With the high cost of living and competitive rental market, it’s important to have a solid plan in place to secure a rental property.

Below, we discuss some tips and techniques to help you get a rental property in Australia.

Research the Market

Before you start your search for a rental property, it’s important to research the market in the area you are interested in.

Look at the average rental prices, vacancy rates, and the types of properties available. Realestate.com.au and search engines are a good starting point.

Thorough research will give you an idea of what to expect and help you determine a realistic budget for your rental.

Save for a Security Deposit

Most landlords in Australia require a security deposit before you can move into a rental property. This is usually equivalent to four to six weeks’ rent.

It’s important to start saving for this deposit as soon as possible to avoid any delays in securing a property. You may also need to pay the first month’s rent in advance, so make sure you have enough funds to cover these costs.

Prepare Your Documents

When applying for a rental property, you will need to provide certain documents to the landlord or real estate agent. These may include proof of income, references from previous landlords, and a copy of your ID.

It’s a good idea to have these documents ready before you start your search, as it will make the application process smoother and show the landlord that you are a serious and organised tenant.

Consider getting references from your home country before you leave for Australia.

Consider a Guarantor

If you are a student or have a low income, you may need a guarantor to secure a rental property. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to.

This can be a family member or friend who has a stable income and good credit history. Having a guarantor can increase your chances of getting a rental property, especially if you are a first-time renter.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

In Australia, the cost of living and renting can be high, so it’s important to be prepared to negotiate with the landlord or real estate agent. This could include negotiating the rent price, the length of the lease, or any additional fees.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your first choice falls through. In this competitive market, it’s commonplace to receive rejected applications.

A backup plan could include having a list of other properties you are interested in or being open to different locations.

Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling to find a rental property or are unsure of the process, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.

There are many real estate agents and property managers who specialise in helping people find rental properties. They can also provide valuable advice and guidance on the rental market in your desired area.

By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of securing a rental property in Australia. Remember to do your research, save for a security deposit, and be prepared to negotiate.

With determination and a solid plan, you can find the perfect rental property for your needs.

Start your move to Australia by booking a visa consultation

The post How to get a rental property in Australia appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

Ross is a mortgage broker in Sydney, and also an expat himself. Below, we share things to consider before purchasing property in Australia.

What is your visa status?

Your visa status will determine if you’re liable to pay foreign investors tax. It will also dictate if you’re eligible for Australia’s First Homeowners support.

You can use VEVO to check your Australian visa status and send a copy to a mortgage broker like Ross. A mortgage broker will advise you on your rights to purchase Australian property, and what fees to expect.

If you’re in the early stages of choosing a visa pathway, you may wish to consider permanent residency options. Australian permanent residency will allow you more freedoms when buying a home in Australia.

Learn if you’re eligible for permanent residency in Australia

Understand the process

When buying a house in Australia as a new migrant, it’s important to understand the process.

Many Australian properties are sold at auction. Buyers are required to have finance pre-approval in place before going to auction.

Generally, it takes around 10 days to gain pre-approval. This finance is then valid for 180 days.

Another consideration is the ‘200-day rule’. When purchasing your first property as a permanent resident, you must have been in Australia for more than 200 days to avoid a stamp duty surcharge.

READ MORE: I’m moving to Australia soon… can I buy a property immediately?

Consider professional help

Settling into a new country is exhausting. Securing a rental, a job, the kids schooling and making friends keeps you very busy.

Using a good mortgage broker can simplify the process of buying a house and ensure you get the most out of your budget.

To learn more about buying property in Australia, you can follow Ross’ blog.

The Australian Taxation Office is another good source of information when considering your purchase.

Happy house hunting!

The post Buying a house in Australia as a new migrant appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

An update on GBP/AUD rate

The GBP/AUD rate has hit the highest level for over a year (at the time of writing), so if you are transferring money from GBP to AUD, you may want to consider taking advantage of this level now.

Speak to our Foreign Currency Partner Halo Financial, to find out more about GBP/AUD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve your desired exchange rate.

Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Or register with Halo to keep up to date with AUD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7350 5470

Email: geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Website: https://www.halofinancial.com/visa-go-australia

The post Update: GBP/AUD Exchange Rate appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

At Visa Go Australia we have lots of employers looking for skilled people like you!

