Finding Accomodation in Australia

Whether it’s a short trip, a business conference, or a long overdue vacation, you can opt to rent a house, share a flat, or get a serviced apartment while in Australia.

The first step is to determine which area you would like to reside in. Several tourism websites for each state and other search accommodation sites are available online to help you narrow down your choices. Keep in mind that you are better off staying in the more populated city areas which has close proximity to hospital, police, shops, etc.

However, the cost of rent can vary depending on location. The farther the flat is from the city center, public transport and other public services, the lower the price. You can also log on to a newspaper search website if you want to find an Australian home locally advertised, or enquire with a local real estate agent. Alternatively, check the local papers for share accommodation. The best day to search in the newspapers is on Saturday. Better still, if you have friends in Australia, inform them of your specifications so they can ask around.

Make sure you know what must be done once you’re in a payroll: Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) and a bank account. Common bank requirements require you to prepare the following documents: a certified passport copy, proof of your residential address and a bank statement from the previous three months. You will also need to pass Australia’s 100 point' system in order to prove your identification to bank officials. To obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) you will need to present your driver’s license and passport, a document that offers proof of your employment, a salary slip, written references from your employers or previous landlords, the balance of your bank account, and telephone numbers of other references.

The price to rent a flat in Sydney is, on average, the highest. It fluctuates between 250 to 350 dollars per week for a three-bedroom apartment. In Melbourne, the price will fluctuate between 200 to 300 Australian dollars for a similar apartment in the suburban communities.

When signing a lease contract, a deposit is required. According to law, the landlord issues a receipt for every transaction. Should your landlord want to hike up the price at the end of the contract, he will be required to do it in writing, with advance notice. Additionally, leaser rights are fixed by law.

Renting a House                                

Aside from searching online or having real estate agents do the work, you can rent a house in Australia through hospitality exchange or home exchange. Hospitality exchanges will have your Australians host visit you in your home, and then you stay with them back in Australia. Home exchanges work by swapping homes, wherein the Australian family travels to your home while you stay at their place.

Be clear about the rental terms, such as the price and length of stay, and any obligations that owner may ask during your stay. You also need to know how to make payment, where to get the keys, and whether you will meet the homeowners personally at the beginning of the rental.

Flat Sharing

One may need to have Australian references for applying for a house/flat, pay four weeks rent in advance and a minimum bond of two weeks rent. Flat rent ranges from $50 to $120/week in cities and less in rural areas. Make sure the bond is lodged at the Department of Fair Trading as a precaution.

For around the same rate you would pay for a hotel room, you can have your own furnished apartment with a lounge, kitchenette and bedroom and still get the daily service you would in a hotel. Service apartments are quite popular in the major cities especially in Sydney when you can have a spectacular view of the harbour.