Room in a 6 Bedroom Apartment, 18 Mary Ann, Ultimo – Decision Review for 2026/2027
This review assesses the shared apartment at 18 Mary Ann, Ultimo, Sydney (NSW 2007). It is a 6‑bedroom unit offering both ensuite and independent house‑style rooms. The property is listed via a global student‑housing platform and is currently marked as not available – you should confirm live availability directly with the operator.
The analysis draws on the property’s Google rating (3.7 out of 5 from 21 reviews) and three verbatim Google reviews. Price data is compared against the city‑wide from‑price of AUD 175 per week (based on a sample of 141 properties in Sydney). All prices shown are indicative – confirm with the operator. The information is current as of 2026‑07.
Who This Residence Suits
Location‑focused students who walk to campus
The property is within a 5‑minute walk of Broadway shops and roughly 15 minutes from Central Station. One resident (John Mayer, 5‑star review) noted: “It’s in a great location … being to walk to campus instead of take a train was great, I was never late to class.” This makes it a practical choice for students at nearby universities (including the University of New South Wales and Western Sydney University, though both have multiple campuses – check your specific campus distance).
Students who want newly renovated interiors
John Mayer also mentioned the building was “newly renovated when I moved in so I was the first person to” (the review cuts off). If the renovation status has been maintained, the apartment may offer modern fixtures and finishes that appeal to those wanting a fresh living environment.
Groups or individuals comfortable with shared living
The 6‑bedroom layout suits students who are used to communal living and can manage shared kitchen, bathroom, and common areas. Both ensuite and independent house options are listed, so you can choose a room with a private bathroom or a more standard share arrangement.
Budget‑conscious travellers with flexibility
The weekly price range of AUD 260–565 (indicative) sits above Sydney’s overall from‑price of AUD 175, but the lower end (around AUD 260) is competitive for an Ultimo location close to city amenities. If you are willing to share a larger apartment, you may find the lower‑priced rooms within a reasonable student budget.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
Anyone with zero tolerance for pests or maintenance issues
Ava Cavalerie (1‑star review) reported: “I moved in and found cockroaches in my room. The hallways and room was constantly filled with fruit flies, the air conditioning/ heater turns off every few minutes and don’t actually work.” This indicates serious pest and maintenance problems that may affect sensitive residents. Even if these issues have been resolved since that review (date not given), the track record is a risk.
Students who expect reliable front‑desk support
Cheong Lin Li (2‑star review) described a frustrating experience: “Rooms decent but don’t bother trying to wait for the receptionist to come out if there’s a break sign. They do not show up. Had to wait all afternoon to get my room card. Not all that helpful either I had to figure out the wifi login error myself.” If you value responsive staff and smooth check‑in, this property may disappoint.
Those on a very tight budget (under AUD 200/week)
With the lowest indicative price at AUD 260, the property is above Sydney’s cheapest available student rooms (AUD 175). Budget‑minimalists should look at other shared houses or older buildings further from the city centre.
Students seeking a short‑term stay
The minimum lease term is 13 weeks – equivalent to a semester length. If you need a stay shorter than three months, this property is not suitable.
What Residents Actually Say (Verbatim Reviews)
Three Google reviews capture the extremes of experience:
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John Mayer (5 stars): Highlighted excellent location, walkability to campus, and a newly renovated building. The positive points centre on convenience and comfort – ideal for students prioritising proximity.
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Ava Cavalerie (1 star): Described the property as “Genuinely the worst experience. Overpriced, rude staff, and extremely exploitative.” The specific complaints – cockroaches, fruit flies, non‑functional air conditioning – are concrete red flags. This review suggests the property’s management may not address hygiene or maintenance adequately.
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Cheong Lin Li (2 stars): Acknowledged the rooms are decent but criticised unresponsive reception staff and self‑troubleshooting required for Wi‑Fi. This points to operational inefficiencies that could disrupt daily life.
The overall Google rating of 3.7 (out of 21 reviews) gives a mixed picture. Positive reviews appear to appreciate the location and condition, while negative reviews focus on pests, staff behaviour, and equipment failures. No other rating dimensions are available for this property, so you must weigh these first‑hand accounts carefully.
