Are you planning on moving to a different state in Australia? Perhaps you have an exciting job opportunity or simply want to explore a new region of this beautiful country. Whatever the reason, interstate relocation can be a pretty daunting process. Packing up your life and adapting to a new one in a place that is foreign to you is no easy task. Don’t worry — moving interstate doesn’t have to be intimidating, time-consuming or overly expensive.
If you want to learn more about interstate relocation in Australia, keep reading for a few tips on how to make this process as simple as possible!
What is interstate relocation?
The term ‘interstate relocation’ is quite self-explanatory. Relocating between Australian states might be less complex than international relocation, but it can nevertheless be an expensive, lengthy and tiresome process. Moving interstate in Australia is subject to varying state regulations as well as Covid-19 compliance with regards to lockdown rules and travel restrictions.
Most people move as they have a new job lined up, or can work from home, although it may be the case that one person in the family has secured a job while their partner is still looking for work opportunities. Some of the biggest steps on the to-do list when planning an interstate relocation is to find a suitable new home, decide what to do with your current house (if you are a homeowner), arrange for the relocation of goods and ensure the entire family’s needs are taken care of. If you have children, the search for good schools and daycare facilities in your new neighbourhood should be added to the list, while pet parents also need to arrange for safe and secure pet relocation. Additionally, you will also need to take care of administrative transfers such as changing your address with government departments, the bank, medical insurance and the electoral roll, as well as updating your car registration and driver’s license information.
How to move interstate in Australia
This might be a lot to take in. The good news is that there is a simple way to take care of everything on the relocation checklist while saving time and even money! Working with a relocation agent will make your life ten times easier.
Enlisting a professional relocation specialist to support you during the process will not only save you time (and more than just a few grey hairs), it can also offer a major cost-benefit. Relocation agents are well-connected in the industry and their experience in the trade equips them to deal with any problem the relocation process may throw at them. On top of that, they can help you cut unnecessary costs by negotiating on your behalf and using their professional connections to offer services at preferential rates.
Your relocation agent can provide home search assistance, conduct neighbourhood research and home viewings on your behalf, deliver property management services to sell or rent out your existing property as an investment, provide support with contract negotiations and property documentation when buying a new home, and arrange for the relocation of your furniture as well as short or long term storage for your belongings. Furthermore, your relocation agent can make the transition to your new home seamless as possible by helping you find the right schools and daycare options for your kids, arranging safe pet relocation, picking you up from the airport, connecting your utilities and even stocking your cupboards with groceries prior to your arrival.
The support offered by a relocation agent reaches much wider than logistical arrangements. Moving interstate is a big life change and you’ll need someone to guide you through the process. The benefit of working with a professional who understands the challenges of the relocation process, knows the local market and has an abundance of contacts in industries that are relevant to interstate relocation, is that they can provide trusted advice, make valuable recommendations and help you settle into your new home with ease and confidence.
Claymore Thistle has a dynamic team of relocation experts who are dedicated to taking the stress out of the relocation process so our clients can focus on preparing for the new chapter of their lives. Our relocation services offering is tailored to each client to ensure you receive the support you need.
If you’ve been waiting for your sign to move to Adelaide, this is it! South Australia’s beautiful green capital has just been named the most liveable city in the country, impressively ranking third on the list of 140 cities across the world. Stability, healthcare, education, culture, environment and infrastructure were all considered in this measure to name the world’s most liveable city, and Australia performed exceptionally well with Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane also reaching the top 10.
Adelaide’s laid-back and welcoming charm has never been a secret as one of the smaller Australian cities. Adelaide is the ideal home for those who seek a quieter, relaxed life without sacrificing the convenience and excitement of living in a city. On top of the lively arts and entertainment scene, diverse food culture, breath-taking outdoor sites and abundance of great schools, Adelaide is also regarded as one of Australia’s most sustainable cities.
Want to learn more about this Australian gem? Here is what you need to know before moving to Adelaide!
Adelaide is an affordable city to live in
One of the best things about living in Adelaide is the affordable cost of living. The average living expenses in Adelaide are lower than in any other major city in Australia! Accommodation is usually relatively easy to find, especially with the help of a buyer’s agent in Australia who can set up viewings and negotiate contracts on your behalf. Inner-city apartments vary from AUD1,400-2,500 per month while prices are even lower in neighbourhoods outside the city centre.
For those looking to buy property in Adelaide, AUD500,000 can purchase a sizable family home with a backyard — perfect for raising children and letting pets run around! Comparably, these figures are much lower than average property prices in larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Furthermore, Adelaide has an efficient and affordable public transport system with a monthly metro pass that is priced at around AUD100. The city is safe and pedestrian-friendly, which means you can save money by walking or cycling around town or making use of public transport.
