Unsure of where to tree change? Here's how to know without paying a cent in rent

Do you want to live like a local in beautiful locations across Australia without paying rent? No, this isn't too good to be true. It's the premise of house sitting - and it could be the key to deciding where you want to live or retire.

House sitting has taken off in Australia, and not just among travellers looking for an affordable getaway.

Today it's being used by people who want to explore how and where they might live next, without rushing into a long-term commitment or a financial leap.

At its core, the idea is simple: a homeowner goes away and needs someone to look after their pets, garden and home. In exchange, the house sitter stays there for free.

The country's largest platform for connecting the two, Aussie House Sitters, describes it as a "mutually beneficial exchange built on trust."

A tree-change taster

What makes house sitting different from a holiday? You're stepping straight into everyday local life.

You might be watering tomatoes in the backyard each morning, collecting the mail, getting to know the local barista or taking the kelpie you're looking after down to the same beach the neighbours go to.

It feels very normal, very quickly. And for a lot of people, that's precisely the appeal.

It's an excellent way to test what life actually feels like in a new location, especially useful for anyone considering a sea or tree change.

Browsing listings online or holidaying for a week doesn't tell you what it feels like to live somewhere. Do you like the local pace? Are you happy driving 25 minutes for groceries? Is the community welcoming?

House sitting lets you answer those questions in a real way, without the trap of idealisation.

The positives

"The biggest attraction is free accommodation, allowing sitters to save on rent or travel affordably," said Nick Fuad, managing director of Aussie House Sitters.

"House sitting also offers an adventurous lifestyle, the chance to live like a local, form lasting friendships, and spend time with pets.

"Many sitters find genuine joy in helping others and caring for animals while exploring new places."

Mr Fuad also said that memberships have increased significantly due to cost-of-living pressures, as people find new ways to make things work.

"Compared to pre-pandemic levels, sitter memberships are up by around 200 per cent and homeowner memberships by nearly 400 per cent. As living costs rise, more Australians see house sitting as an appealing and affordable alternative to traditional renting or travel accommodation," he said.

While Mr Fuad said sitters come from all walks of life, including retirees, remote workers, young families, and solo travellers.

He said there had been a "noticeable increase" in younger sitters, likely driven by rising living costs and flexible work opportunities.

Things to consider

In addition to the obvious positives, there are some things to be aware of.

"House sitting requires flexibility and responsibility. Homeowners' plans can change, unexpected issues may arise, and the sitter must go with the flow. Full-time sitters also need to plan for breaks between assignments," said Mr Fuad.

The most important element? It's an exchange. Most sits involve caring for pets, and that responsibility is real.

"Above all, a genuine love of animals is essential as most sits involve pet care, so it's not just about staying somewhere for free, but about offering real care and commitment."

The fit is best for people who genuinely like animals, are reliable, and are comfortable adapting to new homes and routines.

Could you be a house sitter?

Aussie House Sitters sees people of all ages and backgrounds signing up. Some do one sit a year. Others do it full-time.

"Our members are diverse. We have retirees, professionals who work remotely, singles, couples, and families. Some are travelling across Australia, where others are doing it locally and saving on rent," said Mr Fuad.

"There's no single type, but they all share common traits such as being caring, responsible, flexible, loving pets, and being community-minded."

Sue and Kevin Prince are among the many retired couples who have built an entire lifestyle around house sitting.

They sold their home, bought a caravan, and travelled and house sat across Australia (with a stint in the UK) for more than nine years.

"It was handy being able to break up the travelling by house sitting along the way and getting a taste of local life," said Sue.

They've completed 92 sits so far, and while they're now based in their own home in Sanctuary Point on NSW's South Coast, they said the best part has been the friendships formed along the way.

"My advice for people considering house sitting - just do it. We now have friends all around Australia and overseas who we constantly keep in touch with," she said.

"We've also encouraged friends and family to do it as well, including our adult daughter, our next-door neighbour and another local lady we recently met. She was planning to buy a motorhome to travel, but since we spoke, she has decided to house sit instead and has saved a lot of money."

How it works

Both homeowners and house sitters set up profiles on the site, and Aussie House Sitters supports both sides by offering ID verification tools, profile reviews, and star ratings.

Even so, most homeowners and sitters will chat online or meet beforehand to make sure the arrangement feels right.

Sitters who do well are those who build strong reputations over time (and therefore five-star reviews), leading to more offers and more choice in where they go next.

House sitting won't be right for everyone. But if you're someone who has ever caught yourself scrolling real estate listings in coastal towns or daydreaming about a slower life in the hills, it can be a low-pressure way to try that reality before you commit.