If you are planning to move to Australia then finding a place to live is an important decision. There are many housing options for new migrants, ranging from buying property to renting or building a house.
Renting a house in Australia
Renting a house can be a great way to start your new life in Australia. It allows you settle in to your new life and take your time to become familiar with the Australian property market.
What should I look for in a rental property?
If you are thinking about renting a house in Australia here are some questions that you might want to consider:
- How close will you need to be to your place of employment?
- Will you have a car or will you rely on public transport?
- Do you have school-age children?
- What recreational activities do you want to pursue?
- Do you have pets?
- Do you want space and a garden, or would you prefer a low maintenance home?
How do I find a house for rent in Australia?
Finding a rental property in Australia is relatively straightforward. You can rent houses, units and flats directly from private owners, by looking through the ‘To Let’ section of newspapers, or through Real Estate agents.
Once you've found a property you'd like to rent - what next?
You should arrange to inspect the property you are interested in before making a decision; in some cases you may be competing with other interested families and may not be selected.
To secure a rental property, you will need a security bond (refundable deposit) plus a payment of several weeks' rent which has to be paid in advance.
In most cases you will also be asked to provide two ‘references'. If these are difficult for you to obtain, contact your local Migrant Resource Centre for advice and assistance.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Australia?
Median rents in Australia range from $140 per week in Perth to $265 per week in Sydney, although rents in inner city areas and desirable suburbs will be considerably more in all cities.