BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Nov 9th 2008 | 11:56 am
#16
Jan4kids
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,156
From: Hertfordshire - Adelaide - now Gold Coast.
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Hey guys,
Those of you considering the Move to Oz please be aware and prepared to set up your new life.
Me and my partner moved to Melbourne 3 weeks ago and you must be prepared to wait a while to find a home, the housing market here has a less than a 1% success rate, as many people are applying for the same properties. Buying is similar; with auctions or open days being the way to buy places.
It is a totally different system here than the UK - You will view places with other people, do not expect a private viewing in any major cities, also be aware that you are moving to a country where water is very highly valued; right now in Melbourne they have just announced a 95% hike in water rates.
However it is not all bad news - If you rent you DO NOT pay council tax!!! So remember to add that to your weekly budget and you will be amazed at the difference it will make to the places you are looking at. Electricity and or gas is also yours to sort out so you can shop around and get a good deal - most will sign you up for 24 months though (i got a 5% discount for this plus a further 5% if you pay on time!), same with phone (go telstra), internet, Sky (foxtel over here) etc... all of which is very expensive - try and bundle this all through one company to maximise your discounts!!!! Every cent counts.
Furnished places are rare but you will get bargain goods if you look down the side streets (electrical prices are NOT higher if you know where to look).
One a final note - get an idea of what you want by using websites such as domain to find properties and dates of inspection etc... Also use websites like seek if you don't have a job lined up.
Anyways we've been here 3 weeks like i've said and despite its differences we love it - just give yourselves time to adjust. All the Best and good luck!!!
Phill
Those of you considering the Move to Oz please be aware and prepared to set up your new life.
Me and my partner moved to Melbourne 3 weeks ago and you must be prepared to wait a while to find a home, the housing market here has a less than a 1% success rate, as many people are applying for the same properties. Buying is similar; with auctions or open days being the way to buy places.
It is a totally different system here than the UK - You will view places with other people, do not expect a private viewing in any major cities, also be aware that you are moving to a country where water is very highly valued; right now in Melbourne they have just announced a 95% hike in water rates.
However it is not all bad news - If you rent you DO NOT pay council tax!!! So remember to add that to your weekly budget and you will be amazed at the difference it will make to the places you are looking at. Electricity and or gas is also yours to sort out so you can shop around and get a good deal - most will sign you up for 24 months though (i got a 5% discount for this plus a further 5% if you pay on time!), same with phone (go telstra), internet, Sky (foxtel over here) etc... all of which is very expensive - try and bundle this all through one company to maximise your discounts!!!! Every cent counts.
Furnished places are rare but you will get bargain goods if you look down the side streets (electrical prices are NOT higher if you know where to look).
One a final note - get an idea of what you want by using websites such as domain to find properties and dates of inspection etc... Also use websites like seek if you don't have a job lined up.
Anyways we've been here 3 weeks like i've said and despite its differences we love it - just give yourselves time to adjust. All the Best and good luck!!!
Phill
You sound a little shell shocked and manic there Phil! Lots of info for info hungry newbies though
Nov 9th 2008 | 12:01 pm
#17
Thread Starter
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
IT was certainly a little hard for the first couple of weeks - Little things though, I think I was mainly the panic of getting sorted. After that everything else falls into place. I did as much Prep as possible; but it was hairy to begin with.
Now I've had 2 days on the beach and wearing shorts today so it's all good!!!
Now I've had 2 days on the beach and wearing shorts today so it's all good!!!
Nov 9th 2008 | 3:39 pm
#18
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Nov 9th 2008 | 5:53 pm
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,705
From: Epsom
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Ohhh another difference here with White goods, they are very basic compared to the UK. We couldn't find a washing machine anywhere near the spec of what we had in the UK for any price.
Our dishwasher was about $100 than our one in the UK had been 8 years ago and was just a basic crappy one.
They have very odd tumble dryers here which just vent straight out of the door! I must have looked very odd in the shops staring strangly and repeating over and over 'but where does the water go?'.
Fridges don't seem to be as advanced here, not much choice in plumbed in models.
Our dishwasher was about $100 than our one in the UK had been 8 years ago and was just a basic crappy one.
They have very odd tumble dryers here which just vent straight out of the door! I must have looked very odd in the shops staring strangly and repeating over and over 'but where does the water go?'.
Fridges don't seem to be as advanced here, not much choice in plumbed in models.
As for tumble driers i know I've definitely seen the condenser types (I think that's what you mean) in most stores, but they are usually a lot more expensive than the ducted ones (which are very cheap though)
For the OP, competition for rentals is very fierce in many desirable areas, but many agents will let you take the keys and go and inspect the property. Just ring them up and ask when they will be having keys come in. Just have to be patient, flexible and get in early I suppose.
I've moved country several times now and it really doesn't get any easier, I first moved to Melbourne in 1996, then to Belgium and then the UK. Now I've just returned to Melbourne and it's the same frustrations as last time (probably worse now with the rental shortage)
But having been a tenant in the UK I have to say that Aus is a bit better. My last UK letting agent put me through the most rigorous vetting process I've ever seen, far worse than applying for a mortgage. Credit check, Employment verification, previous landlord checks, bank checks that I could afford the rent and 2 personal references - and they did actually follow through and check everyone. I was also charged 250 pounds for the pleasure of this. And the expenses were ridiculous in the UK - Gas, Water, Electricity, TV License, Council Tax, Insurance all totaled something like 5-6000 pounds a year.
Nov 9th 2008 | 6:36 pm
#20
locked in the attic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,657
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Don't get a dishwasher???? Are you mad????
I would rather never flush my toilet and use the water for the dishwasher than not have one!