You may notice many of our jobs are based in regional Western Australia. This is where our Migration Agent Darren is from – the southwest of Australia.

Below, we outline some reasons why regional WA could be an excellent place for you to relocate.

Why we love regional WA

With an abundance of jobs and visa options, WA is a popular place for expats. Learn some of the reasons why we love this state!

The beaches

Peppermint Grove Beach, WA

Australia’s southwest has some of the world’s best beaches! Think white sand, clear waters and no crowds. If you love the beach, then WA is perfect for you. The warm weather and beaches make for excellent fishing, water sports and general recreation.

The facilities

Australia’s southwest is home to large and well-connected towns. Bunbury and Busselton are popular choices, with populations just under 100,000 people. You can expect a good choice of schools, hospitals, sporting facilities, shops, and restaurants. Bunbury is a major employment hub, while Busselton has an airport that attracts FIFO workers.

Read the latest property update on Bunbury and Busselton

Over COVID the southwest region grew in popularity as people relocated from Perth city. This has created a rise in house prices, however it’s still an affordable place to relocate to. Regional WA offers beachside living with all the required lifestyle amenities. Bunbury and Busselton have seen lot of growth in the 25-35 age bracket, who are choosing to enjoy the Southwest lifestyle.

The food and wine scene

Australia’s southwest region is famous for its food and wine scene. If you’re a foodie, you’ve probably heard of Margaret River. This is a popular place for locals to ‘staycation’, with a range of wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

You’ll find ample accommodation, from spa hotels to eco resorts and caravan parks. Plus, there’s lots of children’s activities like mini-golf and play parks. And don’t forget the beaches! If you’re living in the southwest you have a number of beautiful road trips on your doorstep.

Employer sponsorship opportunities in WA

If you’re considering relocating to Australia, we hope we’ve encouraged you to look at the southwest! We have multiple local businesses offering employer sponsorship. We can secure you an employer sponsored visa in as little as 4 months!

See our latest jobs in Western Australia

Vehicle painter and panel beater jobs in Bunbury – Employer sponsorship available

Flooring installers needed in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River – Employer sponsorship available

Carpenter, Shed and Patio Installer Jobs across the southwest

You can view all our Australian jobs here: Current jobs in Australia – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

If you have any further questions about living in Australia, jobs or visas, contact us today.

The post Reasons to consider jobs in Western Australia appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

The Expat Survey

The Expat Insider 2022 Survey interviewed nearly 12,000 people. The aim was to find out what life is like as an expat in countries across the world. Deciding factors included ease of settling in, job opportunities, the environment and more.

Read the full details of The Expat Insider 2022 survey, published by InterNations

Australia continues to be a popular choice for expats. At Visa Go Australia, we’ve helped thousands of families move to Australia over the past 20 years.

The Australian lifestyle according to expats

The top reasons people relocate to another country are for work and a better lifestyle. So, is the Australian lifestyle delivering what expats are searching for?

The Australian Lifestyle – Spend less time working, and more time living!

The work-life balance

Yes! Australia scores highly in the Expat Insider 2022 Survey, most notably for work opportunities and lifestyle. According to research, 72% of Australian expats are satisfied with their job. Those surveyed also praised Australia for its good work-life balance. Did you know that Australians have the shortest working week?

The general lifestyle

The Australian lifestyle – Sunshine is good for the soul!

Australia is famously known as a sporting nation, and this is something expats enjoy. 88% of expats surveyed were happy with Australia’s leisure options. This includes sporting and recreational activities. If you’re searching for a better lifestyle, Australia has a lot to offer.

Lastly, we couldn’t write this post without mentioning the Australian weather! Nearly all of Australia enjoys high sunshine hours, with Perth being Australia’s sunniest major city. According to expats, Australia’s weather and natural environment are primary reasons for their contentment. 85% of expats surveyed said they viewed Australia’s air quality positively.

The verdict on the Australian lifestyle

If you’re moving to Australia in search for a better lifestyle, then you’re on the right track! Australia continues to score highly on lifestyle factors such as a work-life balance. It also boasts a clean environment and an abundance of recreational opportunities.

If you’re considering moving to Australia, you can contact us to discover your visa options for free. We are a team of experienced professionals and migration agents. Best of luck on your journey!

The post The Australian Lifestyle appeared first on Visa Go Australia.