Renting or buying a house:

Yup, as promised, here's my take on how to go about getting a house...

Look at prices on the property market. Some questions to consider are:

• Is the house in the zone of the school you want?


• How far is it to the nearest shopping centre?


• Do you have a car?


• Are your children able to walk to the school?


• Does the house have central heating/ cooling?


• Is the house a weatherboard/ brick house?


• Are you able to afford the price?


• Are the rental/ selling prices above your budget?


• Are you looking for a single storey or double storey house?


• How many toilets/ bathrooms?


• Is it close to the main road/ freeway?


• Is the house in a low-lying area?


• Is the house in danger of getting flooded during heavy storms?


• Are there many trees near the house? Is it close to a natural reserve?


• Neighbours?


• Security?

It is up to you whether you prioritise cost or quality of the house.

For example, a weatherboard house with no central heating rents for $320 per week. It is only equipped with a radiator.

On the other hand, you are also considering a brick house which is more modern with central heating/cooling included. However, the more modern house rents for $440 per week.

Also, you need to consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms each of the houses have.

Which will you choose? Personally, I will choose the modern house as weatherboard houses tend to be rather damp especially after a storm. As it also has no central heating, the house can be quite cold in winter. But of course, there are people who choose the weatherboard house.

As I have said, the choice is entirely up to you and not all houses are the same.

Also, in order to buy/ rent a house, you will need to have the 100 points, which simply just means that you need a track record before the landlord is willing to rent it out to you. If you are in another country, it is rather difficult to rent a house. Otherwise, we can help you to look at the house and do whatever’s necessary... ...for a fee, of course.

When you move in, there are two important items your property agent needs to give you:

1. The condition report, which is a report made by the agent who has inspected the house and written out all the flaws in the house. ( this only applies if you have placed a bond with the landlord)

2. Landlords and Tenants Rights –This is a book that contains all the information about your rights.

You, as the owner of the house must not take it for granted that the agent has written down everything; no one is perfect. You will have to check and double check for yourself. For example, if there are scratches on the floor, then, write it down. If the oven timer is not working, write it down.


If there is any damage, not due to wear and tear, you risk having your bond forfeited.
Usually you will have two weeks, after which, you will return the condition report to the agent.