The housing market looms large in the Australian imagination. With house prices in capital cities soaring beyond the reach of many, it is also true that we are becoming a nation of renters.

Many of those would-be buyers are renting homes in the places they would like to live rather than taking on potentially ruinous levels of debt.

Here’s the good news.

If you spend a bit of time scouring real estate listings you can find affordable and comfortable rental options. Here are homes to rent for $600 or less in Australia’s capital cities. (Note: they were still available at time of publication.)

Melbourne: $580 per week

5 Hillview Road, Balwyn North, 3104
3 beds – 1 bath – 2 cars – full listing

Great family home in the prestigious Balwyn High School zone. Features polished floorboards, fabulous funky art deco kitchen with dining booth and north-facing back yard. Easy access to the Eastern Freeway.

Sydney: $580 per week

59 Preddys Road, Bexley 2207
2 beds – 1 bath – 1 car – full listing

It’s not the most contemporary-looking house on the outside but it’s got a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, large lounge and dining rooms and timber floors. It’s also pet friendly with a big grassy back yard.

Sydney: $580 per week

12/26 French Avenue, Bankstown, NSW 2200
3 beds – 2 baths – 1 car – full listing

Top floor apartment in a secure block close to all facilities with en suite, views, spacious living area and two balconies. Terrific location too, and all modern appliances.

Brisbane: $590 per week

29 Fitzroy Street, Clayfield, QLD 4011
3 beds – 2 baths – 2 cars – pool – full listing

Pretty, with loads of character, high ceilings and a main bedroom with en suite, this house has a sunny enclosed verandah overlooking the street and a rear deck overlooking the pool. In the Eagle Junction State School area.

Perth: $500 per week

69 Woolwich Street, West Leederville 6007
3 beds – 2 baths – 1 car – full listing

Features a renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and stone benchtops and large open plan living. It also features reverse cycle air conditioning and a low-maintenance back yard.

Adelaide: $560 per week

13a Seafield Avenue, Kingswood 5062
3 beds – 2 baths – 2 cars – full listing

Light and bright, this house is in a terrific location close to shops and transport and in the coveted Unley High School zone.

Hobart: $580 per week

36 Burnside Avenue, New Town 7008
4 beds – 1 bath – 4 cars – full listing

A classic renovated weatherboard with a brand new, all-white kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and original polished floorboards. Double-glazing in living and dining rooms will keep home cosy all winter. Owner will negotiate about pets.