment: $600 weekly including bills - modern inner-city living
- Mount Barker house: $580 weekly - growing hills suburb with good amenities
- Modbury house: $630 weekly - established northeastern suburb
- Glenelg apartment: $850 weekly including bills - beachside premium location
- Salisbury East unit: $370 weekly - budget-friendly northern suburbs option
- Kilburn unit: $430 weekly - affordable inner-northern location
- St Marys unit: $460 weekly - western suburbs value option
What extra costs should I expect beyond the base rent?
Rental properties in Adelaide involve several additional costs beyond the advertised weekly rent that tenants and landlords should budget for.
Property management fees typically range from 5-12% of weekly rent, while routine quarterly inspections cost $70-$100 per visit. Lease administration charges add $30-$50 per initial lease and $150-$300 for renewals.
Advertising costs for new tenancies range from $200-$500 per vacancy, with bond lodgement processing fees of $50-$100. Condition reports at the start and end of tenancies cost $150-$300 each, while maintenance coordination attracts $50-$150 per job plus actual repair costs.
Legal and dispute costs can reach $250-$450 as flat fees if tribunal proceedings become necessary, with additional legal rates applying for complex cases. These costs significantly impact the true cost of renting and should be factored into investment return calculations.
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How do mortgage repayments compare with the current average rents?
Mortgage repayments in South Australia significantly exceed average rental payments, making renting the more affordable option for most properties as of September 2025.
Average weekly mortgage repayments sit at $824 according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, while monthly figures range from $3,543 to $3,569 depending on loan size and lender. This compares to average weekly rents of $611-$668 for houses and lower rates for units.
The substantial gap between mortgage costs and rental rates means it generally costs less to rent than to service a mortgage on a similar property in Adelaide's current market. This dynamic creates opportunities for both renters seeking affordable accommodation and investors who can achieve positive cash flow scenarios.
Interest rate movements and property price changes will continue to influence this relationship, but the current environment strongly favors renting over buying from a pure cost perspective.
What are the vacancy rates in different parts of Adelaide, and how do they affect returns?
Adelaide's metropolitan vacancy rate of just 0.8% represents one of the tightest rental markets in Australia, creating strong conditions for landlord returns and limited options for tenants.
Even traditionally affordable suburbs maintain very low vacancy rates, with areas like Salisbury East and Kilburn showing rates between 0.42% and 1.27%. This consistent tightness across different price segments indicates strong underlying demand across the entire Adelaide rental market.
Low vacancy rates directly translate to reduced void periods for investors, meaning properties spend minimal time empty between tenancies. This maximizes rental income and reduces the carrying costs associated with vacant properties.
The tight vacancy environment also provides landlords with stronger negotiating positions for rent increases and tenant selection, contributing to the overall strength of rental returns in Adelaide's current market.
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Who are the typical renters in Adelaide right now?
Adelaide's rental market serves a diverse mix of tenant profiles, with young professionals and students forming a significant portion of demand for city units and apartments.
- Young professionals seeking inner-city lifestyle with proximity to employment centers
- University students requiring affordable accommodation near campus facilities
- Families preferring suburban houses with yards and school access
- Interstate migrants relocating to Adelaide for employment opportunities
- International migrants establishing themselves in Australia
- Older renters downsizing from larger properties they previously owned
- Couples without children wanting flexibility before purchasing
- Temporary workers on short to medium-term contracts
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What are the rental yields today, and how do they compare with previous years?
Adelaide rental yields currently average 3.7% across houses and units combined, representing steady performance compared to historical averages over recent years.
Units have experienced stronger rental growth with 7.3% annual rent increases, while houses have seen more moderate 4.3% growth. Investor clients have achieved slightly above-market yields at 4.45% in Q1 2025, indicating opportunities for well-positioned properties.
Compared to one year ago, yields have remained relatively stable, with the rental growth largely offset by corresponding property price appreciation. Five years ago, yields were similar to current levels, suggesting Adelaide has maintained consistent investment fundamentals throughout recent market cycles.
The steady yield environment reflects a balanced market where both rental income and capital growth contribute to total investment returns, making Adelaide attractive for investors seeking reliable performance rather than speculative gains.
What's the forecast for Adelaide rents and yields over the next one, five, and ten years?
Adelaide's rental market outlook shows continued modest growth over the short term with steady demand supporting longer-term investment prospects.
The one-year outlook predicts continued modest rent increases, particularly for units, while yields are expected to remain steady as supply improvements moderate growth. Market analysts forecast slow but consistent rental growth through 2026 as new developments help address the current supply shortage.
Five-year forecasts suggest steady demand will support yields, though future interest rate changes and economic factors will influence rent and return prospects. Overall slight growth is expected as Adelaide's population continues expanding and employment opportunities increase.
Ten-year projections indicate moderate growth in rents and yields, with ongoing development and population growth driving sustained demand. Adelaide is likely to remain attractive for investors due to its lifestyle factors and relative affordability compared to larger Australian capitals.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
How does Adelaide's rental market compare with other similar-sized cities in Australia?
| City | Average Weekly Rent | 10-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $600-$668 | 81% |
| Perth | $650-$750 | 65% |
| Brisbane | $700-$800 | 70% |
| Canberra | $750-$850 | 55% |
| Hobart | $500-$600 | 75% |
| Darwin | $550-$650 | 45% |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Adelaide's rental market presents compelling opportunities for both investors and tenants, with tight vacancy rates supporting strong returns while diverse pricing across suburbs provides options for different budgets.
The combination of steady yields, growing population, and relative affordability compared to larger capitals positions Adelaide as an attractive long-term investment destination in Australia's property market.
Sources
- SQM Research - Adelaide Weekly Rents
- Domain Rental Report June 2025
- Property Update - Affordable Rental Regions
- Flatmates Adelaide Property Listings
- Nitschke Real Estate Rentals
- Urban Renters - Rental Agent Fees
- Wise Buy Group - Australian Rent vs Mortgage
- Money.com.au Home Loan Statistics
- Refined Real Estate August 2025 Market Update
- OpenAgent Adelaide Property Market