Guide to first-time renters in Australia

I have moved twice in a year since moving to Australia. Unlike in South Korea where you simply choose your ideal place on an app, make an appointment with the real estate agent or owner, sign a deal, and pay the monthly rent and electricity – the process is more tedious here in Australia. It’s exciting, but at the same time overwhelming!

I’ve compiled some things I learned and hope that these can help you plan:

Know your budget

The first important thing you should do before looking for a place is identifying exactly how much you can afford or at least, how much you are willing to spend for housing. This will help you narrow down the places where you should look into.

Like any other countries, the farther you are from the central business district (CBD), the cheaper the prices. However, in Sydney, other well-developed areas like Chatswood, Parramatta; tourist sites like Bondi; or simply close to the train and metro stations, jack up their prices.

I was very surprised when I learned about rental prices in Sydney. It was five times more expensive than my studio in Korea! 

Thirty minutes away from Sydney’s CBD via train, you can find 1 BR units which will cost from AUD$350 – 550 per week! This does not include the monthly electricity bill, internet, water, and other miscellaneous fees. Also, you are required to pay a Rental Bond prior to signing a residential agreement (contract), this is usually worth four weeks of rent.

Find your ideal place

Your ideal place can either be a unit (apartment), a granny flat (small house next to the owner’s place), or a house. 

You can start searching for your potential home via online or apps such as Real Estate or Domain. These apps are easy to use and are straight-forward. You can filter search results by prices, the number of bedrooms or baths, availability of balcony or parking, or for extra features like it being pet-friendly! 🐶

If you wish to keep a house you really like, talk to your agent and pay a holding deposit prior application.

extra tip!

I found our new home through these apps. During COVID, they updated the app to enable users to view homes through videos or make appointments to check the unit. 

Speaking of checking out units, a more common way to do this is by joining open houses. The open houses are often organised by real-estate companies. Among the most popular one are Raine & Home, PIA, WaterAsset Management, and more. Some neighbourhoods, especially those with new units, are often packed with couples or families attending open houses during the weekend – hopping from one unit to another. Once you’ve found your ideal home, you can move to the next step.

Apply for the house or unit you like.

Applying for a unit or house requires time, effort, and a bunch of documents. You can think of it as a competition if many of you are applying for the same unit. It kind of makes sense, as it ensures the landlord that the tenant is capable of paying the lease diligently and will not cause any harm.

Documents commonly asked when applying for a unit or house are:

• Completed application form – available online or offline.
• At least two IDs (passport, driver’s license, state card, etc.)
• Employment certificate or contract – it should show your income and employment date
• Proof of income – pay slips, tax return, bank certificate
• At least two references – you can ask your friends or colleagues to be your references. It is usually used by the landlord in case it wants to do a background check on you.

Once you’ve completed the application form and submitted all the documents to the real estate agent, your next step is to wait. The application approval may take a day or a week, depending on your agent or landlord. In our case, it took us just one day after we submitted our application.

Moving in to your new house

Congratulations! Your rental application has been approved. You will now pay the rental bond and other fees (usually first week’s rent), meet with your agent, sign the residential agreement form, and submit the condition report within seven days after you signed your contract.

What is a condition report?

A condition report is a form provided by the real estate agency. This form requires you to inspect your house thoroughly for signs of wear and tear, damages, wall scratches, cracks, or other things that require repairing. Don’t forget to take pictures for proof. Knowing the exact condition of your new house will help you keep your rental bond intact when you move out in the future.

And now for our favorite part…

Shop for furnitures, appliances, and other home essentials

If you are tight on the budget, buying second-hand appliances or furniture is an option. You can check out Facebook’s Marketplace or Gumtree. When making a purchase using these platforms, never pay or wire any money without checking the item personally! Be cautious when making transactions online.

If you have the time, you can visit local thrift or op shops like Vinnies, or Salvos near your place. They also have great finds here at an affordable price.

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Most of our furniture and home decor were bought in IKEA, Bed Bath & Table, K-Mart, and Target. Our large appliances were bought from Harvey Norman, while smaller electronics are either from JB Hi-fi or Amazon.com.au.

Have fun house hunting and shopping! 😉