This blog post is based on a transcript of a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. If you prefer, you can watch the full video to hear the complete conversation.
When relocating to Australia in January, securing a rental can be more challenging than at other times of the year. The holiday season and school break impact the market significantly, as estate agents and locals are typically unavailable, leading to fewer options.
Why January Is a Tough Time for Rentals
January can be a tricky time for securing a rental in Australia. If you’ve seen my other videos, you know I often advise against moving in December or January if possible. But the reality is that many people need to be here at the start of the school year, so let’s put some perspective on this.
For those unfamiliar with the holiday season here, December and January are major holiday months in Australia:
- we’re celebrating Christmas
- bringing in the New Year, and
- schools are on a long summer break for six to eight weeks.
Most people are out celebrating, camping, or travelling—meaning they’re not moving, and there’s much less rental stock available. Plus, many estate agents take time off, and those who are working have limited staff. This all means fewer inspections and slower responses.
Why Rentals Are Tough to Find—and Often Cost More—in January
When January rolls around, we’re facing two big challenges: low availability and high demand.
Because so few locals are moving, there aren’t many properties on the market, but there’s a large influx of internationals all trying to secure a rental.
On top of that, it’s typical to see a 2.2% rise in rental prices during this time because demand is so high. If you’ve set a strict budget, it’s worth considering whether you may need to adjust it a bit or compromise on your preferences.
My Advice for Securing a Rental in January
So, back to the question: can you secure a rental within two weeks of arriving in January?
I’ll be honest—it’s going to be a tall order. My recommendation is to get a head start in December if at all possible. If you have a friend or family member here, ask them to help with inspections ahead of time.
Estate agents require that someone inspect the property before they’ll process an application, so having someone here on the ground is crucial. Alternatively, you might want to consider hiring a relocation company to manage the inspections for you.
If you can only arrive in January, consider booking temporary accommodation flexible enough to extend if needed.
Another option worth exploring is house-sitting. There are often expat groups on Facebook, like “Poms in Melbourne” or “South Africans in Sydney,” where you might find house-sitting opportunities. Many people are away on holiday, and you could possibly look after their homes and pets while you finalise your rental.
In sum, I advise you to:
- Start Early: Aim to secure a rental in December to avoid the January rush and rising prices.
- Get Local Help: Whether it’s friends, family, or a professional service, having someone inspect homes on your behalf can significantly improve your chances.
- Consider Flexible Temporary Housing: Book a short-term rental or hotel with the option to extend so you have flexibility.
- Look for House-Sitting Opportunities: Check expat Facebook groups for short-term house-sitting options for a more affordable, flexible stay.
Wrapping Up
I know this isn’t the easiest news to hear, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can improve your chances of securing a place that works for your family. Australia’s rental market is competitive, especially in January, but don’t lose hope. If you need any more guidance, please reach out to us at Plan4Australia. We offer tons of free resources and tips to make the moving process easier.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your move!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch, and please share this with anyone else who might be navigating the rental market in Australia.
