Bree Daly and Harley Williams have spent 18 months finding ways to make savings in their life to accommodate soaring rental costs.

Two years ago they sold their Bendigo house to fund costly IVF treatments for a sibling for Bree’s son, only to watch their hope of one day returning to home ownership blown apart by an extraordinary interest rate hike cycle that smashed their ability to borrow.

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So they found that when it comes to pinching pennies, it’s the little things that when done enough can make the big differences.

It comes after new PropTrack data revealed tenants in 53 postcodes endured a budget-breaking $100 a week increase in the past 12 months.

Kew East: $950 a week, up $228 — 31.49%

Donvale: $740 a week, up $165 — 28.7%

Oakleigh East: $638 a week, up $138 — 27.5%

Canterbury: $1245 a week, up $265 — 27.04%

McKinnon: $965 a week, up $205 — 26.97%

Box Hill North: $625 a week, up $125 — 25%

Montmorency: $608 a week, up $120 — $24.62%

Glen Iris: $995 a week, up $195 — 24.37%

Surrey Hills: $900 a week, up $170 — 23.29%

West Melbourne: $700 a week, up $130 — 22.81%

Source: PropTrack

Shows median rental costs for houses and annual increase to March 31

Ms Daly explained that it took just days to get ahead by spending $12 on a jar of instant coffee that would last for six or more weeks.

The couple found that if they both drank homemade coffee instead of paying for a $5-a-day caffeine hit via a barista, they could save about $420 from that one jar.

Harley Williams with his partner Bree and son Logan in Eynesbury where they rent. Picture: Ian Currie

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Over a year that could add up to a staggering $3640 — seven weeks rent for a $500 home.

The pair have also used carpooling to minimise unnecessary petrol, and by relocating to within 2km of where Mr Williams works they have been able to stop using the car at all some days as he walks instead.

He added that cutting out buying lunch had been another big saver, taking a sandwich, some left overs or even just some Saladas and toppings helping put about $100 a week back into their pockets combined.

“It also means you are probably eating healthier as well,” Mr Williams added.

“A piece of fruit from home is much cheaper than buying a chocolate bar at morning tea.”

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