Expats and international students love Adelaide
Adelaide is home to a big community of expats and international students who migrate here from Europe, America, Asia and Africa. This diversity in residents has resulted in a multicultural mix of languages, art, music and food that can be experienced all over the city! Adelaide’s foreign-born population represents around 30% of the city’s residents while local universities host roughly 20,000 international students each year. Adelaide is now focused on attracting international students back to the city in cases where expats or temporary residents had to leave the country during the pandemic.
Adelaide is also embracing jobs and industries of the future, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular destination for interstate and international relocation. The city supports the adoption of technology and the move towards remote work, which provides working professionals with a bigger choice of cities to live in. Adelaide’s smaller physical footprint and relaxed way of life make this city an attractive option for young talented workers who may now be able to move away from megacities and continue working remotely. With its future-focused vision for the city and its residents, Adelaide proves once again that dynamite comes in small packages!
Nature lovers will feel right at home in Adelaide
Thanks to its prioritisation of renewable energy and public green spaces such as parks and botanical gardens around the city, Adelaide is considered one of Australia’s most sustainable capitals. Adelaide is surrounded by the most wonderful natural sites and even has plans in motion to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city. Nestled among picturesque beaches, mountains, hiking trails and wine farms, residents and visitors to Adelaide are spoiled for choice with a new weekend mission every week!
Glenelg, Brighton and Port Noarlunga are some of the most popular beaches nearby the city, while the famous Barossa Valley just outside Adelaide is a major attraction for wine lovers who want to explore Australia’s amazing local wines. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to have a picnic, take the kids out to play or relax with a book underneath a tree, you don’t even need to leave the city! You’ll find safe and well-maintained public parks and nature reserves scattered all around Adelaide, ready to welcome you for a morning run or a lunchtime coffee break. Adelaide is certainly a dream home for nature lovers. If you are longing for clean air, plenty of outdoor adventures and undisturbed peace, this is the city for you.
Locals have a strong community culture
Despite the social restrictions imposed by COVID-19, Adelaide has succeeded in keeping its warm local culture alive and thriving. Visitors to the city often observe how social and community-driven the city’s locals are. There is a close-knit community among Adelaide’s residents, who are known for their strong family bonds and long-lasting friendships. Many people who have been living here for a long time don’t live more than 10 minutes away from their friends or the rest of their family.
The positive result of Adelaide’s smaller size can also be seen in how generous, hospitable and inviting locals are towards new residents in the city. This laid-back way of life is a big bonus for people who want to enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle in a city that encourages its residents to get to know their neighbours. Another reason why Adelaide is such a popular choice for international students, remote workers and families!
In Adelaide, everything you need is only 20 minutes away
A great feature about Adelaide is the smart and efficient design of the city. Everything you need is no more than 20 minutes away! This is convenient and time-efficient, plus it helps the city to better manage public transport and ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists. In this sense, Adelaide combines the best of both worlds: the peace and quiet of a slower pace of life along with all the benefits of living in the city!
Because locals are so used to their short daily commutes, longer trips to the city’s outdoor areas are often left for weekend adventures. Charming small towns like Aldgate, Oakbank, Birdwood, Mount Barker and Hahndorf are less than an hour’s drive from the city, where you can immerse in local culture, indulge in the countryside’s fresh produce and come face to face with some of South Australia’s most beautiful wildlife. If you’re planning on moving to Adelaide, be sure to start compiling your weekend trip to-do list long in advance!
Are you interested in learning more about relocation to Adelaide, Australia and our relocation services? Claymore Thistle offers relocation services for corporate relocations, personal relocation, property management and buyer’s assistance. We want to help you have the best moving experience possible!
In March 2020, Australia along with the rest of the world came to a screeching halt as coronavirus cases were steadily increasing and the effects of the pandemic could be seen in every aspect of our lives. With country borders closed and many businesses taking a financial knock, a property crash was predicted and relocation agencies were warned that clients would be scarce. But now, almost a year later, the relocation industry in Australia is as lively as ever. South East Queensland, Adelaide, Perth and Tasmania are blossoming with new residents who are moving here despite the pandemic.
Here at Claymore Thistle we are experiencing great interest from clients who are going about their relocation plans as usual, and simply adding the costs of quarantine upon arrival to their relocation budget.
The housing market is having a ball at the moment, sometimes with as many as 30-40 people showing up at viewings, sometimes more!
The property market in Queensland is stable and flourishing
Australian domestic relocation is experiencing a massive boom at the moment. Relocation companies in Australia have reported a 400 per cent increase in demand for quotes from people who want to relocate interstate from Sydney and Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Greater South East Queensland area, while new home sales are up 80%.
