10 Essential Housing and Accommodation Tips for a Stress-Free Move to Australia

Moving to Australia is such an exciting adventure, but we both know it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to finding the right place to live. Don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Here are some tips to help you navigate housing and accommodation like a pro.

1. Understand Accommodation Your Options

First things first, let’s talk about where you want to stay. You have a few options:

Short-Term Accommodation

If you need a place to crash while looking for something permanent, think about hotels, serviced apartments, or even hostels. Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb are very handy for this! If you know you’re going to be searching for a while and will need to stay somewhere for a few weeks, it’s also a good idea to call the hotel/resort directly and try to negotiate a good weekly rate. It of course won’t be anything close to a long term rate (at least, you shouldn’t expect it to be), however some accommodation providers are happy to offer units for longer, as it gives them a stable source of income, and can reduce associated cleaning costs. 

Something to remember here is that short-term accommodation prices fluctuate mostly based on the time of the year and increase significantly during holidays, special days off and around events, so you might want to try to avoid these times when going house hunting. Hotels will also be less inclined to offer you a better weekly rate during these times, as they usually make most of their income during those periods. 

Here are some key months to try to avoid:

• December – late January: Summer Holidays in Australia
• Final weeks of April: Easter, ANZAC Day

The exact school holiday dates change annually and depend on the state you’re in, do you can check Australia’s School Holidays website to get all the exact dates. 

Again, these are just general times to avoid due to the increased prices and lower availability, however we do of course understand you can’t always predict the next move, which brings us to:

Long-Term Accommodation

Once you’re ready for something more permanent, you’ll be looking at renting an apartment or house. Check out sites like Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au to find listings that suit your needs. All house searching sites have filters for where you want to be, how many bedrooms you need, parking spaces, etc, so if you have any specific needs, using these filters will save you a lot of time during your searches. 

If you’ve been struggling to find permanent accommodation, you’re not alone. Australia’s housing crisis has been a very heated topic for quite a few years now, with many factors influencing the availability of housing, including shrinking building rates, reduced investment capital due to inflation, and an ever-increasing population. This is not to say it’s impossible to find a rental, just that if you’ve been wondering if it’s just you – it’s not. 

Longer term rental options are usually cheaper and easier to get in suburban and rural areas, so if you can drive to work, take the train, or work remotely, you might also consider these places to live. 

Shared Accommodation

This type of accommodation has transformed from a mere necessity into a strategic lifestyle choice for many individuals seeking affordable housing options. In today’s competitive housing market, sharing a house or apartment with others represents one of the most practical approaches to reducing living expenses while potentially enhancing your social experience. This accommodation option has gained tremendous popularity among students, young professionals, and newcomers to expensive urban centers.

While splitting monthly housing costs can reduce your expenses by 30-50% compared to living alone, the savings multiply when you factor in shared utility bills, internet costs, and household supplies. Many shared living arrangements also come with fully-furnished common areas, eliminating the need for significant upfront investment in furniture and appliances.

Living with roommates also provides an instant social network, which proves particularly valuable when moving to a new city. Many lifelong friendships and even professional connections have formed through shared living spaces! 

You can find roommates or shared accommodation options on sites like Flatmates or through RealEstate, under the shared accommodation housing type. 

Student Accommodation

This is a specialized housing category designed specifically to meet the unique needs of those pursuing higher education. University-provided accommodation offers students a supportive environment tailored to academic life, often situated conveniently close to campus facilities. These purpose-built living spaces typically include study areas, high-speed internet, and sometimes even academic support services as part of the accommodation package.

When researching student accommodation options, be sure to inquire about contract lengths that align with academic terms, as this flexibility can be a significant advantage over traditional rental agreements that typically start from 1 year+ contracts. Some of the most popular student accommodation providers include Scape and UniLodge.

2. Set a Budget

Next up, you should figure out your budget. It’s important to know how much you can realistically afford to spend on accommodation every month. Don’t forget to factor in utilities like electricity and internet—those can add up quickly. 

