A “dystopian” capsule apartment is being offered as a solution for Sydneysiders unable to find or afford even a small unit due to the city’s housing crisis.
Priced at $300 per week, the pod-like space in downtown Haymarket is described as a “unique accommodation solution” for tenants looking for a “cost-effective long-term living option.”
The ‘ultra-modern’ capsule, so small an adult must crouch inside, is located inside the Space Q Capsule Hotel on George Street.
The images show the capsules are stacked just an arm’s length away from adjacent “rooms.”
The space comes with a single and double bed option, USB charging ports, a TV and a safe for storing small personal items, according to the listing.
Tenants would have to use common bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces and there are lockers to store personal belongings.
While the agent describes the pod as “the next generation of new, affordable, long-term accommodation”, Sydneysiders are questioning whether it meets “minimum living standards”.
“Calling it an apartment is a bit of a stretch,” one commenter said on Facebook.
Capsule apartment for rent for $300 per week in Sydney
The capsule is located inside the Space Q Capsule Hotel on George St in Haymarket.
Potential tenants have access to a communal living space, kitchen and bathroom.
“They’re fine for a cheap overnight stay… but not very habitable long term,” wrote another.
After staying in the capsule for just one night, one woman said it was “definitely not suitable for the long term.”
“The capsule was in a room with five other capsules. Also, one of the showers in the bathroom was not working and someone had vomited in the other one,” he explained.
PropTrack data reveals Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city to rent, with average rents rising by more than $150 per week over the past year.
In March, national vacancy rates fell to a record low of 0.7 percent.
