Decision Overview: Rooming Houses, 88 Argyll Street, Malvern East
This property is a rooming house-style residence at 88 Argyll Street in Malvern East, a suburb about 12 km south-east of Melbourne’s city centre. It offers ensuite rooms and self-contained apartments on a weekly rental basis. Because it is a rooming house, the accommodation is more communal than a standard apartment building — shared facilities (laundry, kitchen, possibly lounge) are typical, though exact layout depends on the unit type you choose. The property is currently listed as “not available” on the platform, so any planning would need to confirm availability directly with the operator.
Who It Suits
- Students or young professionals attending RMIT University — the property’s location in Malvern East puts it roughly 30–40 minutes by public transport to RMIT’s city campus. The suburb is residential and quiet, which appeals to those who prefer a calmer environment after classes rather than a lively city-centre scene.
- Budget-minded renters who want an all-inclusive weekly rate — with prices from AUD 380 to AUD 480 per week, the property sits above Melbourne’s city-wide from-price of AUD 219 per week, but that city figure typically represents very basic shared rooms or far-out suburbs. A rooming house in an established suburb like Malvern East with ensuites and apartments in this range is competitive compared to private rentals in the same area, which often start around AUD 450+ for a studio.
- Those who value shorter lease flexibility — the minimum lease period is 29 weeks, which is roughly one academic semester plus a short break. This makes it easier for students who may not commit to a full 12-month lease, though you should confirm exact break clauses with the operator.
- People comfortable with shared living arrangements — rooming houses typically have common kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities. If you enjoy a social atmosphere and don’t mind sharing these spaces, the setup can be cost-effective and reduce isolation.
Who It Does Not Suit
- Couples or groups wanting separate bedrooms — the property only offers ensuite rooms and apartments (likely studio or one-bedroom configurations). There is no mention of two-bedroom or family units. If you need to share a two-bedroom apartment or have multiple occupants in one room, this may not work.
- Those who need immediate availability — as of the data date (July 2026), the property is tagged “not_available”. You should not expect to move in quickly; contact the operator to see if future spots are opening or if waiting lists exist.
- Renters on an extremely tight budget — the weekly price of AUD 380–480 is higher than many purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) rooms in Melbourne’s outer suburbs or shared houses in areas like Footscray or Brunswick. If your budget is under AUD 300 per week, this residence is likely too expensive.
- People who need to be in the city core every day — Malvern East is a residential suburb. While train and tram services connect to the city, commuting adds 30–40 minutes each way. If you have early morning classes or late-night study sessions, the travel time may become a drawback.
Price Positioning vs. Melbourne’s From-Price
Melbourne’s city-wide from-price for student accommodation is AUD 219 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That figure typically refers to a very basic twin-share or standard single room in a budget property far from the CBD. By contrast, 88 Argyll Street offers rooms from AUD 380 per week for an ensuite and up to AUD 480 for an apartment (indicative — confirm with the operator). That is roughly 73–119% above the city’s minimum. However, in Malvern East itself, private rental studios and one-bedroom flats typically start around AUD 450–550 per week (2026 estimates). So the rooming house’s pricing is roughly in line with or slightly below the local private market, while including utilities and shared facilities under one weekly bill. The trade-off is less privacy than a fully self-contained apartment.
Room-Type Guidance
- Ensuite room: likely a single bedroom with a private bathroom but shared kitchen and lounge areas. Best for students who value private bathroom but are fine cooking and relaxing with others. Price range is likely closer to AUD 380–420 per week.
- Apartment: likely a self-contained studio or one-bedroom unit with private kitchen, bathroom, and living space. More privacy and independence, but higher cost — around AUD 450–480 per week. Suitable for those who want their own cooking facilities and don’t want to rely on shared common areas.
Since rooming houses often have varied layouts, you should ask the operator for floor plans and exactly what is included in each unit type (e.g., does the apartment have a separate bedroom, or is it a studio?).
Booking Timing
The property is marked “not_available” as of the data. If you are planning for the 2026–2027 academic year, you should contact the operator well in advance — at least 6–8 months before your intended move-in month — to learn about future vacancies. Many rooming houses operate on a rolling intake, but popular suburbs like Malvern East have limited spots. Because the minimum lease is 29 weeks, the best windows to inquire are around November–January for Semester 1 starts (February/March) and May–June for Semester 2 starts (July/August). If you need accommodation earlier, be prepared to look at alternative properties while awaiting availability updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: What utilities are included in the weekly rent?
Rooming houses typically include water, electricity, gas, and internet in the weekly rent, but you should always confirm with the operator. The listing does not specify which bills are included. Ask whether there are any additional charges for laundry, parking, or use of common areas. The price shown (AUD 380–480 per week) is indicative — confirm the full breakdown with the operator before signing.
H3: How far is the property from RMIT University?
The address is Malvern East VIC 3145. Using public transport, you can take a train from Malvern station (approximately 1.5 km away) to Flinders Street station, then walk or tram to RMIT’s city campus. Total travel time is about 35–45 minutes each way. Alternatively, tram routes on Glenferrie Road or Warrigal Road connect to the city. Cycling is possible but involves hills. Driving to the city during peak hours can take 30–40 minutes plus parking costs. Verify exact transit options with the operator as access routes may change.
H3: Is the property suitable for vegetarian or halal food preparation?
Rooming houses typically have shared kitchens with basic appliances (stove, oven, fridge, microwave). If you have specific dietary requirements, you can store and prepare your own food. Halal or vegetarian meal prep is not inherently restricted, but you should check the kitchen cleanliness policy and whether there are designated storage areas. The property also has a laundry facility, which is a plus for long stays. Again, confirm any rules about cooking and food storage with the operator.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
Note: All prices shown are indicative — confirm with the operator. Availability and exact lease terms should be verified directly with the residence management.
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