A Comprehensive Guide To Finding Housing In Adelaide, Australia

People move for a variety of reasons: job offers, better education opportunities, safe places to raise their family, etc. Adelaide is one of the ideal places people prefer to move to. The capital of South Australia is 12% more affordable than other Australian cities, with the lowest average rent in the country.

However, moving can seem daunting and stressful. There is so much you must research and keep track of, so we're here to help you! Let us tell you a few facts about Adelaide, the essential documents you must prepare, and how you can find the proper housing.

Things to Know Before Moving to Adelaide

Adelaide has more than a million inhabitants. A large and diverse community of immigrants and expats creates a vibrant and welcoming culture. In Adelaide, many people prefer to live in the cheaper coastal areas or in the eastern suburbs instead of the expensive city centre. Still, the cost of living is lower than in other major cities in Australia. It's easy access to buses or trams and sound public transport system make transportation within and to other cities easy.

You can find an abundance of eateries and restaurants in the city, hosting various cuisines, although eating out can be a pricey endeavour. Plenty of entertainment activities exist- surfing, paddleboarding, hiking, and more.

In Australia, salaries are not as high as in other locations, but the country enjoys a good work-life balance. Employers grant sufficient rest breaks, and most workplaces offer four weeks of paid holidays and two weeks of sick leaves, while others may offer even more. The government's "Mental Health in the Workplace" strategy provides confidential support services and counselling to employees and their families. The GSM or General Skilled Migration Program has set strict criteria for obtaining a permanent work visa and living in Australia.

● Be proficient in English

● Be in good health

● Be under the age of 50

● Possess skills that fit the skills occupation list

If you're not moving permanently, for example, an assignee, you can opt for temporary visa types, such as the Working Holiday program. You can find the right visa category on the website of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

PreDeparture Document Checklist

Here is a list of essential documents to be fully prepared to move to Adelaide.

● Paperwork for driver’s licence application: If you want to comfortably commute in Adelaide, you must apply for a driver's licence within 90 days of moving to Adelaide to get your existing licence transferred.

● Registration and microchipping your pets: Your pet dogs must be registered and microchipped in Adelaide in case they get lost. You must microchip your cats but not necessarily register them. The government also requires you to desex your cats and dogs if they are born after 2018 (exemptions apply). Additionally, you must update their details on DACO, where you make annual registration fees.

● Documents for lease agreement: You will need birth certificates, proof of income, bank account statement, driver's licence, proof of current address, and reference or contact details of the previous landlord.

● Family member's medical record: To avoid gaps in communication as you consult new doctors

● Children's school record: This includes school records of previous classes and transcripts with grades. If you enrol your child in preschool, you will need evidence of immunisation.

● Tax record: Ensure you safeguard all important documentation to submit your tax returns in Adelaide. You must provide documents of asset acquisition, donations, income and expenses, disability aids, etc.

● Qualification and experience certificates: You need qualifications and previous employment records to find new jobs in Adelaide. Otherwise, If you have a job offer, you will also need to bring educational certificates, bank account statements, old salary slips, etc.

Types of Accommodations You Can Opt For

The type of housing you want may vary according to the size of your family, location, budget, comfort levels, and reasons for moving, such as for university or work. Let’s briefly examine the type of accommodations you can find in Adelaide.

● Private home ownership: It is an expensive option, but you can avoid the instability of renting. You must consider interest rates, mortgage requirements, council rates, and home repairs.

● Public housing: These are ideal for low-income people without other accommodation options. You will only have to pay around 25% of the rent. However, the rent can change after your tenancy, such as when someone enters or leaves the household.

● Rental homes: Monthly rents are typically less expensive than mortgage repayments. However, you need to look out for tenure instability, rental hikes, and regular inspections. If you want to be cost-effective, consider renting only one room instead of a whole apartment or house.

● Community housing: Community organisations receive government funds, grants, dwellings, or loans to provide housing. And they calculate rent at the percentage of market rent.

 ● Corporate housing: Typically, Corporate housing is fully furnished temporary lodging in an apartment setting. It is ideal for employees experiencing relocation, transition, or training or those displaced by natural disasters.

● Student accommodations: Similar to corporate housing, this option provides you with the necessary furnishings. It is ideal for students as it offers flexible leasing terms to match their semesters.

Finding Housing in Adelaide

Let’s take a look at different tips you can use to find suitable housing accommodation.

1. Research Thoroughly

Consider areas like Medinide or Prospect if you want to live in the city centre, or go for Kensington Gardens and Burnside if you have children and want community facilities to help your family settle in.

You must find a reliable real estate agent to help you find a property that fits your requirements and budget. Before hiring a realtor, always look at their online reviews and choose one with expertise in the area you want to settle down in. Online property portals or local newspapers can also aid you in finding accommodations. Before purchasing a property, get a full house inspection from services such as building inspections in Adelaide. They report on any safety hazards, major or minor defects, pest inspections, and more, which can help you decide and pick.

2. Buying a Home

If you prefer buying a home rather than renting, the government-backed initiative Homestart can help with your home-buying in Adelaide. They offer financial incentives, such as low-deposit loans. There are multiple ways of purchasing houses. You can purchase off-plan (property that is still in development), buy privately with the help of an agent, or through an auction.

You can make an offer through your real estate agent if sellers advertise their property for sale and include any conditions on the contract of sale. Another option is to register a bid at an auction. The seller sets a reserve price not shared with the bidders. Afterward, the seller sells the property to the highest bidder, and you sign the sale contract on the same day with no option for conditions.

3. Choosing a Rental

If you're looking for rentals, most leases are for 12 months, but you can negotiate longer or shorter ones. You will be required to pay a downpayment of four to six weeks' rent. While you usually pay rent fortnightly, landlords may prefer calendar monthly, four weekly, or monthly rental payments, so double-check the terms before committing.

To determine rental security, look at alarm systems, secure parking garages, lighting, and gated or electronic entry. You should avoid rental properties with questionable neighbourhoods requiring big repairs and visible damage, such as water damage or mould, which is a sign of improper ventilation and is a health hazard.

Endnote

Planning to move can, no doubt, be a stressful and daunting task, which is why we recommend that you start researching early. Do additional research to ensure that the location and type of accommodation you pick best fit your needs. It may take some time, but you’ll settle in nicely