It’s no secret that the Gold Coast has a fantastic climate, beautiful natural surroundings, plenty of outdoor activities and an attractive laid-back lifestyle. On top of that, the state of Queensland offers a more affordable way of living, which contributes to a more relaxed and stress-free life. Buyers and renters alike are lining up for houses, and the Gold Coast’s permanent population is steadily on the rise. According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, real estate in the Gold Coast is offering far more affordable properties for people who want to reduce their mortgages due to the effects of the pandemic. Chief executive of the institute, Antonia Mercorella, says that none of the current data matches the predictions of a ‘property crash’ that were made in early 2020.
The increase in interstate migration is overwhelming property agents, and the result is that many houses are being sold before they are even listed on the market. Assistance with your purchase process; like virtual walkthroughs are speeding up the purchasing process as people can view homes from anywhere in Australia and make a buying decision before they’ve even seen the house in person. Online auctions are also presenting a great alternative to the traditional approach to property buying.
What to expect for relocation to Australia in 2021?
While tourism continues to suffer the consequences of coronavirus restrictions and many holiday-letting homes are being put at risk, the real estate market is stable. Estate agents in the Gold Coast are predicting that the spike in relocations to the area will continue in 2021 as people are increasingly wanting to make a move to the sea. Naturally, there is still a sense of uncertainty among new home buyers when it comes to how much they are willing to spend on building and renovations, but the property market is certainly strong at the moment despite this caution.
If you want to relocate to Australia in 2021, you can still do so, although made slightly trickier by the pandemic. If you are relocating from abroad or between certain states, you’ll probably need to add quarantine costs for yourself and your family upon arrival as part of safety protocols. The rest however can go ahead as planned! If you are interested in buying or renting property, your relocation agent can arrange viewings on your behalf and include you in the experience via video calls and virtual walkthroughs.
So, you’ve decided to move to Australia, but you have no idea which city is best for you. Whether you are relocating permanently or for a few years for work purposes; there is a colourful selection of major cities to pick from to experience Australian life.
Australia has eight capital cities, each uniquely charming. Keen surfers will be enticed by the beaches along the Gold Coast south of Brisbane while hikers and wildlife enthusiasts will be fascinated by the great outdoors surrounding Adelaide. Sydney, on the other hand, is a cultural melting pot with bustling streets as opposed to the laidback atmosphere in Perth, one of the smaller cities in Australia.
Let’s find out which is the best city in Australia to live in!
Sydney, New South Wales
Home to some of Australia’s most famous landmarks such as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, Sydney is a popular destination for travellers and long-term expats. Sydney is the most populated city in the country and has a multicultural demographic, which means that languages such as Vietnamese, Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Greek are all widely spoken here. If you enjoy the fast-paced city life and want to be in the middle of all the action, Sydney is just the place for you. The city has a wealth of work and business opportunities and is the highest-ranking city in the world for international students, while the large expat community offers a valuable support system and connection point to those who are new in town. As a bonus, the pleasant weather, stunning beaches surrounding the city and the welcoming community of shops, weekend markets and seaside bars are the perfect recipe to make you feel like you are always on holiday! Get here all the information you need for relocating to Sydney!
Melbourne, Victoria
For artists, musicians, filmmakers and other creatives, Melbourne is a fantastic place to call home. An important cultural landmark for Australia, Melbourne’s rich history is honoured by the broad selection of historical museums and art galleries, and reflected in the striking architecture, remarkable street art and diverse culinary scene. The city has an active culture of live performance, and hosts a multiplicity of festivals and cultural events throughout the year — the largest of which includes the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. With the abundance of nightlife and weekend activities in the city, Melburnians are spoiled for entertainment choice! And for those seeking peace and quiet, the scenic mountains, rivers, beaches, public parks and gardens sprinkled in and around town create a tranquil environment to ensure you’ll never feel trapped by the city. More about relocating to Melbourne here!
Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane is known as the “River City” of Australia — you can probably guess why! In the heart of the city is the Brisbane River (also known as Maiwar), the longest river in South East Queensland. Although the river isn’t used very much for swimming, it serves as an essential natural landmark in the city and homes rarely-sighted animals such as crocodiles and bull sharks. Wildlife enthusiasts will find Brisbane’s animal kingdom fascinating, and should pay a visit to the esteemed koala sanctuary (the largest in the world!) that is located just outside the city. Brisbane’s proximity to the famous Gold Coast is a massive bonus for surfers and beach goers alike. Along with the long-stretching beaches and prime surfing spots, the Gold Coast has plenty of hiking trails amid the mountains and rainforest. This region is also known for the rare bird species spotted in the forest and valleys. Anyone who loves the outdoors would feel right at home in Brisbane. Contact Claymore Thistle, your Relocation Agents Brisbane, today and find here more information about relocating to Brisbane!
