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It is also worth noting that finding a property to rent in Australia can be challenging. According to the , there is an insufficient supply of housing to meet demand, and rents are increasing at a faster rate than incomes. Therefore, if you plan to move to Australia, researching the rental market should be a priority. Explore where you want to live, the cost of rent, and consider the number and type of properties advertised as vacant. That way, you won't be in for a nasty surprise when you arrive.

Rent prices in Australia

Rents in Australia vary depending on the location and type of property. Rental prices in Australia have been increasing over the past few years due to high demand and a shortage of rental properties. According to the , in 2024, rental affordability fell to its worst level on record. New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) are the least affordable states for renters, with Sydneysiders now paying AUD 780 (USD 510) a week for a house and AUD 700 (USD 458) for a unit.

The report revealed that although NSW and SA had the highest rents nationwide, Tasmania, Western Australia (WA), and Queensland (QLD) weren't far behind. Victoria (VIC) was the only state where rents hadn't increased as quickly, making Melbourne the second-cheapest city in Australia to rent a property. At the end of 2024, the advertised median rent in Melbourne was AUD 570 (USD 373) per week.

According to , weekly rental prices for the first quarter of 2025 were as follows:

Sydney

• House - AUD 780 (USD 510)
• Unit - AUD 720 (USD 470)

Perth

• House - AUD 700 (USD 458)
• Unit - AUD 650 (USD 425)

Darwin

• House - AUD 700 (USD 458)
• Unit - AUD 560 (USD 366)

Canberra

• House - AUD 700 (USD 458)
• Unit - AUD 580 (USD 379)

Brisbane

• House - AUD 650 (USD 425)
• Unit - AUD 610 (USD 399)

Adelaide

• House - AUD 620 (USD 405)
• Unit - AUD 525 (USD 343)

Hobart

• House - AUD 585 (USD 383)
• Unit - AUD 490 (USD 320)

Melbourne

• House - AUD 580 (USD 379)
• Unit - AUD 570 (USD 373)

Read also Finding accommodation in Melbourne

Popular places for expats in Australia

Expats in Australia relocate to various parts of the country, with the majority of new arrivals settling in the larger cities for work and study. In recent years, Sydney and Melbourne have been the top destinations for new migrants to Australia. In Sydney, popular places to settle included the inner city, as well as Parramatta, Randwick, Ashfield, Strathfield, and Burwood. Meanwhile, Melbourne's new arrivals settled in the CBD, Carlton, the local government area of Monash, Dandenong and Wyndham.

And when it comes to those on the working holiday visa, popular destinations include all capital cities, as well as suburbs such as St Kilda in Melbourne, Bondi Beach in Sydney, Byron Bay in NSW, plus Darwin, and Queensland's Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.

Read also Accommodation in Sydney

Finding a rental property in Australia

The demand for rental properties remains strong, particularly in areas with high population growth and limited housing supply. So when you are searching for a rental property, be prepared for competition. Whether you're searching from overseas or you're on the ground in your new city, the Internet or real estate agencies are the best places to start your search for a property in Australia. Once you have found a potential rental property, you will need to submit an application to the landlord or rental agency.

Sometimes, a viewing will be held where you can see the house and register your interest in person. When attending a viewing, always make sure you look presentable — treat it as a job interview and present yourself as the ideal tenant.

Applications typically request details such as your contact information, employment status, personal and professional references, and rental history.ÌýIt can save time to have this information ready before starting your search, especially if you are trying to get overseas referrals from previous landlords. Having a strong application and making a good impression during an in-person viewing is vital, as you will be competing with others searching for a place to rent.

The most popular websites for rental properties ²¹°ù±ðÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý, which feature all the major cities in Australia and allow you to filter your search by price, number of bedrooms, amenities, and location. Several other online search tools are available for finding rental properties in Australia, including:

• : This website is specifically designed for individuals looking for shared accommodation.
• : This is a classified ads website that also lists rental properties in Australia. It has a similar vibe to Craigslist in the USA.

Furnished or unfurnished accommodation in Australia

Rental units and houses come furnished, unfurnished, or partially furnished.ÌýAustralian rentals typically don't include appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and clothes dryers, so double-check your lease to confirm if this applies to your property. If you've ended up with an unfurnished rental, second-hand shops are an excellent way to find furniture quickly and at a low cost. So, if you haven't arrived in Australia with a container full of furniture, be sure to visit charity shops such as the or peruse Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree for some excellent bargains.

