A CARPARK in Sydney's inner city costs almost twice as much to rent as a waterfront apartment with sweeping Harbour views.
By Sharri Markson
January 9, 2005
The Sunday Telegraph
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11885622%255E13762,00.html
The Sunday Telegraph surveyed 63 parking stations in Wollongong, the CBD, North Sydney, Newcastle, Edgecliff, Fairfield, Cabramatta and Bondi.
The survey found the carspace at 137 Castlereagh St was one of the most expensive in Sydney, at $55 for five hours on weekdays and an overnight surcharge of $55.
The cheapest carspace was on Hunter St, Newcastle at a flat rate of $2.50 all day.
Abbie Berndt battled "ridiculous" fees for parking in the Piccadilly Centre while she shopped in the city last week.
The 32-year-old paid $47 after parking for just over three hours.
"I expected to pay about $20 and when I entered the carpark there was no sign with the prices," she said. "It was too late, by the time I was inside I realised it was hugely expensive. I will never park here again and I won't be driving in to the city."
Ms Berndt said it would have been cheaper to catch a taxi from her home in Bronte.
At McMahons Point Real Estate several properties were available for rent for $50 a day - the average cost of daily parking rates in Sydney.
An executive apartment at 39/14 Blues Point Rd is available to rent for $350 a week.
Located in the Blues Point Rd Tower, it has views of Sydney Harbour, Bridge and Opera House.
Agent Christine Egan said: "It seems absurd that a carspace costs more for a week compared to a whole rental property that you can sleep in".
"The carspace for this studio is $10 a week, if available."
The Sunday Telegraph