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the perfect mix of city life and the countryside. If you are not overly keen on the hustle and bustle of big cities, you can enjoy an easy-going lifestyle in Perth without sacrificing on the convenience and excitement of urban living. While the capital of Western Australia is rather isolated from other Australian cities, it is located near Jakarta, Indonesia, which is convenient for those who plan on travelling. Weekends in Perth consist of exploring the nature parks and hiking trails surrounding the city, or enjoying the scenic vineyards and kicking back at one of the wineries, breweries or rum distilleries to sip on locally-crafted refreshments. The beaches and public parks in and around the city also contribute to the charm that makes Perth such a popular pick for families who are relocating to Australia. Learn here more about relocating to Perth!
Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide is another one of Australia’s smaller cities. There is a homely atmosphere in the city that makes it feel more like a large town rather than a crowded urban landscape. This is an excellent place to reside in if you are keen for a relaxing introduction to living in Australia — the city is small enough so you can quickly find your feet; the public transport is convenient and easy to use, making it easy to get around if you don’t have a car or driving licence; and living costs are more affordable than the larger and denser populated capitals. Adelaide is applauded as one of the most sustainable cities in the country, with a focus on renewable energy and green spaces like parks and botanical gardens. Similar to Perth, Adelaide is a well-loved city for families thanks to the leisurely lifestyle, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods and abundance of public outdoor spots where kids can safely play. Learn more about your Relocation to Adelaide! With Claymore Thistle your Relocation Adelaide will be easy and smooth!
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra is the national capital of Australia and is home to numerous institutions, monuments and museums of significance to the country’s history and governance. The Parliament House, High Court, Australian War Memorial, National Gallery, National Museum and National Library are among the national landmarks established in Canberra. In the early 1900s, an international contest was run to choose a design for the then established national capital. The design that was selected was creatively inspired by greenery, gardens and natural vegetation, which can still be seen in the city today, creating a calming environment amid the concrete jungle. Locals have come to love Canberra as a culinary gem with a myriad of exquisite restaurants, wineries, breweries and bars. The city is also a vibrant creative playground with weekend markets, vintage shops and organic produce, all widely adored by the younger demographic and student population.
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart is the second oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney and is also one of the country’s least populated cities. The historic buildings and old-world architecture remain notable in the city, and creates a striking contrast against the contemporary builds of the last few decades. This quaint city is located at the foot of the breath-taking Mount Wellington and the entrance to the Derwent River. These two natural beauties play a distinct role in the everyday life in Hobart. Those who brave the hike to the top of Mount Wellington amid the well-preserved vegetation and bushland will be left speechless by the view from above! The waterfront is lined with top-notch local restaurants and the ferries are the ticket to visiting the renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the largest privately-owned museum in the country.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Situated at the northern edge of Australia, Darwin serves as a link to Indonesia and other southeast Asian countries. The city is the smallest and least populated of all Australian capitals, and was named after the naturalist, Charles Darwin. The region has a tropical climate with a wet season that usually arrives in late November or early December. Darwin’s proximity to Asia is reflected in its culinary scene as well as arts and cultural practices. Cuisine from Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan are common in Darwin, and is widely available at local street food markets. Water adventure sports and leisure activities like harbour cruising and snorkelling are popular among locals and offer a unique way to engage with the city’s stunning natural surrounds.
Ok so we didn’t actually pick a favourite did we…. it’s like asking a parent to pick their favourite child. It can’t be done* – not in earshot of any of the children anyway. We love it here and each town and city has its own unique charms that you will fall in love with. We don’t think you would be disappointed wherever you choose!
Are you thinking of moving to Australia? Perhaps you received an exciting new job offer or simply want to start a new chapter in the largest country in Oceania. Australia is a fantastic place to live and work with vibrant cities, a scenic countryside and magnificent natural landscapes ranging from white sand beaches and waterfalls to luscious forests and mountains. Not to mention the great tropical climate, inviting culture, diverse animal life and abundant career and educational opportunities.
However, the relocation process can be lengthy and burdensome, especially if you are setting out to move on your own and do not have a company or employer to assist in applying for a visa, finding accommodation and settling into your new home. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed! We’ve compiled this concise guide on how to relocate to Australia, covering all the basics and most important factors you need to consider in your moving journey.
How do I get started?
