We understand you’re about to embark on your exciting move to Sydney, but you haven’t arrived yet and need a place to stay. Finding long-term accommodation straight away can be tough unless your work has already arranged it for you. Since most people don’t have that luxury, here’s what you need to know about finding a place to stay when you first arrive:
Pro Tips for a Smooth Arrival:
- Plan for at least a month in temporary accommodation. This gives you time to search for the perfect long-term rental without feeling rushed.
- Prioritise public transport. Choose a temporary place close to public transport to make it easier to travel around and inspect properties.
- Budget accordingly. Expect to spend around $500-$700 per week for a single room or couple’s accommodation, and $700-$900 per week for a larger space for a family at Airbnb.
- Book Airbnb for at least 3 weeks. This gives you a comfortable base while you search.
- Start your search early. Begin shortlisting potential places to inspect before you arrive.
- Be prepared for competition. Sydney’s rental market is competitive. Be prepared to spend around $3,000-$5,000 in your first month on temporary accommodation and searching for your long-term home.
Why wait to find your long-term home?
- Seeing is believing: Photos online can be deceiving! It’s best to experience a place in person before committing to a lease. Get a feel for the neighbourhood, the building, and the actual living space.
- Meeting potential housemates: If you’re considering shared accommodation, meeting potential housemates face-to-face is essential to ensure compatibility.
- Understanding the local market: Being on the ground in Sydney gives you a much better sense of what’s available, what’s a fair price, and which areas suit your lifestyle.
Where to stay in the meantime:
- Airbnb: A great option for short stays and a taste of local life. You can find everything from cosy studios to spacious apartments. (Example: Search for “studio apartment in Surry Hills” on www.airbnb.com.)
- Hotels/Motels: Perfect for your first few nights while you get oriented. Choose a location close to the airport or your initial point of interest. (Example: Search for “hotels near Sydney Airport” on www.booking.com.)
Finding Your Community:
- Community Websites and Facebook Groups: Connect with people from your cultural background or other expats to find rooms or apartments. (Example: Search for “[your nationality] community in Sydney” on Facebook.)
- Flatmate Websites: Sites like Flatmates.com.au connect you with people looking to share their homes. This is a budget-friendly option and a great way to meet people. (Example: Search for “room in shared house Newtown” on flatmates.com.au.)
Looking Ahead to Long-Term Accommodation:
While the above options are great for your initial stay, you’ll eventually want to find your own non-sharing, full rental accommodation. This gives you more privacy and space to settle into your new Sydney life. You can read more about finding long-term rentals in this guide.
Finding a place to rent in Sydney may take time and effort, but with a bit of planning and these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to settling into your new Sydney life!
