Hi all,

I'm sure this has come up a million times before but I couldn't find a dedicated thread...

Renting a flat in Sydney...where should I start?? What are the names of the main areas and suburbs? Is $2000 per month a realistic budget for a 1 bed flat in a good area? If not, what is? Do flat prices include any bills? Is it a given that places would be air conditioned or should I look out for that (I'm English - moaning about the weather already!)?

Thanks all!

$2000 for a 1 bed flat! TBH I don't know.

Some Sydney people will be along to advise.

Try http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-property...c18364l3003435 and http://www.realestate.com.au/rent

Yeah I pay just under $2000 a month for a small 1 bed apartment in Waverton. A decent area close to the city.

But I haven't had a rent increase for two and a half years and my next door neighbour who's apartment is identical to mind (minus the water view) told me his rent is going up to $595 at next lease renewal. He has declined and moved out.

I was under the impression that rent was to come down when Lafha got binned. The reverse seems to have happened.

Good luck house hunting. It can be a bit scary.

Hi Siobhan. Can't give you Sydney-specific info, as I live on the other side of the country. Some things hold true across the board though.

For ideas of rental locations and prices, check realestate.com.au

When you rent in Australia, the landlord usually pays the council and water rates. You will usually pay for actual water used, and you also pay all electricity and gas charges. The landlord pays building insurance, which includes fixed items in the property such as stoves ('cookers' in the UK), fixed heating and cooling appliances, etc. You will need to take out your own household contents insurance, to cover your furniture and all your other belongings.

Initial costs - usually 4 weeks rent is asked up front, as a bond, you get this back if you don't damage the property beyond normal wear and tear (that's the theory, anyway!). You are also usually asked to pay 4 weeks rent in advance. Some newly arrived people have reported being asked to pay up to 6 months rent in advance, as they haven't yet obtained employment, but I don't know how common that is.

Air conditioning is certainly not a given, so if that's essential for you you'll need to check that it's installed (and working!), when you inspect the property.

Hope that helps a bit

Thanks all, really helpful tips. I would be moving with my company on a sponsored 457 visa (think that's what it's called anyway!) so hopefully I wouldn't have to pay 6 months up front.

A question on this theme though...will I be able to open an Aussie bank account before I get a flat? I won't have an address to register it to!

You can open a bank account before you arrive and collect your cards on arrival with ID.

Most major banks allow you to do this. NAB, Commonwealth etc...

Prices in Australia are weekly not monthly, so that is $460 per week. I think you would get something, but no I don't think it would stretch to a nice modern flat in a good area. No air conditioning isn't a given, you need to check and you would pay for all your utilities.

Do tenants pay for water in NSW? They don't generally up here.

In NSW Water usage can be charged to the tenant as long as it is separately metered

Yes we pay water bills.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll wait for my offer letter (telling me my Aussie salary!) and then work out what I can spend. I live in London atm so luckily I am completely used to being ripped off at every turn!

Prepare yourself for even more.

Hi Siobhan. You might consider house sharing too, it is very common here with professionals and will open up more options for you. $400 a week will get you a half share in something a lot better, and if you choose wisely it's a good way to kick start your new social life too.

Good luck with everything, it will be an adventure for you.

+1

(Perthling here)

It will easily get a good, modern 1 bed in a trendy area with aircon no problem.