Looking for a rental house in Australia can feel like a full-time job—especially if you're new to the country or just trying to find a home that fits your family's needs. As a family of four, we aren't rich, but we prioritize safety, a cozy home, and the happiness of our kids. My husband works hard to support us, and while we enjoy simple things like eating out every Saturday and home-cooked meals on Sundays, finding the right place to live is still a big deal. So, here’s what we learned while searching for a rental house, keeping it practical and straightforward.
Where Can You Find Rental Houses?
We mainly used realestate.com.au and domain.com.au to search for rentals. They’re the two biggest sites for this. Realestate.com.au has an easy-to-use app and usually has the most up-to-date listings. I preferred it because it felt more accurate when it came to rental information. But Domain also has additional details you might find helpful, so it’s worth checking out both.
Filtering the Right House for You
When you’re browsing, take advantage of the filters to narrow down your search by house preferences like location, budget, number of bedrooms, and whether they allow pets. It saves a lot of time from scrolling through places that aren’t a good fit.
Checking Inspection Dates
Once you find a house you like, check for an inspection date. This is when you can visit the property and see if it suits your needs. Even if there’s no inspection date listed, you should still apply because the agents will email you when inspections open up. If you’re in a hurry or really interested in a place, give them a call and ask how many people are inspecting the house—this gives you an idea of how “hot” or “cold” the property is. Also, politely ask if the house is in good condition, though they’ll always say it is. A small trick we found is to pretend you’re an agent showing people the house—they might let their guard down and give you more honest feedback.
Go On Time & Check the Neighborhood
When it’s time for the inspection, arrive on time because agents tend to close inspections promptly. But don’t just look at the house—check the neighborhood as well. This is just as important as the home itself because you’re not just living in a house; you’re living in the area around it too. Look for signs of a safe, family-friendly environment. Are the neighbors respectful? Is the street quiet? These things matter more than you might think.
Research What’s Nearby
Before even booking an inspection, make sure the area has everything your family needs. Is there a good school nearby for the kids? What about a hospital, shopping centers, and parks or playgrounds? The last thing you want is to move into a great house only to find out the closest grocery store is a 20-minute drive away, or the school catchment isn’t ideal.
Be Ready to Apply
When you do find a house you like, don’t hesitate to apply quickly—especially if the property is in a popular area. Good rentals can go fast. Have all your documents ready, like proof of income, references, and your visa details. It makes the process much smoother.
At the end of the day, renting a house in Australia is all about finding what fits your family’s lifestyle, budget, and future plans. For us, having a safe and comfortable home for our kids is priority number one. With the right tools and approach, you can find the perfect rental without too much stress. Just take it step by step, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way!