Price Positioning vs. Sydney’s From‑Price
Sydney’s student housing market offers a city‑wide from‑price of AUD 175 per week (indicative) based on the same listing platform’s inventory of 141 properties. At AUD 260–565 per week (indicative), the 18 Mary Ann property starts at AUD 85 above the cheapest available.
- Low end of the range (AUD 260–300): Comparable to many standard shared rooms in Ultimo and nearby suburbs like Chippendale or Camperdown. This is typical for a 6‑bedroom apartment with bills included (the listing tags show bills_included, wifi, fully_furnished). The inclusion of utilities and furniture partly offsets the higher base rent.
- High end (AUD 450–565): Likely reflects the ensuites or larger rooms; at this price you are paying a premium for a private bathroom within a share house. Compare with a studio or one‑bedroom in the same area (usually AUD 450–700/week) – the ensuite here may be a cheaper alternative to a self‑contained unit.
- Value check: If you choose a mid‑range room (~AUD 350–400/week), you get a central location with bills covered, which can be cost‑effective when factoring in electricity, internet, and furniture costs. However, read the negative reviews to decide if the potential maintenance issues justify the price.
Room‑Type Guidance
The property lists two room types:
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Ensuite – Private bathroom within your room. This adds privacy and convenience, especially in a 6‑bedroom house where sharing one or two bathrooms can cause queues. Expect to pay towards the top of the price range (AUD 450–565/week indicative). Good for students who prioritise hygiene and don’t mind a higher rent.
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Independent house – Likely refers to a standard room (not an ensuite) that may have shared bathroom facilities. These are usually at the lower end of the price band (AUD 260–400/week indicative). Suitable if you are comfortable sharing and want to save money.
Both types are fully furnished and bills included – you don’t need to bring furniture or set up utility accounts. The wifi tag indicates internet is provided, though the negative review about Wi‑Fi login issues suggests you should confirm the connection details upon move‑in.
Important: The listing is currently marked not_available. This status may change, or the room might be reserved for future semesters. Always contact the operator for actual room availability and room‑type options.
Booking Timing for 2026/2027
Because the property is listed as not available as of the data date (2026‑07), your approach should be proactive:
- If you need housing for Semester 1 2026 or Semester 2 2026: Check now with the platform’s on‑site assistant or the property operator. Some rooms may become available when current tenants give notice. Book as early as possible – ideally 3–6 months before your intended move‑in – to secure a room in a sought‑after area like Ultimo.
- For 2027: Many student properties open bookings around September–October of the previous year. Set a reminder to inquire from mid‑2026. The minimum 13‑week lease means you can align your stay with a semester or summer term.
- If you see availability: Be ready to pay a holding deposit (the listing does not show a deposit amount – confirm with the operator). Also verify the lease start date, as the available_from field is empty in the data.
Fact: During peak periods (January–February and June–July), Sydney student accommodation fills quickly. The 3.7 rating does not guarantee offers, but the location suggests consistent demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Does the weekly rent include all bills?
Yes. The listing tags indicate bills_included and wifi. This means electricity, water, gas, and internet are typically covered. However, confirm with the operator whether any cap or fair‑use policy applies (e.g., limits on heating). The negative review about air conditioning malfunction suggests you should also check if repairs are covered by the rent.
H3: What is the minimum lease length, and can I extend?
The minimum lease is 13 weeks. This is standard for many purpose‑built student accommodations in Australia. You can usually extend month‑to‑month or for a further semester, but this must be agreed in writing with the operator. The maximum lease is not specified – ask directly.
H3: The property is marked “not available” – how can I get a room?
Contact the operator through the listing platform’s on‑site assistant. Some reasons for the not_available tag include: fully booked for the current period, renovation, or a temporary pause in listings. Ask for the next intake date and whether a waiting list exists. Given the mixed reviews, also request a virtual tour to inspect current condition (especially pest control and air conditioning).
Sources & Data Date
Data sourced from Amberstudent listing (ID amber‑937337) and the same platform’s Sydney city overview (from‑price AUD 175, 141 properties). Reviews are from Google (21 reviews, rating 3.7). All information is indicative and may change. Data accurate as of 2026‑07.
For live availability, pricing, and to ask about current room types, use the on‑site assistant on the listing page – it provides real‑time answers from the operator.
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