Everything You Need to Know About Finding Accommodation in Australia

Looking for Accommodation in Australia?

Finding a place to live is one of the first challenges you’ll face after arriving in Australia.

And honestly?

It can be stressful.

New country.

New city.

New system.

Different rental rules.

Different expectations.

Different terminology.

Everything feels unfamiliar.

I still remember how overwhelming it felt when I first arrived.

Today, I’ll explain exactly how renting works in Australia, the different accommodation options available, and how to avoid some common mistakes.

My First Accommodation in Australia

When I first arrived in Australia, I had no idea where I was going to live long-term.

Like many Working Holiday makers, I booked a backpackers hostel.

It cost me around $450 for two weeks in a six-person dorm room.

At the time, I thought it would be a good way to save money while I got settled.

Looking back?

It was an experience.

Not necessarily a good experience.

An experience.

Some people were friendly.

Some people were clean.

Some people were respectful.

Others…

Not so much.

There were people drinking loudly all night.

People coming in and out at 3am.

People snoring so loudly that the walls practically vibrated.

And yes, at one point I witnessed a couple enthusiastically testing the structural integrity of the bottom bunk directly beneath me.

Let’s just say I learned very quickly that hostel life wasn’t for me.

I needed a proper place to live.

That led me to my first Australian share house in suburban Melbourne.

And honestly?

That experience was much better.

Share houses come with their own challenges, but if you find good housemates, they can become one of the most memorable parts of your Australian experience.

Accommodation Options in Australia

Before searching for a place to live, it’s important to understand your options.

Option 1: Backpackers Hostels

Most newcomers start here.

Especially:

Working Holiday makers
International students
Budget travellers

Pros

Easy to book
No long-term commitment
Good for meeting people
Flexible check-in and check-out

Cons

Limited privacy
Can be noisy
Expensive for long-term stays
Shared facilities

Hostels are excellent temporary accommodation.

They are not ideal long-term housing.

Option 2: Share Houses

This is where many newcomers end up.

A share house means renting a room inside a property shared with other people.

Why Share Houses Are Popular

Benefits include:

Lower costs
Utilities often included
Furnished rooms
Easier approval process

Many newcomers choose share houses because they don’t yet have:

Australian rental history
Stable employment
Local references

Typical Share House Costs

Depending on the city:

Sydney

$250–$500 per week

Melbourne

$220–$450 per week

Brisbane

$200–$400 per week

Perth

$180–$400 per week

Adelaide

$180–$350 per week

Prices vary depending on:

Location
Room size
Private or shared room
Included utilities

Option 3: Renting Your Own Apartment

This is the dream for many people.

Your own space.

Your own kitchen.

Your own bathroom.

Your own rules.

The Challenge

Getting approved isn’t always easy.

Australian landlords and real estate agents often want evidence that you can reliably pay rent.

This may include:

Employment history
Payslips
Bank statements
Rental references

New arrivals often struggle because they have none of these.

Understanding Australian Rental Terminology

Australia uses terminology that may be unfamiliar to newcomers.

Bond

The bond is a security deposit.

Typically:

Four weeks rent

If you damage the property or fail to meet lease obligations, deductions may be taken from the bond.

If everything is left in good condition, you usually receive it back when moving out.

Lease

A lease is your rental agreement.

Common lease periods include:

6 months
12 months

Some properties offer longer agreements.

Inspection

Before renting, you’ll often attend an inspection.

This is an opportunity to:

View the property
Ask questions
Assess the condition

Inspections can be highly competitive in some cities.

Where to Find Rentals in Australia

Several websites dominate the Australian rental market.

Popular options include:

Realestate.com.au
Domain
Flatmates.com.au

These websites list:

Apartments
Houses
Studios
Share houses
Rooms

If you’re looking for a share house specifically, Flatmates is often the easiest starting point.

How to Apply for a Rental Property

Once you find a property you like, you’ll need to submit an application.

This process can surprise newcomers.

Applying doesn’t guarantee approval.

Sometimes dozens of people apply for the same property.

Documents Often Requested

You may need:

Passport
Visa details
Employment information
Income evidence
Bank statements
Previous rental references

The stronger your application, the higher your chance of approval.

Why New Arrivals Often Struggle

One of the biggest frustrations for newcomers is the classic catch-22.

Landlords want:

Australian rental history
Stable employment

But you just arrived.

You don’t have either.

That’s one reason share houses are often the easiest first step.

Many share house operators care more about whether you seem responsible than whether you’ve lived in Australia for years.

Red Flags When Looking for Accommodation

Not every listing is legitimate.

Be careful.

Never Send Money Without Viewing

If somebody asks for a deposit before you’ve inspected the property, proceed carefully.

Scams exist.

Prices That Seem Too Good

If every room nearby costs $300 per week and one costs $100, ask yourself why.

If something seems unbelievable, it often is.

No Written Agreement

Always try to have written confirmation of:

Rent amount
Payment schedule
House rules

Misunderstandings become much easier to resolve when everything is documented.

What Bills Will You Pay?

This depends on the property.

Often Included in Share Houses

Internet
Electricity
Water
Gas

Always confirm before moving in.

Often Separate in Private Rentals

Electricity
Gas
Internet

These costs can add hundreds of dollars per month to your budget.

How Much Rent Should You Pay?

A common guideline is:

Keep rent below 30% of your income if possible.

For example:

If you earn:

$1,000 per week

Aim for:

$300 or less per week in rent

Of course, many people in expensive cities exceed this.

But lower housing costs generally mean less financial stress.

My Thoughts on Share Houses

I know many newcomers view share houses as a temporary compromise.

And for some people, they are.

But I actually think everyone should try a share house at least once.

Assuming you find decent housemates.

You’ll meet people from different backgrounds.

You’ll learn how Australians live.

You’ll improve your English.

You’ll hear interesting stories.

And sometimes you’ll make lifelong friends.

Of course, you’ll also occasionally meet someone who treats the kitchen like a science experiment.

That’s part of the experience too.

Which Option Is Best for New Arrivals?

Here’s my recommendation.

First Few Weeks

Stay in:

Hostel
Short-term accommodation
Airbnb

Keep things flexible.

First Few Months

Move into:

Share house

This provides affordability and flexibility while you establish yourself.

Long-Term

Once you have:

Employment
Income history
Rental references

Consider:

Apartment
Unit
House rental

if that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Final Thoughts

Finding accommodation in Australia can feel overwhelming at first.

I know it did for me.

One day I was lying awake in a six-person hostel room listening to strangers snore.

The next, I was living in a share house in Melbourne trying to figure out whose turn it was to buy toilet paper.

That’s just part of the Australian experience.

The good news is that housing becomes much easier once you’ve:

Found work
Built savings
Learned the rental system

My advice?

Don’t rush.

View multiple properties.

Ask questions.

Read agreements carefully.

And remember that your first accommodation doesn’t have to be your forever home.

Most newcomers move several times during their first year.

That’s completely normal.

Because finding a place to live in Australia isn’t just about finding a roof over your head.

It’s about finding the right place to start your Australian adventure.