Real Estate in Australia

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Australia is to research online. Popular websites such as realestate.com.au, Domain, and flatmates are great places to start looking for rentals and share housing alike. Another option is to enlist the help of a local real estate agent in the area who can give you an up-to-date overview of the current housing market. Additionally, joining local Facebook groups and online communities devoted to the areas you are interested in can give you firsthand information from other locals. Finally, search and connect with Australians on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. to source contacts and get recommendations," remarked one member in Australia.

"Neighborhood by walking around in it. Looked through the Sydney Morning Herald website for homes; talked to real estate agents," explained one expat living in Sydney, Australia.

"An apartment in downtown. Most expats live in houses outside of the city center," said one expat who made the move to Melbourne.

"Expat homes and apartments in Australia tend to be spacious and modern, offering plenty of natural light and fantastic features such as stunning views of the harbour and beaches if located in coastal towns. Expats often have access to a range of amenities such as private pools and tennis courts, along with modern interiors and luxury appliances. Many of the homes and apartments available may come unfurnished, allowing expats to make their new homes reflect their own style and personalities," explained one foreigner living in Australia.

"The cost of housing in Australia varies greatly depending on the location, with the average cost of housing being relatively high compared to other countries. Generally speaking, the average cost of rental accommodation in Australia can range from around $250 to upwards of $700 per week, while the median price of purchasing a house is approximately $550,000," explained one expat living in Australia.

"Housing is more expensive here. They vary a lot but in this area you would pay A$1400-A$1600 for a clean family home. O/w most would be rather shabby," said one person in Sydney.

"Buying a home in Australia is typically recommended if you are planning on staying in the country for more than two years and if you feel financially stable enough to commit to a mortgage. Renting gives you the flexibility of not having to worry about the costs, repairs and upkeep of being a homeowner. However, you may not be able to build any equity in the property if you decide to rent. It really comes down to a personal choice and the financial ability to back up that decision," said one person in Australia.

"1. First, it is important to understand the local market, research and compare prices of properties in the area in which you wish to purchase. 2. Talk to a buyer's agent and/or property attorney to get help, advice and assistance in the purchase process. 3. Familiarize yourself with Australian laws and regulations regarding property ownership. 4. Get a building and pest inspection to assess the condition of the property before purchasing. 5. Make sure you have appropriate insurance in place to cover any unexpected costs. 6. Be aware of any hidden costs, such as transfer fees, mortgaging fees, legal fees, and other fees associated with the purchase. 7. Consider long-term maintenance costs for the property. 8. Speak to a qualified tax adviser to make sure that you are aware of any tax implications associated with the purchase. 9. Have a clear plan of action and timeline, and know what steps need to be taken in order to purchase the property. 10. Investigate the loan options available to you, and ensure that you are making a decision that is financially responsible," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Australia.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Australia. However, they must obtain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before they can purchase any real estate. The FIRB assesses applications on a case-by-case basis and considers factors such as the type of property, the purpose of the purchase, and the applicant's financial capacity. Foreigners are generally only allowed to purchase new dwellings, and they must also demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to meet the purchase price and associated costs," explained one foreigner living in Australia.

"In Australia, a typical rental property will usually come with a refrigerator, stove (or oven/cooktop), washing machine, and sometimes additional appliances like a microwave, dishwasher, and/or clothes dryer. Furthermore, some rental agreements may also include furniture and basic home appliances, such as a television and DVD player. Additionally, outdoor equipment may be provided, like a BBQ, mower, and gardening tools," explained one expat in Australia.

"Expats can search for homes in Australia by using online real estate websites, such as Domain and Realestate.com.au, to browse listings and find properties that meet their needs. They can also contact local real estate agents to get more information about the area and to arrange viewings. Additionally, expats can join online expat communities to get advice from other expats who have already moved to Australia," explained one person living in Australia.