Michellemabelle

Hi, I’m waiting for my 547 visa for a job in Brisbane CBD, ETA September, fingers crossed. I’ll be bringing my son with me, he’ll be on a working holiday visa for now, but looking to go to Uni next year. 1st question, buy or rent? I know the property prices in some areas have dropped but I plan on staying for 3 years plus, and I suspect a permanent move. I’m looking for a 4 bed house, bay views a must. 2nd question, where to move? I want to stay near the coast and commute, I fancy anything from Manly down to Redland Bay, anything within a 45 min commute. I also know that they have changed the law with regard to expats buying property in Oz, what are the new rules for a property being FIRB free?

I’m female, 30 something, single and pretty sociable and I’ve got loads of things I want to do e.g. sailing, horse riding, salsa, cooking, I’m sure I’ll meet plenty of folks. Are there any meet ups for the young team? My son is a typical bloke, into gadgets & girls, not necessarily in that order, he was studying computer art at Uni in Scotland and wants to fit that in as well. How is the job situation for his age group, where should he start to look for casual work? OK sorry, more than 2 questions, any help would be greatly appreciated….cheers.

Keith Moon

Cleveland, Batside, sorry Bayside, there are some old bats there though!

Rent for at least a year till you find your feet!

heldownunder

Bayside a great area- but a four bed house in Manly with a view would be $850,000/1mill plus. Its a popular commute zone. Birkdale thornside and wellington point slightly cheaper. Check out realestate .com. Manly has great community vibe, lots going on and plenty of lovely cafes, but sleepy in the evening so son may find it too quiet. Cleveland has more evening life.
I would rent for 6 months too to give you an idea of areas.

Icecube

I suggest thinking about how you will commute into the CBD. Possibly consider looking at locations near a station with views...suggestions would be Raby bay.....

spartacus

Here's a one with bay views.

http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...anly-107614858

Kiwipaul

If you are only staying for 3 years is it worth buying, we have a nasty thing called stamp duty (same as the UK) down here and on a $800,000 property without a mortgage it is $31,000. Plus when you leave and sell the property via an agent you will all incur fees of approx $25,000. This doesn't take into account any other fees you will have to pay, solicitor, advertising, pest inspection, various searches, etc.

Go into this with your eyes wide open, and I'd recommend you rent to begin with as a mistake could be very costly.

Icecube

sometimes the nice ones are not available for rent........and if you rent you could be moving on a frequent basis which is also stressful and expensive