How to Find Accommodation in Australia
Moving to Australia is exciting but one of the biggest challenges newcomers face is finding the right accommodation. Whether you’re a student, working professional or moving with family, it’s important to understand the housing options, rental process and what to expect in the Australian market.
Let’s break it down step by step
1. Understand Your Options
Australia offers a wide variety of accommodation types, depending on your budget, stay duration and lifestyle:
- Shared Accommodation – Ideal for students or solo movers. You rent a room in a shared house/apartment with others. Sites like Flatmates.com.au and Facebook Marketplace are popular for this.
- Private Rentals – You can rent an entire property directly through a real estate agent or landlord. Good for families or professionals.
- Student Accommodation – Purpose-built student apartments are common near universities. They’re fully furnished and often include utilities.
- Short-term Accommodation – If you’ve just arrived, you can start with Airbnb or short-term rentals while searching for something permanent.
- Homestay – Live with a local family especially great for international students who want a local experience.
2. Where to Search for Accommodation
You’ll find thousands of listings online. The most popular websites include:
- Domain.com.au
- Realestate.com.au
- Flatmates.com.au
- Rent.com.au
- Facebook Marketplace and local community groups
- UniLodge, Scape, and Urbanest (for student housing)
Tip: Always verify listings and never transfer money before inspecting or confirming legitimacy. Scams do exist!
3. Average Rent Prices in Major Cities (Approximate Weekly Rates)
| City | Shared Room | 1-Bed Apartment | 2-Bed Apartment |
| Sydney | $250–$400 | $550–$750 | $700–$1000 |
| Melbourne | $200–$350 | $450–$650 | $600–$900 |
| Brisbane | $180–$300 | $400–$600 | $550–$800 |
| Perth | $170–$300 | $380–$550 | $500–$750 |
| Adelaide | $160–$280 | $350–$500 | $450–$700 |
Rents are usually paid weekly or fortnightly, and you’ll need to pay a bond (security deposit) usually 4–6 weeks of rent.
4. What You’ll Need to Rent
When you apply for a property, you’ll be asked to provide:
- Identification (passport, visa, driver’s licence)
- Proof of income or employment
- Rental history (if you have one)
- Bank statements
- References (personal or professional)
Tip: Create a digital “rental resume” to make your application stand out, it helps property managers see you’re a reliable tenant.
5. Understand the Lease Agreement
Before signing, read your tenancy agreement carefully. It outlines:
- Rent amount and payment frequency
- Lease duration (usually 6 or 12 months)
- Maintenance and repair responsibilities
- Notice period for vacating
Each state has its own tenancy authority -such as NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria or RTA Queensland – where you can learn your rights as a tenant.
6. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t pay a deposit before inspecting or confirming through a verified agent.
- Be cautious of listings that sound “too cheap.”
- Always get a receipt for any payment.
- Check if utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water) are included in the rent.
7. Temporary vs. Permanent Options
If you’ve just landed, consider booking short-term accommodation for the first 2–3 weeks while you explore neighborhoods. Once you understand the area, you can move into a long-term rental that suits your routine, commute and lifestyle.
8. Best Suburbs to Live (Depending on Lifestyle)
- Sydney: Parramatta, Newtown, Chatswood, or Bondi for beach lovers.
- Melbourne: Brunswick, Southbank, Carlton (great for students).
- Brisbane: Fortitude Valley, West End, Toowong.
- Perth: Subiaco, Northbridge, Cottesloe.
- Adelaide: North Adelaide, Glenelg, Prospect.
9. For International Students or New Arrivals
Many universities have on-campus or partner housing and you can also contact student associations for trusted rental leads. If you’re relocating with help from a relocation service or a company like GetMyParcel, they can even help coordinate your initial move and delivery of belongings safely.
10. Final Tips
- Visit the property in person if possible.
- Inspect everything walls, plumbing, appliances before signing.
- Get contents insurance to protect your belongings.
- Build a good relationship with your landlord or agent it helps when renewing your lease or getting references.
Finding accommodation in Australia takes a bit of time, patience and research, but once you understand how the market works it becomes much easier. Start early, use trusted platforms and always stay alert to avoid scams.