Relocate to Australia FAQ - Part 4
What are the best websites to search for rentals?
The best websites to search for up-to-date rental listings are:
www.realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au
Other websites often show out-of-date or archived listings which are no longer available.
Do I need to inspect a property in person before renting?
Almost all real estate agents won‘t submit applications if you have not inspected the property due to the inherent risks involved. A lease agreement, unlike a sales contract, is not final and if a property is leased ‘sight unseen’ they run the risk of the tenant breaking the lease due to unmet expectations. To mitigate these risks, you can work with a relocation agent to inspect properties on your behalf before you arrive in your new city.
Many real estate agents actually prefer working with relocation agents because they have established relationships and trust their screening process. Relocation agents help streamline the process, ensuring that applications come from serious, well-vetted tenants, making it easier for the real estate agents to approve leases with confidence. They also know that relocation agents provide comprehensive photographs, videos and honest feedback to their clients on each property before submitting the application.
How do I find a rental property before I arrive?
Finding a rental property before arriving in Australia can be difficult, as landlords typically require an in-person inspection before approving applications. To secure a property remotely, it's important to research the right suburbs, prepare a strong rental application, and have someone inspect properties on your behalf.
At Relocation Services Australia, we make this process seamless by deep-diving into your preferences to identify the perfect suburb, helping you shortlist properties, attend inspections, and submit rock-solid applications. Our strong relationships with real estate agents give our clients access to off-market listings and priority consideration, maximising your chances of approval.
If you want to secure a home before you arrive, we’d love to assist—reach out to get started!
What documents do I need for a rental application?
To apply for a rental property, you will need:
Passport & visa
Proof of income (pay slips or job offer)
Bank statements
Rental history & references
You’ll also need to put together a cover letter — we can write a professional cover letter for you, ensuring you have the best chance of securing your preferred property.
Is it hard for expats to get a rental property?
Yes, unfortunately Australia is experiencing a major housing shortage and the competition for rental properties is high, especially in major cities. You will also be competing against Australian residents that have a dual income and Australian rental history. That’s why having a relocation agent in your corner makes all the difference.
Do I need a job to rent a property in Australia?
In most cases, you must have a stable income to secure a rental as you must bear in mind you are competing against other applications who usually have a dual income. If you don’t have a job offer yet, unfortunately your application will likely be overlooked in favour of a more financially stable tenant.
Can I rent a property without a rental history in Australia?
Generally, not having a local rental history isn’t too big of an issue as long as you can provide references from previous property managers or landlords from overseas. Real estate agents understand that many expats are renting in Australia for the first time and will accept well-documented references to show that you were a reliable tenant.
Moving to Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. From navigating the complexities to securing a rental - we’re by your side every step of the way.
Get in touch today to see how we can make your move simple, seamless and stress-free.
