A creative solution has emerged for Australia's escalating rental crisis: speed dating

As Australia's rental market continues to challenge prospective tenants with skyrocketing costs and limited availability, the Melbourne born rental platform and certified B Corp, Local Residential is pioneering a solution that addresses both housing stress and social connection through its upcoming housemate matching events at Local: Kensington in June.

The events, dubbed ‘Housemate Huddles’, scheduled for 17th, 18th, and 24th June at 6 pm, at Local: Kensington, 348 Macaulay Road, Kensington, Melbourne, VIC aim to transform the traditionally time-consuming and stressful process of finding compatible housemates by creating a structured, secure environment where potential housemates can meet, connect, and tour brand-new apartments together.

Event details at a glance: 

• When: 17th, 18th, and 24th June at 6 pm
• Where: Local: Kensington, 348 Macaulay Road, Kensington, Melbourne, VIC
• Apartment types: 2 and 3-bedroom apartments
• Major Incentive: 10 weeks of free rent on two and three-bedroom apartments for leases signed and paid by 30 June 2025
• Segments: Female only, Queer, Mixed and all-in no preference

"In a rental market where finding a decent home can be difficult and expensive, and navigating a world of strangers to try and find a housemate can quite honestly feel a bit daunting, we're creating a public forum where housemates can meet, connect and decide if they want to move in together," said Megan Hondromatidis, general manager marketing and communications of Local.

Each event will have a capped capacity and begin with time to mingle, followed by guided tours of two and three-bedroom apartments, and finish up with drinks and dinner in the building's shared spaces. The format allows potential housemates to experience both the private living spaces and communal areas like Local’s working hub, fitness studio and resident lounge that features a large communal kitchen, perfect for the first housemate dinner.

“Equally as unsettling can be moving into someone's established home, so having the neutral territory of a brand-new apartment is an added bonus. The Housemate Huddle events are a way of bringing people together who are on the hunt for a compatible housemate, with no strings attached,’’ added Megan. 

As a certified B Corp, Local has structured the events to reflect its commitment to creating secure, long-term housing solutions and fostering genuine community connections. The events will feature segmented groups, including female-only, queer-friendly, mixed, and all-inclusive sessions to ensure comfortable environments for all participants.

Significant savings for residents

Beyond solving the social challenge of housemate hunting, Local: Kensington offers on-site service and maintenance staff, and residents can realise financial advantages through its comprehensive amenities offering. According to Local's recent cost analysis, residents can save over $11,000 annually through included services that would otherwise require separate memberships and subscriptions, including fitness facilities, co-working spaces, and a flat rate $1,000 bond per apartment.

Event attendees will automatically enter a draw for prizes, including a year of free internet, hours of car share credits, or storage spaces, should they proceed with a lease.

There's no need to fight over moving the fridge, either. Each Local: Kensington apartment comes move-in ready with:

• Brand-new appliances, including split-system heating and cooling
• Washing machine and dryer
• Dishwasher, fridge, oven, and induction cooktop
• All installed and ready to go

Long term stability and flexibility 

Local's commitment to rental security extends beyond the matchmaking events to their core philosophy about renting as a long-term housing solution.

"Part of our B Corp commitment is to make renting a secure, long-term choice," Hondromatidis explained. "It's important for residents to be able to feel settled and not have the constant fear of having to move at the whim of a landlord. We want people to settle in and make it truly feel like home; paint the walls, get a pet, it's up to you! We’ve created an environment where renting is a stable, long-term option. Because renters deserve security, not uncertainty."

This philosophy extends to Local's lease offerings, which include options from 6 months up to five years, and encourages residents to bring their pets, paint walls, grow families, and create genuine stability in well-connected locations.

The Housemate Huddle events are open to prospective residents seeking two and three-bedroom apartment arrangements. Given the innovative nature of the program and current rental market demand, early registration is recommended.

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