The Sydney and Melbourne exodus is not only driving regional property prices up, but is also causing headaches for locals trying to rent a place to live.

Many new arrivals ‘try before they buy’, renting properties to see how the move fits in with their long term plans.

Jacinta Harrap, Leasing Manager for Ray White Albury says demand for real estate has been extremely high, especially through January with city dwellers making the move to the border.

“Lots of people I’ve been meeting lately are wanting to rent something while they build with the building grants going on and we’re getting 30, 35, 40 people at each inspection so it’s a very hard market,” Jacinta told Kylie and Kev.

“The landlord has obviously got a choice if there’s somebody who wants to rent long term that’s a better choice for them so they know they’ve got a tenant locked in for a while.”

For those seeking a rental property, Jacinta offers this advice.

“Have all your documents ready to email straight through to the agent, have you I.D ready and get on at that very first inspection -– properties aren’t lasting more than that one inspection they’re going straight away these days.”