Accommodation in Perth comes in all shapes and sizes. Expats will need to decide what kind of property they prefer, what they can afford, and in which area or suburb of Perth they’d like to settle in before beginning their search.
Types of accommodation in Perth
Expats will find that there are plenty of housing options available in Perth. These range from furnished and unfurnished apartments (known as flats), to houses, studios and condos. The standard of accommodation varies significantly depending on the area.
It is worth noting that houses in Perth are built to keep their residents cool and not warm, and central heating and double-glazed windows are therefore a rarity.
Finding accommodation in Perth
Expats will find that they may be required to do most of the house hunting themselves. Online property portals, social networks and newspaper classifieds are a good starting point.
Alternatively, working with an estate agent can make the process simpler and may yield better results than going it alone. Estate agents also often have access to property listings before they go on the open market.
Renting accommodation in Perth
Making an application
Viewings for accommodation in Perth are usually at set times, and if the property is well priced, expats should expect to be viewing with a number of other people. Many properties are managed through an agent and references will usually be required. Applicants must also submit extensive proof-of-identity documentation according to the 100-point check. According to this system, various documents are assigned a number of points based on importance, and these must add up to 100 points for the application to be considered.
Leases and deposits
In Perth, leases are generally for a year. A month’s rent is usually required as a deposit and is refundable at the end of the rental period. At the end of the lease, any costs for cleaning or repairs to damage that the tenant is directly responsible for will be taken out of the deposit.
Paying rent
In property listings, rental prices are typically quoted on a per-week basis. Rental payments may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, so this should be clarified before signing on.
Utilities
Utility bills are usually not included in the rental price and are the responsibility of the tenant to pay.
Further reading
►To learn more about the ins and outs of renting a property down under, read Accommodation in Australia
What do expats say about the availability of accommodation in Perth?
"There are lots of different types of accommodation and if you are happy to live quite far from the city, you can get a lot of house for your money." Read more about British expat Lara's experience in Perth.
"The majority of housing is single houses in big blocks... I find the construction of poor quality, with low-quality windows and insulation, but that could be the older houses like the one we live in, which was built in the '70s." Portuguese expat Sami shares her thoughts on living in Perth.
Are you an expat living in Perth?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Perth. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance - 10% off any plans bought in November and December 2023
With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Cigna is currently offering a 10% discount for seniors (over 60) on their Silver package.
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!