Dylan T

Hi, wife and I are considering moving to Melbourne next year. We have already got our PR visas, but we have no connections down there whatsoever. Could anyone please give us some advice on obtaining banking services and how to find a rental home without any local reference? Thanks a lot.

Geelong Gent

You might find it useful adding some information about yourselves?

- Industry/vocation you will be working in
- What area your intend living in ie CBD/Inner Melbourne/Beach or country Bush?
- Rough budget for accomodation ie no point talking about area x if your budget is for area y
- Banking services? You can probably get alot more by looking at the offerings via the web. The service level is much of the same dependant on number of people you talk to.

Some information you might find useful is that most people arrive and stay in short term accomodation for 4 to 6 weeks on arrival. During this time they obtain longer term rental which is usually for minimum of 12 month duration.

http://www.moving-to-melbourne.co.uk/

This should give an indication of short term accomodation prices and locations ie see the map. This will also give you an idea of the size and location of Melbourne. From places you see and hear feel free to ask more questions and I am sure people specifically local to that area can better inform you.

Dylan T

Thanks for your reply Geelong Gent. We are health professionals and would prefer to live in a suburb within 30km from the CBD, probably in one of those SE suburbs. I have browsed some websites for short term accommodations, but aint sure if local references are required for a longer term rental from an estate agent. We have no ideas at all with the systems downunder although we had holidays there some years ago. Cheers.

Fliprds

The search feature will show you tons of bank threads my friend

You can register online from the UK with Westpac among others, check it out!

Cheers!

Geelong Gent

You can use a reference from the short term accomodation. But most agents just want to see bank statements or letter of employment.

The only real item you might find different is that you can not just turn up and expect to view a property. They have selected viewing times ie 20 to 30 mins where hordes run through and all at the same time so its difficult to see multiple properties in one week.

The properties do differ greatly from web shots so its vital you see both the inside and outside before committing.

Dylan T

Thanks heaps! BTW is it necessary to have the door lock replaced by a locksmith after getting the lease, for safety's sake?
Thanks to Fliprds too. Did not know one may have an OZ bank account opened before actual landing!

furkew

As GG says, pictures of rentals on the internet are often vastly different from what you actually see in the flesh on the day.

Also, a reference from a short term rental will often suffice for a long term rental. We recently had a Russian family stay in our unit, and after I received a phone call from a rental agent, they where able to secure a long term rental without any problems.

Never heard of locks needing to be replaced after getting a lease.

SuperC

Hi Dylan T
I opened an account with Commonwealth a couple of months ago and have been able to use it without having set foot in Oz. You can do everything online and they were really quick and helpful. This way we'll be able to get a bank draft for the deposit on a place when we get to oz

Dylan T

Thanks to you all guys, very helpful tips. Any idea if $50k (all our current asset combined by early next year!) will keep us going for the first 3-4 months in case can't secure a job immediately?

MeinMel

I also opened an account with Commonwealth online while in EU, traveling on 7/9 and booking with housesharevic.com.au

Good luck

furkew

If you keep spending to essentials only, and shop around, it should be no problem. I have read plenty of threads where other expats arrive with just $5/$10k and although not easy, they survived fine.

Margaret3

we came with less and survived on one wage for around 3 months, if your both health professionals you'll get jobs no sweat, i would start emailing your c.v and asking for 'casual' positions before leaving the u.k, casual is equivalant of 'bank' work, and pays more, your also not trapped or obligated to the job, so if its crap you dont take a permenant position