Dreaming of house-sitting adventures across Australia? One thing often holds people back: uncertainty about pricing. How much should you charge? Will you price yourself out of opportunities or undervalue your work?
Setting fair rates doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down the key factors—location, responsibilities, your experience, and what other sitters are charging—so you can confidently quote prices that feel right. You’ll learn how to earn steady income from house-sitting while staying competitive, and discover how to attract the homeowners who value reliability and care. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to increase your rates, you’ll find practical strategies to make house-sitting work for you.
How Much To Charge For House Sitting In Australia
The standard rate for house sitting in Australia typically ranges from $50 to $90 per night. However, pricing can vary based on experience, responsibilities, and homeowner expectations.
Many sitters charge additional fees per pet, especially for high-maintenance animals or multiple pets requiring extra care. More experienced house sitters can set higher rates, mainly if they offer specialized services like administering medication, caring for exotic pets, or handling extensive home maintenance.
It’s also important to note that many house-sitting platforms take a percentage of your earnings, so factor that into your pricing.
Some homeowners may have minimal requirements, making for an easy job where you can charge a lower rate. On the other hand, if a homeowner expects a high level of care—such as daily pet grooming, extensive gardening, or additional security measures—you can justify charging more for your services.
What Factors Into The Cost Of House Sitting In Australia?
Several factors impact a house sitter’s responsibilities and expectations.
Experience & Reputation
Experience plays a huge role in securing house sits in Australia. Sitters with strong profiles, positive reviews, and a proven track record are more likely to land desirable opportunities. Highlighting any special skills—such as pet care, home maintenance, or garden knowledge—helps you stand out even more.
Location & Demand
Different areas across Australia offer different levels of demand. Popular cities and holiday destinations can be competitive, while regional areas may offer longer or more flexible stays. Location also affects the type of responsibilities expected and the overall availability of sits.
Property Size & Responsibilities
The size of the home and the tasks involved will influence the workload. A small unit with no pets requires much less daily attention than a large house with multiple animals, gardens, or maintenance tasks. Some sitters also offer long-term discounts depending on the duration and complexity of the sit.
Workload, Travel & Expectations
Before accepting any house sit, assess the responsibilities, travel needs, and expected workload so you’re fully prepared. Making sure both you and the homeowner are aligned on duties and expectations ensures a smooth, positive house-sitting experience.
Is House Sitting Popular In Australia?
Yes! House sitting is very popular in Australia, with thousands of homeowners looking for reliable sitters yearly. Many people feel more comfortable traveling knowing someone is staying in their home, caring for their pets, and keeping everything secure.
Long-term house-sitting assignments are also on the rise, allowing sitters to stay in one place for weeks or even months. These extended sits are especially common in major cities and rural areas where homeowners take extended holidays.
Websites like Aussie House Sitters are great places to start if you’re interested in finding house-sitting opportunities. They connect homeowners with sitters, making it easy to find assignments that match your availability and experience level.
Create a House Sitting Instruction Template
It’s essential to have detailed instructions from the homeowner to provide a great house-sitting experience. Sending a house-sitting instruction template a few days before your arrival ensures they have enough time to provide clear and thorough information. This helps prevent any last-minute confusion and allows you to step in confidently.
Make sure your template covers everything from pet care routines, home security, appliance instructions, and emergency contacts to special requests like plant watering or mail collection. A well-prepared sitter gives homeowners peace of mind and ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved.
For a detailed template, check out this Printable Pet Sitter Instructions Template, I would recommend sending this over at least 1 week before the assignment commences
How to Find House Sits in Australia?
If you’re wondering where to find house-sitting jobs, plenty of websites connect homeowners with sitters. As a professional house sitter, you might even choose to use multiple platforms to maximize your opportunities.
Some popular house-sitting websites include TrustedHousesitters, Aussie House Sitters, and HouseCarers. These platforms offer a range of listings, from short-term sits to long-term stays, but keep in mind that some Australian-based sites cater more to locals who provide pet care rather than full-time house sitting.
If you’re looking for even more opportunities, Facebook groups can be a great way to find house-sitting gigs and connect with homeowners directly.
For a list of the best house-sitting websites, check out Our Favorite House Sitting Websites.
When and Where to House Sit in Australia
Australia is a vast country with diverse locations, so choosing the right place for house sitting depends on your preferences and travel goals. If you want plenty of opportunities, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are some of the most popular cities for house sitting. These urban areas tend to have a higher demand for sitters and offer extensive public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car.