The generally accepted budgeting guideline is that you should spend no more than 30% of your after-tax income on rent. The key word here is guideline, though. While it’s a good rule of thumb, this will not be realistic – or even possible – for everyone. For some it could be too much, for others too little. But it is a good starting point if you’ve got no idea how much you can afford. 

An important consideration in Australia, also, is the fact that rents are paid weekly, not monthly. Whenever you check rental sites, they almost always quote prices per week, not per month. Definitely keep this in mind when setting your budget!

Here are a few examples of how the 30% rule breaks down to get you started easily. If we follow the 30% rule, based on your income, you “should” spend no more than this much on accommodation:

With the above, keep in mind that these calculations are for a single person. If you’re a couple, and you each have a job, the above rental budget can double. This table is also set on country standards, with the current median salary in Australia being just over $88,000 per year. If you want to learn more about making money, wages and salaries in Australia, check out this post. 

3. Research Suburbs

Do a little digging into different neighbourhoods. Consider what you need: Are you close to work? How about public transport and grocery stores? Schools? Spend some time exploring various areas to find one that feels right for you. LandChecker is a fantastic resource to do your research based on governmental data and sources. You can also always do a quick google search into “Best Suburbs in Brisbane” or “Best Suburbs in Melbourne”. 

Once you’ve chosen a few potential candidates, you can check out some videos on YouTube to see what the city/suburb looks like in reality. Alternatively, you can start by searching for those suburbs on Realestate.com.au or other sites to see which suburb is most within your budget and which one will be best for you overall, if you’re willing to compromise. 

Another option is to go the other way and search for “Worst suburbs Sydney” or “Worst Suburbs Perth”. This will give you a good idea of exactly what to avoid, leaving you with everything else! You can generally expect that suburbs and areas closest to the city centre (CBD) will attract the most crime, however will be closest to all public transport (more on public transport in Australia here), jobs, restaurants and entertainment. As with most things in life, it’s a balance. 

When doing your research on housing and accommodation, don’t forget to consider environmental factors, and in particular, how prone the area is to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, bushfires, and the like. Unfortunately no area is perfect, and each part of Australia deals with its own problems. Most northern regions get cyclones, Sydney gets floods and southern regions get bushfires. It’s all part of life in Australia! Perth is typically considered to be the least affected of any major city, however it still deals with the occasional bushfire, flood or cyclone just like any other city.

Here are some of the more important things to consider in your accommodation search:

• Safety
• Local amenities
• Transportation & accessibility
• Cost of living
• Environmental factors
  • Noise levels? Air pollution?
• Future growth potential

4. Use Credible Resources

Don’t shy away from getting a real estate agent! They can help you navigate the local market and may even know of accommodation options that aren’t listed online. You can also consider joining local Facebook groups or checking out sites like Meetup, which can help you connect with others who have valuable insights. As an added bonus, the rentals available through Facebook groups can also be cheaper, as the owners won’t need to pay any commission or agent fees. The downside of this method, however, is that you’re a bit less protected as a tenant this way, so evaluate what’s more important to you. 

Now, there is a caveat to the above point. While using the services of a real estate agent and listening to their advice can definitely be a smart move, do keep in mind that they are most likely financially compensated for recommending certain properties and accommodation types, or they might have their own quota or agenda to meet when it comes to renting or selling in specific locations or suburbs. Always do your own research first to know what you want, what you’re willing to agree to and what the standards are in a given area. 

5. Inspect Properties

When you find a place you like, make sure to schedule a visit. You want to see it in person so you can check the condition and make sure it’s the right fit. 

Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, damaged flooring, or mould (pay attention to the smell also, as given the climate in Australia, this is a pretty common issue). Check out the state of the walls, windows, and doors, as these can indicate how well the property has been maintained.

If the accommodation comes furnished, check the kitchen appliances to ensure they are in good working order. Open the fridge, oven, and dishwasher to see if they function properly. Look for any signs of rust or damage, and ask the landlord or agent about their age and maintenance history.

In Australia, climate can vary significantly, so it’s important to evaluate the heating and cooling options available in the property. Check for air conditioning units, ceiling fans, or heating systems. Ensure they are functioning and suitable for the local climate, especially if you’re in a region prone to extreme temperatures.