Ohhh another difference here with White goods, they are very basic compared to the UK. We couldn't find a washing machine anywhere near the spec of what we had in the UK for any price.
Our dishwasher was about $100 than our one in the UK had been 8 years ago and was just a basic crappy one.
They have very odd tumble dryers here which just vent straight out of the door! I must have looked very odd in the shops staring strangly and repeating over and over 'but where does the water go?'.
Fridges don't seem to be as advanced here, not much choice in plumbed in models.
I would rather never flush my toilet and use the water for the dishwasher than not have one!
Ohhh another difference here with White goods, they are very basic compared to the UK. We couldn't find a washing machine anywhere near the spec of what we had in the UK for any price.
Our dishwasher was about $100 than our one in the UK had been 8 years ago and was just a basic crappy one.
They have very odd tumble dryers here which just vent straight out of the door! I must have looked very odd in the shops staring strangly and repeating over and over 'but where does the water go?'.
Fridges don't seem to be as advanced here, not much choice in plumbed in models.
Nov 9th 2008 | 7:17 pm
#21
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,344
From: Seattle
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Yes that's what we have, as mentioned above. Very good for internal laundries.
Nov 9th 2008 | 9:57 pm
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,162
From: Adelaide
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
That is my exact point, they are expensive here.
We had a condenser tumble dryer in the UK, it was £200! You can now get them cheaper than that, and it was wonderful, FAR better than the one I have here (not a condenser). Can anyone find one anywhere near that price here? NO. Because MOST electrical things are more expensive.
We had a condenser tumble dryer in the UK, it was £200! You can now get them cheaper than that, and it was wonderful, FAR better than the one I have here (not a condenser). Can anyone find one anywhere near that price here? NO. Because MOST electrical things are more expensive.
Nov 9th 2008 | 11:46 pm
#23
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,344
From: Seattle
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Yes, you did say they are expensive. You also said various items are "very basic", "crappy", "very odd", not as "advanced" etc., here, and I think most of us are responding to that.
sr71, my fridge/freezer is Fisher & Paykel, and it's fine.
You also might find that local brands are simply different badges on brands you know well - Westinghouse being Electrolux, etc.
sr71, my fridge/freezer is Fisher & Paykel, and it's fine.
You also might find that local brands are simply different badges on brands you know well - Westinghouse being Electrolux, etc.
Nov 10th 2008 | 12:23 am
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 181
From: england
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
where did you buy it?
Also re mobiles: can I buy a new one in the UK and just change sim cards over there?
Thanks
Nov 10th 2008 | 12:25 am
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,201
From: Gloucestershire
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
I was told by my friend in Melbourne that The Good Guys is the place to buy white goods and that as well as you being able to haggle, they also give money off for cas (God, I remember those days here in the UK). Thanks for the advice and good luck with everything.
Lorraine
Lorraine
Nov 10th 2008 | 12:29 am
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,705
From: Epsom
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
You can always haggle the prices in Melbourne, it' part of the process. Quite common to get 20% off what they are asking.
Nov 10th 2008 | 10:05 am
#27
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,344
From: Seattle
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Just dug out the invoices so I'll tell you our essential moving in purchases
Good Guys often get a mention but some others do too - have a search on here for "white goods" and I'm sure something will come up.
edit: All those prices ast at May 2008, Sydney.
Sorry I don't know much about UK mobiles, been a few years since I was there. We brought handsets bought in the US, Hong Kong and Singapore and the HK & Sg ones work fine with local SIMS, the US one has always been crap outside the US. Question comes up often, so dig out some threads.
- Bosch Washer 6.5kg Front Loader Model WAE20260AU $825
- Bosch Dryer 7kg Condenser Model WTE84100AU $1228
- Fisher & Paykel 442L Bottom Mount (ooh er missus) FF Model E442BRE $1440
- Noirot Electric Heaters with timers - 3 sizes costing $310, $280, $250
Good Guys often get a mention but some others do too - have a search on here for "white goods" and I'm sure something will come up.
edit: All those prices ast at May 2008, Sydney.
Sorry I don't know much about UK mobiles, been a few years since I was there. We brought handsets bought in the US, Hong Kong and Singapore and the HK & Sg ones work fine with local SIMS, the US one has always been crap outside the US. Question comes up often, so dig out some threads.
Last edited by Kooky.; Nov 10th 2008 at 10:07 am.
Nov 10th 2008 | 10:20 am
#28
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 22
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Folks you are scaring me now! Need some advice. Moving out with wife and 4 year old and newborn baby. Had to come on student visa firstly for 2 years before applying permanently to MELBOURNE. I had found a container ship that will take my stuff for 1700 pounds so I am gonna do that. I am gonna need a 3 bedroomed rental place within 30mins of Huntingdale. I really need to sort this rental out ASAP as the baby is 4 weeks old. I am flying xmas day. Any one please know a reasonable area that would suit, and Ideally has a reasonable school for next year???? How much will rent be roughly? So much planning here, its getting quite scary! Thanks
Nov 10th 2008 | 10:27 am
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,505
From: yangebup perth au
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
you may need to have it unlocked over here - mine worked but somethings like picture messaging didn't buy a new mobile here - they are cheap enough
Nov 10th 2008 | 10:28 am
#30
Auntie Fa
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,344
From: Seattle
Re: BE AWARE!!! HOUSING GUIDE
Hi ajruk, don't panic!
You might want to start a new thread about the areas of interest as this one is meandering all over the place, and the old-timers who know the location well might not read it, based on the title.
You might want to start a new thread about the areas of interest as this one is meandering all over the place, and the old-timers who know the location well might not read it, based on the title.
