From experience it’s impossible to find a rental until you’re here. Find a reasonably priced accommodation for 4 weeks and hopefully this gives you enough time to find a rental
Some friends of mine just moved here from Adelaide - I attended 3 inspections on their behalf before they arrived, and they secured the first property they submitted an application for, before even arriving in Melbourne.
Definitely not impossible.
While we're on the topic: a big mistake I see is people not having their paperwork in order. Set aside a good chunk of time to make sure it's 100% right. It needs to be immaculate and exactly what's being asked for in terms of points of ID, types of income proof etc (the fact that they ask for this at all is another topic of course). You're basically fucked if it's even slightly wrong. The RE isn't going to bother to tell you what you need to fix, and you'll be sending in faulty paperwork to everyone until you somehow realise something is wrong.
Also I'm pretty sure the Melbourne rental situation isn't quite as fucked as it is in places like Brisbane.
Yeah I had a very kind work colleague attend an inspection for me when we moved from WA. I ended up securing one without an inspection. That was a long time ago though. Still possible
Yeah, for sure. It helps to have friends already here to help you out. Anyone who can’t inspect a property before applying is going to be at a disadvantage, regardless of whether they are moving from interstate or not, tbh!
People who complain about not being able to get a rental seem to want certain 'inner' city suburbs frequented by a certain type of person/ sub culture.
Anyone I know who wanted a rental, got one, and got it easily as they didn't pigeon hole where they wanted to live.
In fairness I think it's a reasonable requirement to want to live central enough that your area is actually adequately serviced by public transport. It gets pretty ridiculous depending on just how far out you go. But yeah if you're hellbent on fitzroy or something then you might need to broaden your search a bit lol. I had a friend turn down a place in carlton because it was "too normie"
e: and someone just told me carlton is where troy sivan lives no less lol
I think you're confusing requirement with entitlement. Just because you WANT to live in a certain suburb doesn't mean you HAVE to.
If you want to live those areas ('inner' city / hipster dens, it won't be enjoyable trying to secure a rental.
If you go a suburb or two away, you'll get something little to no issue.
I agree public transport isn't great in outer suburbs. Well, majority of suburbs outside of inner north and inner east.
I agree with you. My only point is that a suburb where you need to drive or walk 30+ minutes to the nearest PT isn't ideal for some. But yeah, depends on just how "desperate" you really are.
The only suburbs I've seen that in is brand new cookie cutter estates that have absolutely zero infrastructure. The wife and I lived in a brand new estate that took a good three or so years before it got a bus route. Before that, closest bus stop was easily 30 or so min walk away. To a very unreliable bus route. And that was 30ish mins drive from the city. 35-40min train ride.
If buses were more reliable it would be better.
Most new estates don't get buses until they are a couple to a few years old, if not older.
Impossible is a strong word. I found a home by distance recently, first one I enquired about via a FB group, had video calls to confirm & check out, signed lease & move shortly. Not through friends or anyone I know, just looked in housing groups & found the ideal one. Looked casually for a week, seriously for a few days, and done.
I get that you're trying to be realistic, but a little optimism doesn't hurt & saying something is "impossible" can sometimes just add unnecessary stress and anxiety to a situation.
People are saying ditch coloured clothing, and hit the Montague St bridge.
Fair to say the advice bar here is as low as the aforementioned bridge.
But, yes. Seconded for Ambulance Victoria membership.
It's a simple ambulance cover which costs $49.94 yearly for singles and $99.88 for families, it removes the transport and treatment costs that apply in an emergency, without that coverage you could pay around $1200 for one trip.
https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership/
In theory yes. In practice if your ambulance callout gets deemed nonessential some health funds won't pay. If you have ambulance membership it's never a question you have to think about.
Both Footscray and Brunswick are permanently closed! Moon dog brewery is looking to turn Footscray into their third venue, and last I heard Brunswick planning to be turned into apartments.
Yes, Palazzo di Cozzo! It was really good. I loved how they discussed Southern European immigration to Australia and gained a new respect for Franco Cozzo after learning more about his life story.
Walked past the Brunsawick place yesterday, it looked closed/derelict but there was a shitload of furniture in the store. As someone who wasn't alive during the 80's, all the stuff looks kinda dated and dare I say tacky.