Assess the amount of natural light the property receives throughout the day. Good ventilation is also important for comfort and air quality. Open windows to see how well they operate and check for any drafts that could affect energy efficiency.

Take a moment to explore the neighbourhood. Consider the proximity to public transport, schools, parks, and shopping centres. This can greatly impact your lifestyle and convenience while living in the area.

Don’t hesitate to ask the landlord or property manager any questions you may have during the inspection. Inquire about the lease terms, utilities, and any additional fees that may apply. This is also a good time to clarify any concerns you have regarding the property.

While all of the above are ideals, if you’re looking to rent something in a different city and can’t realistically go to see every home you apply for, you can actually hire someone local on a site like Airtasker and pay them an hourly rate or a fixed price to do the above checks for you. An outside person is (typically) more reliable in their assessment than the real estate agency, as it’s in the agency’s best interest to rent to you, while an independent person will be more objective and give you the details of any issues or shortcomings related to the property.

6. Understand Rental Agreements

Once you’ve found your dream accommodation, it’s time to get familiar with the lease agreement. Pay attention to details like how long the lease is and what happens if you need to break it early. And remember that most landlords will ask for a bond—usually equal to four weeks’ rent—to cover any potential damage, which will be refunded to you at the end of your lease, subject to no damage. 

Your rental agreement will also include the details of any foreseeable increases to your rent, which, at the time of writing, can only legally be increased no sooner than every 12 months. It’s important to note here that the 12 months is from the last increase, not from the beginning of your lease. This means that if the landlord increased their rent, for example, 8 months ago, and you sign your lease today, they will legally be able to increase your rent in 4 months. While this may be unlikely, it’s important that you pay attention to this date and clarify anything you’re not sure about reading the accommodation with your agent/landlord. 

All details regarding your payment of utilities like water, electricity, gas, etc. will also be included in your agreement, including whether these are payable together with your rent, or if payments are to be made to the direct provider. More on utilities below!

7. Give Yourself the Best Possible Chance

As previously mentioned, the housing and accommodation market has been tough, with significant competition for every available rental. This means you need to make sure you give yourself the best possible chance to catch the eye of landlords or agents. While many landlords might prefer local tenants with a rental history in Australia, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting that perfect rental:

Reference Letters from Overseas Rentals

If you have previously rented a house or apartment overseas, getting reference letters from your previous landlords can be incredibly beneficial. These letters should include details about your rental history, payment punctuality, and overall behaviour as a tenant. A strong reference can reassure landlords that you are a responsible tenant, even if you lack a local rental history.

Funds and Bank Statements

Demonstrating your financial stability is crucial. Prepare your bank statements to show consistent income and savings, even if they’re not from local sources yet. This can help landlords feel confident in your ability to meet rental payments for your potential accommodation. If possible, provide proof of any additional funds set aside for emergencies or unexpected expenses, as this can further strengthen your application.

Current Job Contract

Having a stable job is a significant factor for landlords when assessing potential tenants, and if you’re looking to rent as a couple, most preferable would be if both parties have a full time job. Include a copy of your current job contract or employment letter that outlines your position, salary, and job security. This will help demonstrate your financial reliability and commitment to maintaining a steady income, which is absolutely vital for meeting rental obligations.

Reference Letter from Your Current Employer

A reference letter from your current employer can be both a great testament to your character and reliability, as well as your job stability and hence financial security. This letter should highlight your work ethic, professionalism, and any other qualities that make you a desirable tenant. It would be further beneficial for this letter to include the term of your employment, so that your future landlord can rest assured you will have the financial means to rent their property for the duration of your lease.

8. Know Your Rights as a Tenant

It’s super important to know your rights before renting any accommodation! Before signing, carefully review all clauses related to rent increases, maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions. Many tenants unknowingly agree to unfavorable terms simply because they didn’t thoroughly read their agreement. Each Australian state has its own tenant laws, so take some time to look those up. You can find good resources on sites like:

1. For NSW: NSW Fair Trading
2. For Victoria: Victoria’s Consumer Affairs, Tenants Victoria
3. For QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority
4. For WA: Residential Tenancies

Across Australia, however, tenants are entitled to certain universal rights, regardless of location. These include the right to live in a property that meets basic health and safety standards, the right to reasonable peace and privacy, and protection against unfair eviction practices.

