Australia is famous globally for its vast open spaces, natural wonders, beaches and large urbanised cities like Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. As an Indian, renting or owning a house in Australia can be a dream come true. But that being said, housing in Australia can be super expensive, especially in these attractive cities. It can also be quite challenging if you are looking to rent a property as a non-resident or if you are on a temporary visa. Nevertheless, it is a large country with many options available depending upon your requirements. An essential requirement is to find a ‘safe and comfortable space for yourself. There are several other significant aspects you need to throw an eye on before you start the process of finding your place to live. We have put down a few things to make it smoother for our Indian community.
Know the right terminology
It is important to learn the local terminology to keep your search effective. For instance, “house” In Australia is used for large houses with some outdoor space and “flats” are used for apartments. Apartments with a single room are known as “studio flats”. When large apartments are separated and built into blocks they are called “units”.
Choose your neighbourhood and accommodation type
As you know, everything from rental cost to type of accommodation varies across neighbourhoods. Take some time to explore the different areas around your work or study location to ensure you find the right place to live. In Australia, if you want to live closer to the CBD(Central Business District) area, the rents get higher. If you are a student, you’ll find that accommodations close to your campus areas are more expensive. It is wise to research thoroughly as you look for accommodations and find a place that best suits your budget, logistics and other requirements. We strongly urge you to speak to other Indians who have a fair idea of the locations. You can reach out to them directly by signing up on the DesiPedia app, a platform for Indians living in Australia.
Find the right accommodation type
Finding an accommodation type that suits your requirement is important. There are several kinds of accommodation types that you can choose from:
- Apartment accommodation
- Homestays
- Private Rentals: A Private rental property is managed without a residential real estate agent or property manager
- Hostels of Student residencies (If you are a student)
Before you make your decision on a location or type of accommodation, you can reach out to the Indian community on the DesiPedia app to hear the pros and cons of your decision.
Rental Agreements
You need to follow the protocols and documentation process to avoid any risk. It is also recommended to start with a short-term rental and then take some time to decide on a long-term lease option. The first thing that you need to become with is Australia’s 100 point check. It is an identification system associated with the Australian government and followed by most landlords in Australia. Every piece of ID that an individual produces(passport, Driving License, utility account) is worth a definite set of points. An individual who looks to rent a property needs to fulfil a minimum of 100 points to be worthy of consideration for the rental application.
The advance payment is usually decided mutually with the landlord as there is no fixed rule on it. However, an amount equal to one month’s rent is usually expected as a security deposit. The deposit is used to protect the owner from damages to the property rented or unpaid bills/rents. It is important to inspect the apartment thoroughly and check the working condition of all the appliances to avoid altercations at a later date. As Indians, we are very connected to our homes and therefore ensuring proper protocols and documentation allows us to keep things smooth and focus on our work and families. It is important to understand your accommodation contract or lease. Take the time to read the document and reach out to the landlord or the property agent immediately if you have confusion. Most documents are for 12 months minimum but it is possible to secure shorter contracts as well. If you encounter any difficulty, there are several housing property agents from Indian communities on the DesiPedia app and seeking help from help might work wonders.
Short Term Rentals
If you have just landed in Australia and are looking for a quick move-in for a month or two, then short term rentals are the go-to’s. There are various options like hotels and shared homes. During your stay In these temporary locations, you can explore the neighbourhoods and accommodation options for renting or buying for a long term purpose. There are plenty of websites that offer weekly/monthly temporary rentals. They are usually fully furnished and require less documentation. However, they are relatively expensive at a per month cost compared to the long term rentals. But, simple bookings and fewer documentation requirements make them attractive for newly immigrated Desis in Australia.
Rending VS Buying
Renting is always a more flexible option than buying when it comes to the new immigrants to Australia. This allows them to explore more neighbourhoods, accommodation styles, protocols and networks with others from the Indian community before they make a long term investment plan. Australia has a very policy for investment or housing if you are not a permanent resident. However, there are many Indians who consider buying a house in Australia. It becomes a symbol of achievement and they also like to take a stake in the country. The property prices are significantly high and it is important to consider the current prospects of your savings and economic conditions before investing. Most Australians takes mortgages from banks to pay for their properties. As Indians, you need proper documentation and agents to secure a home. It finally comes down to your personal choice and budget to rent or buy a property. In either case, thorough research on all the factors involved is pertinent.
To sum up, renting is a good option for a Desi looking to settle initially in Australia. And as it involves the exchange of money and property in a foreign land, it is wise to consult knowledgeable people and do thorough research before deciding to rent a property. Surrounding yourself with the right people helps you settle in faster into the community and make wise decisions. Leveraging the benefits of the app DesiPedia can help you reach thousands of Indians from the Indian community in Australia. If you are currently looking to rent a house in Australia, you can drop your query or comment in the comment box below. If you are well-versed with the rental system in Australia and you’d like to add more information to this blog, then you can share your words in the comments section below.