Before looking for accommodation, it is helpful to decide:
What to consider | Why it matters |
Your destination city or region | Accommodation availability and prices vary by location |
Your arrival date | Temporary accommodation can book out quickly |
Your budget | This helps narrow your options |
Whether you want your own place or a shared room | This affects cost and availability |
How close you need to be to work, transport, or services | Location can affect commute times and daily costs |
Temporary accommodation when you first arrive
Once you decide on your destination, it can be a good idea to arrange temporary accommodation before you arrive.
Booking one or two weeks in temporary accommodation can give you time to settle in, explore the local area, and look for a more permanent place to live.
Temporary accommodation options may include:
hostels
hotels
serviced apartments
Airbnb or short-term rentals
staying with friends or family, if available
Temporary accommodation gives you more flexibility while you inspect properties, compare suburbs, and decide what type of accommodation suits your needs.
Finding long-term accommodation
If you want to rent your own property, you can begin your search on Australian property websites such as:
Domain
realestate.com.au
These websites commonly list:
apartments
houses
townhouses
units
shared rental properties
When searching, check the property location, weekly rent, bond requirements, lease length, inspection times, and whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.
Finding shared accommodation
If you prefer to rent a room or live with other people, shared accommodation may be a more affordable option.
Shared accommodation websites may include:
Flatmates
Flatmate Finders
roommates.com or similar room-sharing platforms
Shared accommodation can be useful if you:
want to reduce rental costs
are new to the area
want to meet people
do not want to commit to a full rental property straight away
Before agreeing to shared accommodation, confirm the rent, bond, bills, house rules, lease arrangement, and move-in date.
Using Facebook groups to find accommodation
Facebook groups can also be useful for finding accommodation, especially community groups for new arrivals or people from your home country.
Examples may include groups such as:
Irish around Sydney
Irish around Melbourne
Irish around Brisbane
Irish around Perth
Poms in Oz
Poms in Perth
Poms in Sydney
local community or suburb groups
These groups may include room listings, rental advice, suburb recommendations, and tips from people who have already moved to Australia.
Important
Always be cautious when arranging accommodation online.
Before sending money or signing an agreement:
inspect the property in person where possible
confirm the identity of the landlord, agent, or current tenant
avoid paying large amounts upfront without written confirmation
make sure you understand the rental agreement
check whether bills are included in the rent
keep written records of payments and conversations
If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, take extra care before proceeding.