May 6, 2025 | Corporate, Private, Uncategorized

How to Find a Rental Before Moving to Australia

(And Why Planning Ahead Sets You Up for Success)

Imagine this:
You’ve packed the boxes, said your goodbyes, and landed in Australia full of excitement — only to find yourself bouncing between short-term rentals, scrambling to get your documents in order, and missing out on property after property.

It’s not the fresh start you pictured.
And it’s exactly why planning how to find a rental before moving to Australia is one of the smartest things you can do before you board the plane.

Why Finding a Rental in Australia Early Matters

Australia’s rental market is fast-paced.
In many cities, good properties are snapped up within days — sometimes hours — of being listed. It’s competitive, and applications need to be strong, complete, and ready to go.

If you wait until you arrive to start your search, you’re already behind the curve.
Instead, smart movers start planning well before moving day. They know the goal isn’t just to find a rental — it’s to secure the right home, at the right time, with the least amount of stress possible.

And the good news? It’s completely doable — with the right approach.

Worried woman sitting on couch looking at phone while searching for a rental in Australia

Step 1: Understand the Local Rental Process

Before you dive into property listings, take a little time to understand how the Australian rental system works.

Here are a few key differences if you’re coming from overseas or even interstate:

Open homes (inspections), not private viewings: Most inspections are group open times, not individual tours.
Speed matters: It’s normal to apply immediately after viewing — hesitating can cost you the property.
Rental applications are detailed — usually a lot more than you expect: You’ll need proof of income, ID, references, and rental history ready to submit in full. It’s not wise to wait until you’ve been to an inspection to start gathering these — having your rental profile done and dusted beforehand puts you in a far stronger position to apply quickly when the right property comes up (more on this in Step 2)

Learning how to find a rental before moving to Australia starts with knowing what’s expected once you’re here — and being ready to act.

If you’re new to Australia’s rental system, it’s worth reviewing this government guide to renting in Australia for a full overview of your rights and responsibilities.

Step 2: Get Your Documents in Order Early

Nothing slows you down like scrambling for paperwork after finding the perfect property.
Before you even arrive, make sure you have:

Proof of income (employment contracts, payslips)
Photo ID (passport, visa, driver’s license)
References (previous landlords, employers — and if you don’t have rental history, character references from family or friends who have spent time in your home and can vouch for how well you maintain it)
Bank statements
A ready-to-go rental profile (If you want a shortcut, we can help with this — click here to skip ahead and see how Claymore Thistle sets up professional rental profiles built from years of experience, giving you a real head start.)

In Australia, complete applications are prioritized — landlords and agents want to make decisions quickly. Having everything prepared gives you a real edge.

Step 3: Set Clear, Realistic Expectations for Your New Home

Searching from afar can be overwhelming if you don’t have a clear idea of what you actually need.
Before you start browsing:

Set a realistic budget (including utilities and bond costs)
List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Research suburbs based on lifestyle (commute times, schools, community vibe)
Understand your lease length options (6 months vs. 12 months)

Being clear on your priorities makes it easier to narrow down properties — and avoid wasting time applying for homes that don’t fit.

Step 4: Line Up Local Help

Here’s the real game-changer:
Having someone on the ground massively increases your chances of securing a rental before you move.

At Claymore Thistle, we help you:

Shortlist properties that match your real needs — not just what looks good on paper
Attend inspections on your behalf, giving you honest feedback (not just agent sales pitches)
Set up your rental profile — collating all your documents, double-checking your details, and making sure your application is strong, complete, and competitive before you even apply
Submit strong applications quickly
Negotiate lease terms and liaise with agents
Guide you through the process step-by-step, with a local’s understanding

Google and web searches can give you a good idea of suburb matches — there’s no doubt about that. But what Google can’t tell you is what a suburb feels like at 4 PM when the school run traffic hits. It can’t tell you if the local parks are family-friendly and well-kept, or if they’re overgrown and deserted. It can’t tell you if a school’s community feels warm and welcoming — or if new faces are met with turned heads and closed circles.

Learning how to find a rental before moving to Australia is one thing — having experienced, local support turns knowledge into real results (and a much happier move).

Step 5: Be Ready to Move Fast (Even From Afar)

Once a property ticks the boxes, you need to be ready to act — even if you’re not physically here yet.
That’s why having local support (like Claymore) to inspect and provide feedback can make all the difference.

Speed, confidence, and preparation are what win rental applications in today’s market.

What Happens If You Don’t Plan Ahead?

We see it all too often:

Families stuck in expensive short-term accommodation weeks longer than planned
Applicants missing out on properties because documents weren’t ready
Last-minute rentals that don’t suit their needs, simply out of desperation
Extra stress layered on top of an already huge life change

Moving is exciting enough without adding unnecessary roadblocks.

You Deserve a Smooth Landing

Finding the right home should be the first good memory you make in Australia — not the first big stress.
When you plan early, prepare properly, and get the right support, arriving in a new city feels less like a leap into the unknown — and more like walking into a place you already belong.

If you’re wondering how to find a rental before moving to Australia, the first step is simple: Plan ahead, get your documents ready, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

We’re here to make it easy.
Reach out to Claymore Thistle today and let’s get you home – click here to book a free call with one of our relocation specialists today.