You wouldn't be alone in thinking that rental properties worldwide are universally the same. This assumption couldn't be further from the truth. For example, in Germany, a renter may need to supply their kitchen; in the Netherlands, you may have to put in your own flooring and window treatments. New York and Singapore may be subject to Agents' commissions.
Thankfully, Australia is a little easier; flooring and curtains are part of the home, and thankfully, there will be a working kitchen, and there are no large commissions to be paid.
So, what do you get in an Australian rental?
In Australia, it's common for rental properties not to include white goods such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Dishwashers are typically found in newer or renovated homes. Air conditioning availability varies across different regions; many rentals currently do not come with air conditioning units. However, it's crucial to stay informed about regulatory changes. For example, starting October 2025, all rental properties in Victoria will be legislated to have air conditioning, ceiling insulation, and up-to-standard heating, highlighting the evolving standards for tenant comfort and property amenities.
Another common question is whether landlords will repaint or install new carpets. Most of the time, the answer is no; what you see is what you get. While asking never hurts, please don't pin your hopes on a favourable outcome.
It's important to understand that most Australian rental properties are unfurnished. The beautifully styled pictures you see online are often just for show, and they're typically the sale photos from when the home was last sold. Whilst we have a fully furnished market, it caters mainly to corporate travellers and the rental prices will be much higher.
Why are Australian houses so cold?
You may have seen some of the latest TikTok and Instagram videos on how cold Australian homes are. Indeed, our homes are not as well insulated and heated as the northern hemisphere—the regulation of Australian homes grades houses from 0 to 10 stars based on their energy efficiency. A 0-star rating indicates minimal climate protection, while a 10-star rating suggests little need for artificial heating or cooling throughout the year. Since 2011, new homes have been required to achieve a minimum of 6 stars. However, the average Australian home falls drastically short at just 1.8 stars, akin to the thermal performance of a tent rather than a modern eco-friendly house.
Single-glazed windows remain commonplace, contrasting sharply with Swedish building codes that mandated double-glazing from as early as 1960, with triple-glazing now standard in colder regions.
We certainly don't want you to be alarmed, only informed. Speaking with our friendly team and researching the minimum standards for your budget and essential home requirements are crucial steps for a successful relocation and starting a new adventure with minimal stress and worry. Don’t assume that what you’re accustomed to in your home country will be the same in Australia.
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