Thinking about moving from New Zealand to Australia? As part of the process of relocating to a new country, you’ll need to decide where you live and whether you purchase or rent a home in Australia. If you do want to rent, it can be tricky to know how the process works as a New Zealand resident. As Allied Moving Services helps many Kiwis successfully make the move to Australia so we have written this blog article to help you rent a property in Australia and make your international move a breeze!
How to rent in Australia as a New Zealander
A key aspect of planning your move to Australia is securing a place to live! We’ve listed the steps below to help you successfully rent a property and relocate to Australia.
Organise short-term accommodation
Much like in New Zealand, you likely won’t find a suitable rental home and be able to move in immediately once you relocate to Australia. As you organise your move from New Zealand, we recommend that you organise some short-term accommodation such as staying with friends or family, or booking an Airbnb. This will provide enough time for you to inspect any possible properties, organise your required documentation, and await approval before you can move into your new home!
Decide on housing arrangement
There are a few different ways you can find a rental in Australia. The first option is to apply directly to lease a property, which involves filling out the lease applications for real estate agents. Another option is to move into a property which is already being rented, and is often referred to as a “sharehouse”. This involves renting a room and then sharing the common areas like bathroom, kitchen and living room, and is a particularly popular option with younger people. If you’d like to be on the lease for the property, you will likely need to fill out an application proving to the landlord and real estate agent that you are a suitable tenant. The decision of whether you should apply directly to a property or move into a sharehouse will depend upon if you are living alone, with a partner or a family, your financial situation, the availability of housing, and your own rental history.
Choose where to live
Deciding where you’d like to live in Australia will likely depend on the type of work you are hoping to find and what lifestyle you are interested in. Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales are the most popular states for Kiwis. The bigger Australian cities are great for their vast amount of job opportunities and exciting offerings of culture and nightlife, however tend to be more expensive than regional areas. Once you’ve decided on the city or town, do some research to see which suburbs have the right amenities, proximity to work, and are within your budget.
Save sufficiently
As part of renting a property, the real estate agent and landlord will want to see that you have adequate savings - especially if you have not secured work in Australia yet. We recommend that you research the cost of living in your city and save at least two to three months of rent and living expenses before relocating. You can use the BudgetDirect tool to compare the cost of living in New Zealand to Australia, and keep in mind that there is a currency difference and international transaction fees when transferring funds. Create a budget that factors in rental costs, security deposits, utilities, and other related expenses.
Inspect the property beforehand
We highly recommend that you inspect any rental property before deciding to sign the lease. Otherwise, you can run the risk of being locked into an unsuitable property. Inspecting it yourself will mean you will have a good understanding of the actual size, condition and location of the property, which can be hard to discern just based on the listing. If you are unable to inspect the property in person, request a virtual tour or ask someone else to inspect the property on your behalf.
Prepare your essential documents
To complete your rental application, you will need to prepare your essential documents, including proof of identity (such as passport or driver's licence), proof of income or employment (and potentially bank statements), and rental references from New Zealand. To help your application, you may also be required to submit a ‘cover letter’, personal references and a letter from your employer.
Understand your tenancy agreement
So, you’ve successfully secured your property! Congratulations, but before you sign your name on the dotted line, carefully read and understand the terms of the tenancy agreement. If you feel unsure about the agreement, seek legal advice if needed to ensure you are aware of your rights and obligations. This is also the best time to discuss any concerns or questions with the landlord or property management company before signing the lease.
Arrange utilities
Once you’ve signed your tenancy agreement, it’s time to set up your necessary utilities! These utilities will include electricity, water, gas, internet, and phone services. Shop around and contact different providers to find the best deal. Arrange for the utilities to be set up before you move in so you won’t be sitting in the dark or without water the first few days in your new home.