Real Estate in Australia

How do I find a place to live in Australia?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Australia is to research online. Popular websites such as realestate.com.au, Domain, and flatmates are great places to start looking for rentals and share housing alike. Another option is to enlist the help of a local real estate agent in the area who can give you an up-to-date overview of the current housing market. Additionally, joining local Facebook groups and online communities devoted to the areas you are interested in can give you firsthand information from other locals. Finally, search and connect with Australians on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. to source contacts and get recommendations," remarked one member in Australia.

"We had recommendations from locals, we drove around quite a bit and we looked at the Sydney Herald. It is important to decide what type of area you want to live in, Suburb, Urban etc.. Also, it's helpful to decide about transportation, parking, schools. We chose not to have a car so we decided on a more urban area with good public transportation and lots of stores, schools within walking distance. Look carefully before you decide, you should visit the neighborhood at different times of day to see what it is like. Also ask people like taxi drivers about neighborhoods, they are very well informed," explained one expat living in Sydney, Australia.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Australia?

"An apartment in downtown. Most expats live in houses outside of the city center," remarked one member in Melbourne.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What is the average cost of housing in Australia?

If you are thinking about moving to Australia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The housing costs here are very high. We came from California where housing costs are outrageous. The cost of our 2 BR, 2 Bath apartment is just slightly lower than an equivalent apartment in our area of CA, which is north of San Francisco," explained one person living in Sydney, Australia.

"See above. Average rental cost in the area that I live in is approximately $450AU per week. (Rental costs are always quoted on a per week basis, making it a bit difficult to work out your monthly budget.)," said one expat in Sydney.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Should I buy or rent a home in Australia?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Australia, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Australia is typically recommended if you are planning on staying in the country for more than two years and if you feel financially stable enough to commit to a mortgage. Renting gives you the flexibility of not having to worry about the costs, repairs and upkeep of being a homeowner. However, you may not be able to build any equity in the property if you decide to rent. It really comes down to a personal choice and the financial ability to back up that decision," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Australia.

Answer this Question

What do I need to know when buying property in Australia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Australia, they said:

"1. First, it is important to understand the local market, research and compare prices of properties in the area in which you wish to purchase. 2. Talk to a buyer's agent and/or property attorney to get help, advice and assistance in the purchase process. 3. Familiarize yourself with Australian laws and regulations regarding property ownership. 4. Get a building and pest inspection to assess the condition of the property before purchasing. 5. Make sure you have appropriate insurance in place to cover any unexpected costs. 6. Be aware of any hidden costs, such as transfer fees, mortgaging fees, legal fees, and other fees associated with the purchase. 7. Consider long-term maintenance costs for the property. 8. Speak to a qualified tax adviser to make sure that you are aware of any tax implications associated with the purchase. 9. Have a clear plan of action and timeline, and know what steps need to be taken in order to purchase the property. 10. Investigate the loan options available to you, and ensure that you are making a decision that is financially responsible," explained one person living in Australia.

Answer this Question

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Australia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Australia, they said...

"Foreigners are generally allowed to own property in Australia provided they obtain the necessary approvals from the Australian government. The type of property a foreign person may buy in Australia is determined by the Foreign Acquisition and Takeovers Act 1975 and a range of associated regulations and rules. In most cases, foreign persons will need to apply for Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval prior to the purchase. Applications will be assessed on various factors such as whether the purchase of the property is in the national interest, whether the investor has the capacity and willingness to comply with the conditions of the purchase and other matters," said one in Australia.

Answer this Question

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Australia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Australia, a typical rental property will usually come with a refrigerator, stove (or oven/cooktop), washing machine, and sometimes additional appliances like a microwave, dishwasher, and/or clothes dryer. Furthermore, some rental agreements may also include furniture and basic home appliances, such as a television and DVD player. Additionally, outdoor equipment may be provided, like a BBQ, mower, and gardening tools," explained one foreigner living in Australia.

Answer this Question

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Australia:

We asked foreigners in Australia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats searching for homes in Australia can begin by searching online for housing websites and online listings. It can also be beneficial to read relocation guides to get a better understanding of the various locations and neighborhoods. Additionally, expats may benefit from working with a real estate agent who can help narrow down available options and provide support throughout the entire process. It is also important to consider school districts and amenities in the area they are looking at, as well as any taxes associated with purchasing or leasing property. Lastly, expats should read reviews of the prospective homes to get a better understanding of the features and amenities they offer," explained one person living in Australia.

Answer this Question