Find your Australian home
We don't try to be a rental portal ourselves. Instead, we point you to Australia's most accommodation platforms worth checking — the same ones locals use — and tell you which is right for your stage of the move.
Temporary accommodation
Your first two to six weeks. Furnished, flexible, and lets you view long-term places in person.
Flatshares
A room in an existing share house. Cheapest option, fastest to arrange, and the quickest way to meet people.
Private rentals
A whole flat or house on a six or twelve month lease. Needs documents, references and usually an in-person inspection.
Student accommodation
Purpose-built halls near campus with bills included — simple if you're arriving on a student visa.
Accommodation platforms worth checking
Airbnb
Short stays & landing pads
Best for
Your first 2–6 weeks in Australia
Book a fully furnished place from day one. Perfect for getting on the ground, exploring neighbourhoods and figuring out where you actually want to live long-term.
Domain
Long-term rentals
Best for
Signing a 6–12 month lease
One of Australia's two biggest rental portals. Search apartments and houses across every city, filter by suburb, price and bedrooms, and apply directly to agents.
Flatmates.com.au
Shared housing & rooms
Best for
Working holidaymakers & solo movers from the UK
Australia's go-to site for renting a single room in a share house. Cheaper, more flexible, and the fastest way to meet people when you've just arrived.
A quick tip from MoveToOZ
Most Brits moving over book 2–4 weeks on Airbnb or Stayz first, then use Domain or Flatmates.com.au once they're on the ground. Trying to sign a long lease from the UK is possible but slower — landlords usually want to meet you, see payslips and check your rental history.
Your first accommodation strategy
- 1Book short-term accommodation for your arrival rather than committing to a lease from the UK.
- 2Use those first weeks to view longer-term homes in person and get a feel for the suburbs.
- 3Prepare your rental documents before you start applying — agents move fast and pick the tidiest application.
- 4Never pay a deposit or bond outside legitimate channels, and never for a property you or someone you trust hasn't seen.
Rental application checklist
Australian rentals are competitive. Having these ready before you view anything is the single biggest advantage a new arrival can give themselves.
- Passport and visa grant notice
- Proof of income or savings
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Landlord and employer references
- An Australian phone number and address if you have one
- Previous rental history or a letter from a UK landlord
- Recent bank statements
- 100 points of ID where the agent requires it