Maybe the owner has no mortgage on the property and some of those houses in Lindfields are on the small size so it might be enough money for that particular owner to keep it trundling on. Also he probably has the approach it's better to have SOME money coming in than an empty house, makes sense. It's ok asking $1500 a week if you're getting it. If you're not, then surely take what you can? I wouldn't worry, I've rented nice places even cheaper than this in the past and it's been fine for us.