> Somewhat off-topic, but what's the rental situation like in Australia for those moving to the country? Are there substantial obstacles to a non-citizen resident like there are in other countries like Japan? My wife and I are planning a move, and this is something I've not been able to Google up very well.
Which city are you moving to? Perth is fairly competitive right now, and price will be heavily dependant on your proximity to the CBD and major transport routes. I'm about 7kms from the CBD and pay about $440/week* for a 3x1 '60's home. House is weatherboard with great floorboards throughout and a huge (as in, too big for me!) yard out back.
Took us a few months to find a place though, and it is pretty competitive. It's a sellers market right now so they can afford to be choosy with who they lease it out to, but the actual paperwork requirements are rarely very onerous (job references, rental references, holding deposit).
* To own a home like this, which sold for $600k to the current owner (or thereabouts), would cost me closer to $1000/week in mortgage repayments over 30 years.
Which city are you moving to? Perth is fairly competitive right now, and price will be heavily dependant on your proximity to the CBD and major transport routes. I'm about 7kms from the CBD and pay about $440/week* for a 3x1 '60's home. House is weatherboard with great floorboards throughout and a huge (as in, too big for me!) yard out back.
Took us a few months to find a place though, and it is pretty competitive. It's a sellers market right now so they can afford to be choosy with who they lease it out to, but the actual paperwork requirements are rarely very onerous (job references, rental references, holding deposit).
* To own a home like this, which sold for $600k to the current owner (or thereabouts), would cost me closer to $1000/week in mortgage repayments over 30 years.