Looking for a Place to Rent in Australia: A Newcomer’s Journey and Top Tips
How do you find a rental in Australia as a new immigrant? This was one of the biggest challenges we faced when starting our new life here. The number of requirements surprised us—especially the need for a rental history, which we didn’t have since we were initially living with family.
Navigating the rental market as first-timers, with no local references, wasn’t easy. It took us several months of searching, countless rejections, and a lot of perseverance.
I’ll never forget the feeling of relief when a real estate agent finally called to say we’d been approved by a landlord. My first response was, “Are you sure?”—and hearing “Yes!” felt like winning the lottery. That moment made all the effort worth it.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how we found our first rental in Australia and share practical tips to help you secure your own place faster and with less stress.
How We Found Our First Rental Property
The day we secured our first rental is one I’ll never forget. We were running late from another inspection and arrived at the next house with only five minutes left to look around. The agent was in a rush, and so were we. We quickly went through the two-story townhouse, racing up and down the stairs, barely getting a chance to take it all in.
To our surprise, this was the property we least expected to get approved for—mostly because it was the best one, we’d seen and had attracted a lot of applicants. When the agent called to say we got it, I was shocked. It was a moment of pure joy and relief after weeks of stressful searching.
Finding your first rental can be tough, but here are our top tips to help you succeed:
7 Tips for Finding a Rental Property in Australia
1. Explore the Area: Choose a Location That Suits Your Needs
As a new immigrant, it’s essential to explore potential neighborhoods before settling on a rental property. Research the area to ensure it’s close to amenities like shops, schools, public transport, and places of worship. Visit the location during different times—day and night, weekdays and weekends—to get a feel for the atmosphere. Check if the streets are busy, well lit, and safe. Trust your instincts about whether the area feels right for you and your family.
Pro Tip: Drive or walk around the neighborhood to discover hidden gems and get a sense of the community.
2. Prepare Your Funds: Be Financially Ready
One of the main things landlords look at is your ability to pay rent on time, so it’s crucial to have your finances in order. Be ready to pay a month’s rent upfront plus a rental bond, which acts as a security deposit and is refundable at the end of your lease. Make sure you have enough funds set aside to cover these initial costs. Budgeting for our rental was part of our larger goal of building an emergency fund.
Pro Tip: Keep proof of your financial stability, like bank statements, ready to show potential landlords and agents.
3. Search Real Estate Websites: Find Listings Online
The best way to start your search is by browsing real estate websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. You can also visit the websites of local real estate agencies to check for available listings. These platforms let you filter properties based on your needs—such as location, budget, and property type—making it easier to find options that fit your criteria.
Pro Tip: Set up alerts on these websites so you’re notified as soon as a new property in your desired area becomes available.
4. Prepare Your Documents: Be Ready to Impress
When applying for a rental, having your documents organized can give you a competitive edge. Commonly required documents include your driver’s license, recent pay slips, Medicare card, bank statements, and any rental receipts if you’ve rented before. The more prepared you are, the smoother the application process will be.
Pro Tip: Create a folder with all your documents printed and ready to go. Being organized shows landlords and agents that you’re a serious and reliable applicant.
5. Fill Out a Rental Application Form: Get Ahead of the Competition
Rental application forms can usually be downloaded from real estate websites or obtained during inspections. Fill these out before you attend a viewing so you can submit them immediately if you like the property. This shows agents you’re proactive and ready to commit, which can set you apart from other applicants.
Pro Tip: Bring completed application forms with you to inspections. This could give you a head start and give a positive impression on the agent.
6. Attend Inspections: See the Property in Person
Always attend inspections in person, even if you think you’ve found your dream home online. Photos can be misleading, and an in-person visit allows you to get a true feel for the property. Pay attention to details like natural light, room sizes, and overall condition. Trust your instincts—sometimes you’ll know immediately if it feels like the right home.
Pro Tip: Be courteous to the agents and other potential renters. A positive impression during inspections can go a long way.
7. Write an Application Letter: Stand Out from the Crowd
One unique strategy we used was writing a short application letter to introduce ourselves to the landlord. We highlighted why we loved the property, how it suited our family’s needs, and assured them we would take great care of their home. This personal touch can make you stand out among other applicants and demonstrate your commitment and reliability.
Pro Tip: Keep your letter brief but heartfelt. Let the landlord see who you are beyond the standard application form.
Final Thoughts: Be Patient and Persistent
Finding a rental property in Australia can be challenging, especially as a new immigrant. Don’t be discouraged by rejections—they’re often part of the process. Remember, the right property is out there, and sometimes not getting the place you wanted can lead you to something even better. Stay positive, be prepared, and keep searching until you find the home that’s right for you.
Your Australian journey is just beginning, and securing your first rental is a big step towards making it feel like home.