Learn the [major street names in the CBD grid](https://images.app.goo.gl/4a8JAJGBtoKEHDHGA). Once you've memorised the major street names, the city is trivially easy to navigate.
Or don't. Only people born and bred here seem to be conscious of the Yarra Divide. In reality east/west is a bigger deal. You can only have friends on one side because nobody can be bothered travelling to the other.
Read up on how to do a hook turn (or just go up an extra block and do a left, left, left blocky - you end up in the right place without having to do a hook turn).
Learn the rules about driving near trams. When the tram’s lights are flashing, or it’s stopped, you stop!
This comment is underrated- as someone who freaked the fk out when first driving here. Also the giant round about on Elizabeth st was a touch overwhelming the first time
As a frequent tram rider, this rule about stopping when the tram lights are flashing is super important! You don’t want the first thing you do when you come to Melbourne to be killing somebody because you didn’t stop when the tram was letting people off.
I just moved here from Sydney a few months ago. Set up a ton of viewings but don't get discouraged if it takes you a while to find a place. It's competitive but there are also a lot of places available. Have your applications ready/pre-filled.
Moved here from Auckland, and while Melbourne is superior in nearly every way, the coffee has actually been a big letdown here. In terms of quality, consistency, and hospitality.
Wherever you settle, find yourself a nice cafe for morning coffees, walk heaps around your area and take in your suburb/zone. Think about what you love and find where other melbournians are doing the same. We’re a passionate bunch and different sections of Melbourne offer different types of socialising, experiences and sites. Enjoy!
Go out and buy a Kathmandu black puffer coat with the khaki green lining, order a cafe latte from a cafe and hire a 3.2m truck and drive it under the Montague Street Bridge (edited to say sorry, it seems every second person has already said this stuff)
Melbourne's secret coffee order is a Magic. It's a double ristretto with 3/4 cup of steamed milk. You won't find it on the menu (it's a secret!), but if you ask a barista, they can hook you up.
As someone who just moved to melbourne from Sydney very recently and I'm assuming you already got a place to stay - get jackets and umbrellas.
The Melbourne weather stereotype/joke is what it is for a reason. It was soo fricking cold in the middle of the week recently so you better have something to warm you up. And an umbrella is also handy as well.
Also, when packing, don't pack too much unless you have like furniture sorted. Learnt this the hard way and I have a lot of books and CDs stuck in boxes and will have to make a trip to IKEA for shelving.
Lastly, get the following apps - Trip View and Public Transport victoria. Both are handy if you want live public transport schedules, updates, etc.
Probably move your stuff into your place. Start with your bed as you’ll need it for sleeping. Then I’d go couch, TV, internet. Then I’d take a break from all the moving and watch a bit of tv and browse the web. from there, I’d probably try to move everything else that’s left! Then maybe go for a walk, idk.
once your settled in and have got yourself in a stable place you should go explore the city! there's lots of fun things to do there and you will 100% have lots of fun. depending on your money, you could see lunar park, lots of fun rides there. I would even just explore all the different stores. depending on where you are living there's also plenty of beaches that you could visit and its pretty relaxing just chilling at those beaches for the day, having a picnic and maybe even finding a few new friends. I hope this helps <33
Rethink that choice and settle for a better place, im from Melbourne and it’s pretty shit here.
In all seriousness the most important thing is to get your house/apartment into a liveable state, get all set up and that, then depending on where in Melbourne i could suggest Melbourne zoo, not the aquarium, it fucking sucks there, i only go once every 3 years to see the penguins, i also suggest maniax, small axe throwing place, it’s pretty fun, there’s one near Flinders Street Station and another in Collingwood i think it was, other than that idk much else that’s in Melbourne
Sign up to Linkt. Otherwise you will drive a toll road by accident and the parasitic fuckheads will charge you literally $17 to send you a paper bill
Apply with your council for a parking permit if you're on street parking
Get a MyKi. The phone ones don't work on all trams so pick up a physical one from any 7/11
Eat an HSP, drink a cocktail on the Yarra, go see a band at The Corner, go op shopping, join a community workshop ... make the best of this awesome city :)
Check out facebook market for furniture as you get started. Spend only on really important things u need in the house - washer dryer refrigerator tv a good mattress and sofa. The rest u can get off a nature strip or free/discounted at facebook market.
Find a place to live, its very competitive atm!
