Hi, I'm Kat, and unlike a lot of people on this site I'm not a British Expat., I'm actually an Australian Expat. currently living in London.  I've moved back and forwards between the two countries several times in the last few years and the thing I find most challenging each time, with the possible exception of the visa wait, is finding somewhere to live when I arrive.  I feel like I know certain areas well enough now so that I should be able to find something before I land, but over the last couple of years that's become more of a challenge - even for an Australian relocating back to Australia.  So here are some of the things I've learned over the years that might help other people in the same, frustrating, boat as I've been in the past. 

1.  Don't Over Commit.

By this I mean don't put yourself in a situation where you sign a long lease, or even more seriously, buy, before you've lived in the area.  Lots of people move to Australia and immediately head for the beach, but this isn't always the most practical or financially savvy choice, so give yourself the opportunity to try out the suburb or city before you commit for the long haul. 

2.  Location, Location, Location.

Following on from my first point is the second: take your time narrowing down the areas you want to live in.  This decision will have a lot to do with how happy you are during the first few months so it's worth putting the time in even if it means you have to stay in the hostel for longer.  An easy way to kick start this is to visit a few neighbourhoods and stroll around imagining how you'd feel if you lived there.  Take a few moments to check out estate agent windows and see if you think you can afford to live in the area.  If not, get on the train or bus and ride a couple of stops away from the CDB and repeat.  If you're moving to a major city you should aim to limit your short list to three or four suburbs or areas.

Some property search websites, like the one I work for (Nestoria Australia) are designed to help you out with this task by giving you a map view of the properties that you're looking at. This will give you a chance to see how far from public transport and other local amenities your prospective property is.

3.  Do Your Research So You Can Act Fast.

The rental market in most of Australia's state capitals moves very quickly, so when you see something you like you'll need to act fast.  The best way to do this is to do a lot of your searching online. This is where the information is freshest, and most websites will help you narrow down your search by offering you price search fields, and/ or room number fields for example, so you don't waste time trawling though properties that aren't a good match. 

Many Australian real estate agents manage rental properties but they're often not particularly helpful to potential tenants.  Unless you have a large budget the best they're likely to offer you if you go into their office is a list of their properties and a map.

FYI: You might find the word 'unit' used to describe a property – I'd say the word describes a property that's built as part of a block, but is larger than a flat, and could be built over multiple floors. 

4.  Dealing With Agents.

Once you've found a property you like the look of online you need to get in touch with the agent who's managing it and arrange a viewing.  It's a good idea to find out the name of the agent managing the property and asking for them by name – they're the ones most likely to be able to answer your questions and start the application process.  And if you really like a property don't be shy, if the agent doesn't get back to you keep calling or send them an email. 

FYI:  It's important to note that in Australia it's illegal for an agent to rent a property to you without your having viewed it.  Some agents hold opening viewings or open houses, where anyone can view.  These can be competitive, so turn up early and be prepared.  Bring all the papers necessary for you to put in an application to lease the property if you decide it's what you want.  Estate Agents can take more than one application; so make sure you include all the correct information with yours.  You usually need proof of identity (passport/ birth certificate/ drivers license), proof of your income, bank statements for the last three months and previous rental agreements if you have them.  One of the most important parts of your application will be your references - you'll need to give your current employer as a reference, and possibly a previous landlord. 
You might be asked to put down a deposit with your application.  If you don't get the house this will be returned to you, and if you do it will go against the first payment.

Once the estate agent has checked your references your whole application will go to the owner of the property for a final OK. 
It's illegal for agents to favour one application over another except in order of receiving them – or in the instance of someone offering more rent.

5.  Other Useful Things To Know.

In Australia, when you first move into a property, as well as your first rental payment, you'll be expected to put down a deposit, usually called a bond.  This is usually four to six weeks rent.  The bond protects the owner against any damage done to the property or unpaid bills.  In all states but Tasmania and the Northern Territory, your Bond is kept by an independent government-owned body, in NSW it's called the Rental Bond Board.

Because you're paying a bond it's important to inspect the property thoroughly for damage before you move in and bring any to the attention of your managing agent or landlord.  If it's a furnished property you should also be given an inventory.  It's also worth asking your letting agent if there are any utility accounts already set up – if they are then if you stay with the same companies you can sometimes save yourself a connection fee.

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