accomadation Bribane - Private dealings

[robbieireland]

Hi all,

I'm moving to Brisbane in about a month with my girlfriend. We are checking out accommadation.

is there a site that anyone knows that have private people/individuals that have homes/apts to let as all the sites I have checked are commercial property professionals with places to let.

Or do all private people go to an agent to do the work for them??

Thanks for your time,
Rgds,
Robbie

[compp]

hi,
from what we,ve been told it is vitually impossible to get a long term rental in au before you arrive, most people seem to have to get a holiday let for a few weeks and then whilst there, look for longer term rentals, rentals are very much in demand and you have to be quick to get a rental before the next family, we have been advised to take as many references as possible, if you have never rented before try to take morgage statemnts if you have them and perhaps references from your bank and anyone else you can think of that could give you a suitable reference, good luck, most estate agent sites also have rentals listings so you could start there to get an idea of what you can expect to pay. if you are in a position to do so, you could also offer 6 months rent up-front, basically you need to do anything you can to get ahead of the next family.
karen

[Dolly]

Hi Robbie,

Karen is spot on. Most people get short term accommodation when they first land, which will give them time to sort our a longer term rental. We used Big4 for the first week. Have a look at the sticky at the top of the forum page "A list of things you need to do before you emigrate". Look at part 2 and there's a list of things recommended you take with you.

When we were looking for rentals, we trawled all the real estate agents, getting their lists etc. We then narrowed down the ones we liked the look of, did drive-bys to see exactly what the house looked like from the outside/type of area it was in etc. We then went back to the agents if there was a property we wanted to view. Some agents ask for a small fee for if you want to view a property, most have 'viewing' days and these are normally at weekends with an half hour timeframe, so you'll be viewing with other people. Depending on what the market is like at the time, there could be upto 10+ people viewing at the same time. Always be prepared and if you do like the look of a rental, already have filled in the agents forms and hand it to them at the inspection. Basically, the name of the game is to be 'more desirable in the eyes of the property owner' than anyone else interested in the property.

Here's a link from OurBrisbane website which gives details of individual cottages and chalets as opposed to apartments etc.

Brisbane - Brisbane - Cottage/Chalet - Directory - ourbrisbane.com - ourbrisbane.com

Good luck!

Dolly

[robbieireland]

Thanks for your replies,

I'll take your advice on. Seems like fierce competion. I wouldn't be looking for a family home. Were young enough (25) and were on a Working holiday visa which was granted.

From what I can see all the Apts available are student king of places in and around fortitude valley & kangaroo point, are these good area's??? They seem central enough,

Rgds,
RObbie

[Queenslander]

Hi Robbie,

I've just moved from Brisbane to Dubai. Our house will be available for rent in the second week of July but it won't suit your needs as you described them. It's a 1000 sq metre property 3 kms from the CBD, built on two levels, 11 metre pool, city views, double garage, 5 bedrooms and office. It's also on the railway line. Our house will be rented fully furnished including all beds and bedding, crockery, cutlery, leather lounge, 50" plasma TV and home theatre and will probably rent for AUD$1400 per week including a monthly pool service, fortnightly garden service and weekly cleaning service.

Some tips on renting in Brisbane. Get a map of the Brisbane area and locate the railway lines. Work out where your work will be and see if you can catch the train to work. If so, live on that railway line. The train is cheap and reliable and beats driving. Try to find schools on the same railway line if you have children.

The Valley (or Fortitude Valley) is the centre of the young, singles music area and is great fopr cheap eats and clubs but noisy at the weekend until late. Kangaroo Point is a great area to live and you can catch the ferry to the city which is a cool way to start and end the work day. Check out Spring Hill, Albion, New Farm, West End and Highgate Hill.

Hope that helps,
Bryan

[robbieireland]

yeah Brian that helps,

your house sounds savage but unless Microsoft offer a job I doubt I'll be viewing. From what I have off the Oz gov site fairpay.gov.au - Welcome to the Australian Fair Pay Commission its €700 mininmum wage a week, is this right??

[Queenslander]

Robbie,

I assume you mean $700 rather than €700? Frankly, I wouldn't have a clue what the minimum wage is in Australia. There is such a low rate of unemployment and skilled labour; no, any labour is so scarce that if anyone is on the minimum wage then they probably have other issues in their lives. Hourly rates for casuals in the hospitality industry are anywhere from $15 - $35 per hour depending on what shifts etc. Dont't accept offers of cash work as you will not be covered for health benefits if you have an accident at work and the tax office will take a less than pleasant approach if they find out. For work opportunities go to these sites in preferred order:

SEEK - Australia's no. 1 jobs, employment, career and recruitment site
Job Search - Australian jobs - Job listing - Find a job - CareerOne
Jobs, Employment & Careers @ My Career

for real estate/rentals go to:

Real Estate, Property, Land and Homes for Sale, lease and rent - realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au

Again, Robbie, I hope that helps a bit.

Cheers,
B

[kaz101]

The minimum wage is about $600 per week and people are still on it if they are in commission based jobs (and that's even if they don't have other issues ).

Unemployment is some regional areas is about 6% and there can be quite a few people on the minimum wage.

Regards,
Karen