The rental listing from the 1970s stirring up nostalgia for a simpler time

In a world where the cost of living seems to be skyrocketing, a blast from the past has emerged, taking us back to the good old days when renting a home didn’t break the bank.

A rental ad from 1976, recently uncovered in an old cupboard, is causing a stir on Reddit’s ‘Adelaide’ thread, making us nostalgic for an era when the housing market was a lot more tenant-friendly.

The ad, shared by a Reddit user with the caption, “Friend found this clearing out her ol man’s cupboard… be prepared.”

Among the many listings, the ad reveals a two-bedroom apartment in North Plymptom, South Australia, complete with a carport and kitchen, all for the unbelievably modest price of $35 a week.

Fellow Reddit users couldn’t help but share their reactions, reminiscing about a time when life seemed simpler. One user fondly recalled, “Back in my day, you could walk into a grocery store with $2 in your pocket and walk out with a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, 1kg of lamb chops, bag of potatoes, and a bit of butter as well.”

The irony of the situation was not lost on another user, who remarked, “The majority of rentals today haven’t had anything other than some kitchen joinery and about 50 layers of paint since they were rented out back in the 70’s.”

Amidst the nostalgia, some users couldn’t resist blaming the current state of affairs on the government, with one stating, “Thank our corrupt government for Australia going so downhill.”

Personal anecdotes poured in, adding depth to the discussion. One user shared, “When I was young, a friend and I got a fully furnished 2-bedroom rental near Hawksburn station (South Yarra) for $40 per week in the late ’70s. We had only recently started working casual jobs, and it is doubtful the agents even confirmed this.”

The stark contrast between then and now was highlighted by another user who reflected, “This is pretty depressing considering what it costs now as a percentage of income. I am super lucky in Melbourne; I haven’t had a rent rise in 7 years and am still only paying $370 a week, which is approximately 30% of my income. My neighbors pay $500 a week for the same home two doors down.”

As the discussion continues online, it becomes clear that the 1976 rental ad is not merely a trip down memory lane but a stark reminder of just how out of control the rental and cost-of-living crisis has become in present-day Australia.