Read also Relocating to Australia

Leases in Australia

The usual lease arrangements for residential properties in Australia are either fixed-term or periodic leases, as explained below:

• A fixed-term lease typically lasts for a specific period, such as six or twelve months. During this time, the rent amount and lease terms cannot be changed unless both parties agree to a modification. At the end of the fixed-term lease, the lease can be renewed or terminated.
• ´¡Ìýperiodic lease typically runs on a rolling basis, usually week-to-week or month-to-month. Rent can be increased, or lease terms can be modified with notice, provided the required notice period is given by the landlord.

In both cases, the leases require tenants to pay rent on time, keep the property in a reasonable condition, and stick to the lease terms (which you will review before committing to the property). In turn, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property, ensuring it is habitable and responding to repair requests from tenants.

It's worth noting that tenancy laws and lease arrangements can vary between Australian states and territories; therefore, it's essential to check the specific requirements in your area. CHOICE is Australia's leading consumer advocacy group, and they can offer .

Paying the bond

When signing a lease in Australia, you will often be required to pay a bond equivalent to one month's rent as a security deposit. If the rental property is left in good condition, the rental bond will be returned, but if there is any damage to the property, the bond may not be refunded. It can be helpful to hire a professional cleaning team when vacating the property to ensure it is left in the best possible condition so that you receive your bond back.

In most cases, the bond is lodged with a government bond authority or a rental bond board in the state or territory where the property is located. The bond authority holds the bond money until the end of the lease, when it is returned, provided there are no outstanding rent payments or damages to the property.

If there are any disputes between the tenant and the landlord regarding the bond money, the bond authority or the rental tribunal can help to resolve the issue.Ìý

Important:

Tenants need to keep a record of their bond lodgment receipt and any condition reports or photographs taken at the start of the lease, as this helps protect their bond money.Ìý

Some states or territories may have additional rules or regulations around rental bonds, including the requirement for landlords to provide a receipt for the bond payment or to register the bond within a specific timeframe. As an expat or foreign resident in Australia, familiarize yourself with the rental bond requirements in your state to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.

Read also Permanent residency in Australia

Utilities in Australia

When it comes to renting a property in Australia, the landlord is required to maintain the property. Tenants are responsible for paying for electricity and gas, as well as Internet or cable.ÌýThe Internet is widely accessible in Australia, and the government has been rolling out a national broadband network to improve the country's access and speed of connectivity. You should also check the terms of your rental agreement regarding water usage. If the property has its own meter, you will be required to pay for water usage as well. You can set up utilities before you move into the property to ensure everything is connected and working as soon as you arrive.

When researching rental properties, check to see if the place has air conditioning units installed, as Australian summers can be scorching. Conversely, the southern parts of the country can get very cold in winter, so modern installations, double-glazed windows, and central heating systems are important inclusions when looking for somewhere to rent.

Read also Buying property in Australia

Rental insurance in Australia

Renters' insurance, also known as contents insurance, covers the cost of repairing or replacing personal belongings if they are damaged, lost, or stolen due to fire, theft, or natural disasters. While landlords are responsible for insuring the building and any fixtures and fittings that they own, they ²¹°ù±ðÌýnot responsible for insuring a tenant's personal belongings. This is where renters' insurance can provide peace of mind. Policies vary but typically cover furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry and other items. Some policies may also include cover for temporary accommodation if the rental property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.

As an expat or foreign resident, it is essential to verify the eligibility requirements for renters' insurance in Australia, as some insurance providers may have specific requirements or restrictions for non-residents. Click for more information on insurance for renters in Australia.

Short-term accommodation options in Australia

If you're applying for properties and not having much luck, or you're waiting for the ideal house to come on the market, consider other accommodation options, such as short-term rentals.ÌýSome Airbnbs allow month-long rental options that extend beyond the usual period of days or weeks. Even if they don't advertise, Airbnb owners may be open to this idea, as it reduces the administrative and cleaning logistics involved in multiple short-term rentals. And you'll have a place to stay while you wait for the perfect property!