In all Australian jurisdictions, landlords are responsible for ensuring the property remains in a reasonable state of repair, but the process for requesting repairs and the timeframes for completion differ. Urgent repairs, such as broken heating systems or serious water leaks, typically require immediate attention, while non-urgent repairs may have longer allowable timeframes. Documenting all repair requests in writing and keeping detailed records of all communications regarding property maintenance can protect you in case of any disputes.

Landlords must follow strict procedures for property inspections, providing appropriate notice before entering your accommodation. When your tenancy ends, understanding the process for bond refunds—including allowable deductions and disputes —ensures you don’t lose money unfairly. Remember also that tenant databases (blacklists) are regulated, and you have the right to know if you’ve been listed and to challenge inaccurate listings that could affect your future accommodation options!

9. Utility Setup

When you move in to your new accommodation, sort out your utilities as soon as you can. This includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Water charges are typically payable directly to your local city council water management branch, while the most common electricity providers are Origin, AGL, Red Energy and Ergon. The government’s Energy Made Easy is a portal you can use to compare all electricity and gas providers in your specific suburb or area. 

Something to keep in mind here is that whether you can choose your own provider or not will depend on your accommodation type. If you rent a house you will typically be able to choose your own provider, while if you rent an apartment in a complex or a high-rise building, there is typically a single provider that services the whole building, giving you no choice but to sign up with them. If you’re in this boat, talk to your real estate agent to find out which providers you need to sign up with. This information might also be included in your rental agreement, so be sure to read it carefully.

If your property has gas appliances, you’ll need to arrange connection through a gas retailer. In many cases, you can bundle gas and electricity services with the same provider for convenience and potential discounts. However, don’t assume bundling is always the most economical option—compare standalone plans as well. When evaluating gas plans, consider whether you need continuous supply year-round or primarily during colder months, as some plans offer seasonal flexibility that could reduce your overall costs.

Now, internet. Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) provides the infrastructure for most fixed-line internet services, but you’ll need to select a retail service provider to access it. When choosing an internet plan, consider not just the advertised speed and monthly data allowance but also factors like typical evening speeds (when networks are congested), contract length, and setup fees. For accommodation in areas without NBN access, alternative technologies such as 4G/5G home wireless, satellite internet, or legacy ADSL services may be available. The biggest internet providers in Australia are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, however they’re not the cheapest options, so you can definitely shop around to find the best option for your needs.

Finally, establish a system for managing all utility bills from the outset. Most providers offer paperless billing and direct debit payment options that simplify administration and often come with small discounts. Consider setting up a dedicated folder for your accommodation—physical or digital—for storing all utility account information, contract details, and payment records. This organization will become very useful when the time comes to move or disconnect any services – this way you won’t forget any of them!

10. Join the Community

Moving into a new accommodation isn’t just about a physical space—it’s about establishing yourself within a community that can enrich your life in countless ways. Building meaningful connections in your new neighborhood transforms an unfamiliar environment into a place that truly feels like home.

Most suburbs and towns have dedicated community facilities that host everything from fitness classes and cooking workshops to language exchanges and craft groups. These centers typically publish monthly calendars of events, many of which are free or low-cost, providing perfect opportunities to meet neighbors while doing what you enjoy!

For families with children, school and childcare communities offer natural pathways to neighborhood integration. Parent associations, school events, and children’s extracurricular activities create regular opportunities to meet other families in your area. These connections often extend beyond the educational context into playdates, family outings, and supportive friendships.

If all else fails, you can always find get-togethers and events on Facebook or MeetUp.

And you never know someone in the community might also have a connection with a real estate agency that could help you out with your accommodation!

Conclusion

Finding a place to call home is one of the first big steps in your Australian adventure. Take your time, weigh your options, and trust your instincts. 

Good luck—you’ve got this!