Obtaining a work visa is the first major step in the relocation process since you cannot move to Australia without it — except for New Zealand citizens, the majority of which can visit, live and work in Australia without a tourist or work visa. Once you have decided when to move and your visa is approved, you can start looking for accommodation, research schools and daycare options for any children in the family and look into all the other details such as healthcare insurance, a phone plan, new bank accounts, renting or buying a car and getting a valid driver’s licence.
The Australian government offers many types of visas depending on the specifics of your work and family situation. Each visa application has its own set of requirements, the most common of which includes English language competence, health examinations and practising an eligible profession. Most work visas are accompanied by family visa applications, enabling you to bring eligible family members with you to Australia.
There are a few different work visas you can apply for (or get nominated or sponsored for by your employer), including visas for skilled workers, highly specialised workers, short-term workers, trainees and more. Another option is the Business Talent visa, which is suitable for experienced business people and investors who want to develop a new or existing business in the country. This visa, among others, equates permanent residency, although it is rather costly.
If you want to become a permanent Australian resident, you’re in luck since Australia is one of the easiest countries to achieve this. Expats who have been living in Australia for at least four years with a permanent visa (such as a work visa, business/investor visa or family visa) qualify to write a citizenship test, after which they can obtain permanent residency. There are many benefits to this — eligibility to remain in the country indefinitely, voting rights, and it makes it easier (maybe a little cheaper too) to buy a house here!
Work, schools and higher education
If you’re looking for work in Australia, the safest option is to apply for a job at a company or registered employer. While the country offers various visa options for self-employment, these applications require business experience, a detailed business plan and sufficient funds to support your entrepreneurial venture.
As of July 2020, the national minimum wage in Australia is AU$19.84 per hour or AU$753.80 per week while the average annual salary is around AU$90,000. Some of the most in-demand jobs in Australia include IT careers, data scientists, cloud engineers, developers and project managers. The most popular self-employment jobs include software developers, graphic designers, online sales representatives, childcare workers, online tutors, customers service assistants and other freelance or part-time positions, often in the digital or creative sphere.
Australia is known for its top-quality schools, colleges and universities, and is one of the countries with the most international students in the world. The University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Australian National University and University of New South Wales are some of the best-rated universities in Australia, and are very popular among international students. Tuition fees for higher education are quite steep, on average totalling AU$15,000 to AU$33,000 per year for an undergraduate degree. These fees may be even higher for international students, which is why tertiary education is another area where permanent residency proves beneficial.
Accommodation: rent or buy?
Many landlords in Australia use the 100-point system to screen potential tenants. This is a simple identity verification system where you need to provide a total of 100 ‘identification points’ in the form of various official documents. A birth certificate and passport equal 50 points, for example, while a driver’s licence scores 60 points.
Rental prices vary between different cities, with Sydney and Melbourne being at the pricier end of the scale while Perth is the most affordable Australian capital city to live in. The average rent per week in Australia was around AU$450 in 2019, although this can vary widely depending on the size, location and condition of the house or flat.
Renting in Australia as a foreigner is a bit more complicated than it is for locals, not only in terms of paperwork and providing references from previous landlords, but also when it comes to choosing the right neighbourhood for your needs and negotiating the best possible deal with rental agents. If you work with a relocation company in Australia, your agent can shortlist potential houses according to your preferences and budget (after conducting thorough neighbourhood analyses to pick the most suitable area for you to live in), set up viewings and negotiate the contract on your behalf.
Your relocation agent can also arrange temporary accommodation so you can live comfortably while saving on expensive hotels until you find your forever home. Once you decide on a rental property, you will need to pay a security deposit equal to 1-2 months’ rent. Standard long-term leases in Australia are typically 6-12 months.
If you are interested in buying a house, you will once again be better off working with a professional relocation agent who can assist you during this process. Foreign non-residents and temporary residents are allowed to buy property in Australia, although the specific requirements may differ based on the type of visa you hold. Most visa holders can apply for a mortgage of 80-95% of the property value, depending on the type of visa, their income bracket and employment security.
Relocating pets
Although it requires some planning in advance, you don’t need to worry about leaving your beloved pets behind when moving to Australia. Most common cat and dog breeds from approved countries are allowed into Australia while some restrictions are in place for other animals such as birds, rabbits and horses. (You can view the detailed rules on which animals and breeds are permitted into the country here.)
Domestic animals that are allowed into the country are categorised in three groups, each of which comes with its own set of import regulations. Group 1, which consists of dogs and cats coming from New Zealand, Cocos Islands and Norfolk Island, does not require an import permit, while Group 2 and 3 require a permit priced at AU$480 for the application and AU$240 for additional animals.
Recent Comments