Housing101: A Guide For Expats In Australia

So, you’ve finally arrived in Australia. Now what? Of course, the first thing that you need to do is find a place to stay. If you’re well prepared, you probably already have somewhere semi-permanent to stay. However, given that you’re reading this article right now, you’re probably staying in a hotel for a couple of weeks before finding a more comfortable and less expensive place. 

It's going to be stressful, so bear with it. That said, relocating to a new country can be daunting and exhilarating. Luckily, it can be achievable if you’re resourceful and determined enough. With all that said, here are some things you need to know regarding housing as an expat in Australia.

Finding Accommodation

On short notice, most expats usually rely on short-term rental properties. The process is reasonably straightforward, and you can usually finish it in a few days to a week. However, to get a good rental property that suits your needs, you’ll probably notice that you’d have to do more research than usual because of the many choices you can choose from. 

There are more suitable rental places for skilled individuals on a short company trip. There are also rental properties for bigger groups or, in your case, a semi-permanent stay. Usually, viewings are very well-attended, especially during the weekends. It’s far less crowded during weekdays, on the other hand. That said, if you want to check the place out yourself if you have the time, we recommend you check it out on a weekday.

Accommodation in Australia

Australia has plenty of housing options. From unfurnished houses to condominiums, you can choose freely based on the type of accommodation you want and your budget.  The standard of accommodation in Australia, specifically in Melbourne, usually depends on the area and the type of housing you want, but generally speaking, it’s excellent. 

Houses in Australia usually have family-oriented features that make for a comfortable family life, like garages, swimming pools, and even big gardens. If you’re looking to splurge, the new houses in the market nowadays have a lot of air conditioning and the like. 

However, in Australia, it’s more common to have electric fans. In terms of security, the usual break-in does occur in more dangerous communities, but having a simple alarm system would deter most robbers in your area if they are in the first place. 

Buying Property in Australia

If you have the budget to buy a property for yourself, then it’s all good. Many expats in Australia often opt to buy properties for themselves. But is it easy? It all depends on several factors like credit rating and visa type. However, note that before you buy a property, you need to check with the Foreign Investment Review Board or FIRB if you’re allowed to buy real estate.

In terms of prices, houses in Australia are usually affordable. However, note that Australia's housing market fluctuates a lot, so research first and look for a good time to buy a property. As an expat, you should also note that you may need to pay Stamp Duty regarding the purchase price when buying a property in Australia. Of course, this is only one of the other fees you’ll have to pay when purchasing a property. Other fees you must note are a land transfer fee, lender application fee, lender’s mortgage insurance, etc.

Opting for a Rental Property

However, if you’re not interested in buying property but are looking to rent, there are some considerations that you have to look at before doing so. Once you’ve decided what type of rental property you want, you must learn how Australia's rental process works. 

Of course, first, you must prepare legal documents like proof of identification, proof of income, and references from previous landlords, if you have any. However, in some cases, landlords would usually require the last one. Once you’re ready with the documents, it’s not time to check multiple properties to find one you like. You should consider factors like proximity to transport, amenities, schools, the condition of the property, and, of course, the lease agreement. 

The typical lease agreement in Australia is 6 months to a year. However, if you opt for a shorter or a longer one, you can usually negotiate with a lender about it. One good tip that you have to keep in mind before signing the lease is to ask your managing agent if there are already accounts set up for the property with necessary utility providers. This would save you a lot of money from account setup, especially with the connection fees.

Final Words

Whether you’re looking to buy a property or rent a place in Australia as an expat, the process could be easy or hard, depending on your level of preparedness. If you’re prepared enough, the whole process will be hassle-free, and you’ll be ready to move out in just a few days. With all that said, good luck!