The Great Melbourne Ghost Towns: A Spooky Statistical Inquiry into Empty Houses
Ever get the feeling Melbourne's getting a little... deserted? Like you see more tumbleweeds than tenants rolling down the street? Well, there might be some truth to that feeling. Buckle up, because we're diving into the curious case of Melbourne's empty houses.
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| How Many Empty Houses Are There In Melbourne |
So, How Empty Are We Talking?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted a census in 2021, and let's just say some houses weren't exactly brimming with life on census night. Around 10% of Melbourne's dwellings were classified as "unoccupied." That's a spooky number, translating to roughly 80,000 empty homes according to a report by Prosper Australia (although some estimates put it even higher).
Hold on, doesn't that sound a tad ghoulish?
Well, it's not quite as spooky as it seems. Not every empty house is a full-blown ghost town. Here's the thing:
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
- Holiday homes: Some folks might own a swanky beach pad they only visit occasionally. Not exactly a full-time resident, but hey, at least the ghosts of summer vacations linger.
- Investment properties: Maybe people bought a place to rent out, but haven't found a tenant yet. Like a haunted house waiting for its next unsuspecting soul... tenant, that is.
- Under renovation: Those pesky plumbing problems can leave a house uninhabitable for a while. Not haunted, per se, but definitely disrupted by ghostly banging pipes.
Why All the Empty Houses, Melbourne?
There are a few reasons why Melbourne might have more empty houses than a vampire convention:
- Our love affair with bricks and mortar: Australians have a bit of an obsession with property investment. Sometimes, that means more houses get built than people show up to live in them.
- Students and FIFO workers: Melbourne's a student magnet, but many head home after graduation. FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) workers might have a Melbourne base they only use occasionally. So, some houses end up feeling a bit lonely.
- The high cost of living: Let's face it, Melbourne ain't cheap. Renting or buying can be a daunting prospect, leaving some houses empty while Melburnians squeeze in with multiple flatmates (because who needs personal space, right?).
Empty Houses: A Boon or a Bane?
The empty house debate is a doozy. On the one hand, these empty spaces could potentially house folks struggling to find affordable rentals. On the other hand, some argue they might be weekend retreats or future family homes.
It's a bit of a spooky situation, but hey, at least Melbourne's ghosts have a decent selection of real estate.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Frequently Asked Empty House Enquiries:
How to turn an empty house into a haunted house?
Easy! Just neglect the place for a few decades, let the cobwebs accumulate, and maybe stage a creepy dollhouse scene. Don't forget the spooky sound effects!
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How to find a tenant for my empty house?
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
There are plenty of resources online and real estate agents who can help. Just make sure your rent isn't so high it would scare tenants away faster than a vampire at sunrise.
How to convince my neighbour their empty house is haunted?
While tempting, this might not be the best course of action. Maybe bake them some cookies and offer to help mow the lawn instead. Neighbourly kindness is way less spooky than a fake haunting.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
How to score a sweet deal on a rental because of all the empty houses?
Do your research, compare prices, and don't be afraid to negotiate. A little savvy can go a long way in the Melbourne rental market.
How to turn my empty house into a bat cave (the non-creepy kind)?
There are ways to create bat boxes that provide a safe haven for these awesome flying bug-eaters. Just be sure to do your research and make sure it's legal and safe.
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