Renting a House in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most populous cities in New South Whales and with its unwavering popularity, expats who are about to relocate here should expect that finding an accommodation is not that easy. Along with Melbourne, Sydney is one of the cities in Australia that experiences a shortage in the housing market. 

As with any central cities abroad, the competition among fellow apartment/house seekers in Sydney is high. Most of the accommodations that get quickly snatched are those located in the Central Business District and its surrounding areas. Prices also differ based on the property’s size, location and proximity to public transportation so those who want to live in the city centre should ask their employer if they have any housing assistance. Those who don’t can refer to the few paragraphs below that contain some tips on how to find and secure a rental in Sydney. 

Finding an Accommodation 

Aside from the typical searching method of going through real estate websites, the easiest and most efficient way to find an apartment/house is by hiring a local agent. When scheduled for an ocular visit, it is important to be dressed appropriately or casually to set a good impression to the landlord. The fees of each broker typically depend on the type of contract an expat will sign: one week’s rent for a six-month lease and two week’s rent for a one year lease. There are also several documents that the landlords usually require such as: 

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Letter from Employer
• Proof of Income
• Social Security Card 

Contracts and Utilities 

Once an expat finds a suitable accommodation, they must provide a security bond (deposit) which is usually equal to four and six week’s worth of the agreed rental price. Keep in mind that furnished apartments/houses are more expensive and owners might require a bond of up to eight months worth of rent. Once the bond has been handed to the landlord, expats will then sign a lease which states several house rules and term of the agreement which is either short-term (one to six months) or long term (six months up to one year). 

In Sydney, it is the responsibility of the tenant to maintain his/her apartment or house. Landlords usually conduct regular inspection of the property but must provide a seven-day written notice before visiting. Utilities are also seldom included in the rental pay so expats must prepare a separate budget of at least €120/month to cover their electricity, water and heating. 

Types of Accommodation 

• Apartments

This type of housing is common in Sydney Central or areas near the CBD. Expats can choose between furnished or unfurnished apartments while living in proximity to work bars, cafés restaurants and public transportation. Apartments in Sydney come in studio type or from one up to four bedroom units where all are designed to fit the needs of those who are moving alone or with their family.

• Houses 

Houses are rare in the central suburbs where space is limited. Those who prefer this type of housing should be willing to live in outer cities where they need to travel some distance going to the CBD. Designs of houses in Sydney range from rows, Georgian cottages, Victorian terraces to Californian bungalows. Housing in Sydney is considered to be one of the most expensive in the world so expats should prepare a huge budget if they want to move into a house. There is also some row housing in the inner city, but family homes with four or more bedrooms with a garden are mostly in the outer suburbs.