If you’re looking for a more scenic or relaxed setting, coastal towns and cities can be a great choice. Many homeowners in these areas travel for extended periods, especially during peak holiday seasons, creating opportunities for house sitters. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, off-the-grid experience, you might find house sits in rural areas that allow you to enjoy nature and a slower pace of life.
Timing your house sit is just as important as choosing the location. Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
- For warm summer weather, visit between December and February.
- If you prefer cooler temperatures, consider house sitting during the autumn and winter months (March to August).
Researching the weather patterns in different regions will help you decide when and where to house sit for the best experience.
Is It Safe To Housesit In Australia?
For those unfamiliar with Australia, it may seem like a daunting place to house sit, but there’s not much to worry about. While the country is home to unique wildlife, basic outdoor safety and awareness will keep you safe. It’s always a good idea to learn a bit about the local environment, especially if you’ll be staying in rural or coastal areas.
Australia experiences extreme weather conditions at times, including heatwaves, storms, and bushfires. Staying informed about local weather conditions and following safety guidelines will help you avoid any risks.
Ready to Start Your House Sitting Journey?
House sitting in Australia offers an exciting opportunity to explore new places, live like a local, and enjoy the company of pets while homeowners are away. Whether you’re looking for short-term stays or long-term assignments, understanding the responsibilities, expectations, and best practices will set you up for success.
You can build a strong reputation and secure great house-sitting opportunities by choosing the right locations, preparing thoroughly, and showcasing your skills. If you’re ready to find your next house sit, browse trusted platforms connecting sitters with homeowners.
Check out our favorite house-sitting websites to find the best opportunities and begin your adventure today!
Author: Britt
I am Britt. I have been house-sitting and pet-sitting for the past seven years. I have cared for 25 dogs, 35 cats, one turtle, and one rabbit over 80+ houses in 15 countries.
The opportunity to experience different homes, cultures, and communities has been extraordinary.
I’ve connected with homeowners seeking reliable sitters through house-sitting platforms like Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitters. This unique way of living has allowed me to save money on accommodation, explore new cultures, and meet new people.
Being a member of these platforms has broadened my horizons and opened doors to short- and long-term house-sitting jobs. I’ve found joy in providing excellent pet care and ensuring the home is well-maintained.
I get many questions about how to start as a housesitter, so please reach out if you have any questions! I want everyone to enjoy this incredible lifestyle as well!
You can read more about Jay and me here!
Or connect with me on Facebook or in our house-sitting community on Facebook.
Hi, we have been house sitting in Australia for the past 4 years and wasn’t sure how much we should charge for house sitting, I am glad we found your post. We are looking to travel next year and hope to do some house sitting is there any sites you recommend using when you travel?
Hi Emily! thanks for the kind words and so glad this has helped with your house sitting in Aus! Where about in Australia have you been house sitting? I have done some in Melbourne and Queensland but hoping to sit in WA as well! If you looking for the sites we used when we house sit overseas you can check them out here, I think Trusted House Sitters is your best bet they have the biggest range especially in Europe and The US
Hello
My wife and I, both retired, are looking to do something different. House sitting seems like a good way to seeing different parts of the country (initially Victoria ). I have read some articles and this type of engagement certainly is of interest to us.
This would be a new experience, but we can do things like looking after pets (cats and dogs) and some gardening if needed. Animals we love but nothing that requires special attention, like medications for example, as we are only new to this industry and can do with less pressure in the beginning.
If were to qualify we would only be available for stays greater than 4 nights/days and up to a couple of weeks within Victoria to start.
Do we need to buy our own food? Are we house bound? can we charge a fee (eg $50 / day)?
No doubt I will have other questions later.
We currently live in Carrum Downs, Melbourne.
Thanks and reqards
Malcolm Ferron
Hi Malcolm,
Thanks so much for getting in touch!
House sitting is a great way to explore different parts of the country—especially starting locally in Victoria—and it sounds like you and your wife are in a perfect position to dive in. Since you’re just beginning, I recommend not charging a fee at first. It’s a great way to build up your references and gain experience, which will help you secure more sits in the future.
Each house sit is unique, so it’s important to discuss the expectations with the homeowner ahead of time—things like whether you’ll need to supply your own food, how much time is required at the property, and any pet care duties. Most sits are pretty relaxed, especially if you’re upfront about what you’re comfortable with, like avoiding pets that need medication.
To help you get started, here are two useful guides:
Our Favourite House Sitting Websites
How to Start House Sitting (Step-by-Step)
Feel free to reach out anytime with more questions—there’s a bit to learn at the start, but it’s a really rewarding experience once you get going.
Warm regards,
Britt