Housing

Wherever you chose to live in Australia, you will find the right kind of community for your lifestyle. Every city and large town has a wide choice of suitable housing, along with excellent community services which guarantee comfortable living.

Cost of Housing

Houses cost more in the major cities than in smaller towns – the same house in Sydney or Melbourne could cost more than twice than in Hobart. House prices vary so much across the country that it is difficult to give a simple picture of what a house will cost. Visit www.realestate.com.au for a list of properties for sale in Australia.

Home ownership is important to Australians. About 70% of the populations live in homes belonging to them. Financial institutions like banks, building societies and credit unions encourage home ownership. Check with individual loaning institutions for up to date lending criteria.

If you are buying a house is it advisable that you buy through a real estate agent who is a member of a real Estate Institute. Each State of Territory has a Real Estate Institute located in its capital city. Most houses and units in Australia are sold through established agents, as they have the required expertise and they are governed by regulations – a guarantee that everything will be done with in the accordance of the law. In addition, a wide variety of houses and units are available for rent through local real estate agents in all major cities and towns.

More information can be provided by : The Real Estate Institute of Australia www.reiaustralia.com.au

Renting made easy

Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience. Not only must you acclimatize to a new country to a new country and foreign landscape, but you have to find a comfortable place to call home. This doesn’t happen overnight.

While many may have the luxury of accommodation with relatives, many will struggle initially unless approaching the move with a sensible plan.

Where will you live?

Most people choose to settle in one of the larger Australian Cities. The most suitable location is often determined by
(a) work or business prospects,
(b) proximity to relatives, and
(c) public perception.

The immediate priority is to find a place to live in for the short term. This can be difficult in a foreign environment and should not be rushed.

Most real estate agencies advertise in the major newspapers for the area and place rentals on their website which when viewing will provide photos and details of the properties available.

Throughout the major cities in Australia, the types of rental accommodation vary from small flats, high-rise units and townhouses to the smaller two bedroom houses through to larger four or more bedroom homes. Australian houses are typically a mixture of European and American in style, with Australian variations. Tropical Queensland tends to timber and open plan, while Melbourne has more brick and fireplaces.

Spend time researching areas you are interested in living and calculate how far away from work, family and friends you will be if you decide to live there. It’s also worthwhile checking out local facilities including shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment complexes and parks and gardens. Once you’ve decided where you would like to live, think about what you need in a rental home. How many bedrooms and bathrooms you require. Also heating and air-conditioning are contributing factor.

APPLYING FOR A RENTAL PROPERTY

It’s important to work out what you can afford, set your limits and stick to them. The average Australian renter spends no more than one-third of his or her monthly salary on rent. As you will be required to provide evidence that you can pay the rent, and look after the property, it is advisable to have some written references as well as reliable contact with email addresses and telephone numbers that will support your application.

WHAT DOES A LEASE INVOLVE?

The majority of leases for rental accommodation are 6 or 12 month terms. If you require a shorter time frame of say 3 months, it is best to ask the agent before viewing the property. It is important to read the lease and all other documentation very carefully before signing. You may not want to read all that find print, but it is in your best interests to do so. Because once you’ve signed the lease, you’re bound to everything contained in it.

You’ll need to pay a bond (normally four week’s rent) and two or more weeks rent in advance when you sign the lease. There may be extra costs associates with the letting of the premises depending on the legislative requirements in that State. The bond is then lodged with an independent government body and is held by them, until you move out. It may be used to cover any cleaning services and /or damage to the property. The bond must not be used for rent, as rent is to be paid up to date at the time of vacating.

SHORT TERM RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

Fully furnished apartment accommodation is tailored to help make the transition process a lot more comfortable, and in the short term can save you a lot of money and inconvenience. This form of accommodation is often hassle and obligation free, while providing high standards of living and convenience.

The benefits include:

Fully equipped for day to day living

No long term lease commitments

Time to settle down and establish yourself

Hassle free living in a residential environment

Time for furniture shipment to arrive

Utility costs included in rental

No bond payment required

HOW TO LOCATE A FULLY FURNISHED APARTMENT?

Australia is blessed with a large variety of furnished apartments. This modern and popular style of accommodation can easily be located in telephone directories like the Yellow Pages on the internet. Most quality website offer photos, location maps, details of available properties and costs and availability.

Fully furnished apartments can be rented on a weekly basis and provide an ideal first stage accommodation that is flexible and convenient. Everything required for day to day living is provided including toweling and linen. Apartment sizes varies from 1 bedroom to luxurious penthouses. Choose an apartment that is well equipped with full laundry facilities, building security, good lifestyle amenities and undercover secure parking.

A central location with good access to public transport is generally the best choice. It is also important to consider work or business location, children’s schooling, and convenience to shopping centers and public amenities when deciding where to relocate.

WHAT TERMS AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR?

Other things you may need to consider are contents insurance. You need to insure your personal belongings, as they are not covered under the landlords insurance.

You also need to contact the appropriate utility companies to connect power, gas and phone in your name. Speak with your property manager to see if they can assist you in this area, as many real estate offices are using companies that will connect the utilities for you at no charge.

You will enjoy living in Australia once you have settled in your new home, whether you are renting or buying.