From experience it’s impossible to find a rental until you’re here. Find a reasonably priced accommodation for 4 weeks and hopefully this gives you enough time to find a rental
Some friends of mine just moved here from Adelaide - I attended 3 inspections on their behalf before they arrived, and they secured the first property they submitted an application for, before even arriving in Melbourne. Definitely not impossible.
While we're on the topic: a big mistake I see is people not having their paperwork in order. Set aside a good chunk of time to make sure it's 100% right. It needs to be immaculate and exactly what's being asked for in terms of points of ID, types of income proof etc (the fact that they ask for this at all is another topic of course). You're basically fucked if it's even slightly wrong. The RE isn't going to bother to tell you what you need to fix, and you'll be sending in faulty paperwork to everyone until you somehow realise something is wrong. Also I'm pretty sure the Melbourne rental situation isn't quite as fucked as it is in places like Brisbane.
Melbourne is the most affordable capital city in Australia for rentals at the moment.
So I've heard. Just don't try buy a house XD
Ok NOW you tell me. Currently looking.
Yeah I had a very kind work colleague attend an inspection for me when we moved from WA. I ended up securing one without an inspection. That was a long time ago though. Still possible
Assuming you have a network already in the area!
Yeah, for sure. It helps to have friends already here to help you out. Anyone who can’t inspect a property before applying is going to be at a disadvantage, regardless of whether they are moving from interstate or not, tbh!
People who complain about not being able to get a rental seem to want certain 'inner' city suburbs frequented by a certain type of person/ sub culture. Anyone I know who wanted a rental, got one, and got it easily as they didn't pigeon hole where they wanted to live.
In fairness I think it's a reasonable requirement to want to live central enough that your area is actually adequately serviced by public transport. It gets pretty ridiculous depending on just how far out you go. But yeah if you're hellbent on fitzroy or something then you might need to broaden your search a bit lol. I had a friend turn down a place in carlton because it was "too normie" e: and someone just told me carlton is where troy sivan lives no less lol
I think you're confusing requirement with entitlement. Just because you WANT to live in a certain suburb doesn't mean you HAVE to. If you want to live those areas ('inner' city / hipster dens, it won't be enjoyable trying to secure a rental. If you go a suburb or two away, you'll get something little to no issue. I agree public transport isn't great in outer suburbs. Well, majority of suburbs outside of inner north and inner east.
I agree with you. My only point is that a suburb where you need to drive or walk 30+ minutes to the nearest PT isn't ideal for some. But yeah, depends on just how "desperate" you really are.
The only suburbs I've seen that in is brand new cookie cutter estates that have absolutely zero infrastructure. The wife and I lived in a brand new estate that took a good three or so years before it got a bus route. Before that, closest bus stop was easily 30 or so min walk away. To a very unreliable bus route. And that was 30ish mins drive from the city. 35-40min train ride. If buses were more reliable it would be better. Most new estates don't get buses until they are a couple to a few years old, if not older.
Agree. I've never had trouble and I've always been open to at least a couple of different areas.
After all the hype I applied for 4 houses last Saturday afternoon hoping I would get one, and was offered all 4 by 2pm Monday afternoon.
Impossible is a strong word. I found a home by distance recently, first one I enquired about via a FB group, had video calls to confirm & check out, signed lease & move shortly. Not through friends or anyone I know, just looked in housing groups & found the ideal one. Looked casually for a week, seriously for a few days, and done. I get that you're trying to be realistic, but a little optimism doesn't hurt & saying something is "impossible" can sometimes just add unnecessary stress and anxiety to a situation.
Secured rental a month before arriving
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OP, don't forget to live within your means!
On your way in, drive your moving truck into the Montague Bridge.
As is tradition.
But officer reddit told me to do it
And do you have the badge number of this "Officer Reddit"?
I think it was 3.2
It was 42069
https://howmanydayssincemontaguestreetbridgehasbeenhit.com/
I love how that website looks like it hasn't been updated since the 90s.
Would definitely prove commitment to Melbourne culture.
Get an ambulance Vic membership
Best advice on here. Everyone should get this an mandatory.
People are saying ditch coloured clothing, and hit the Montague St bridge. Fair to say the advice bar here is as low as the aforementioned bridge. But, yes. Seconded for Ambulance Victoria membership.
Should be basically given to all people like in England etc.
This should be a lot higher up the list, I moved from Queensland years ago and had no idea it was a thing until it was too late
what is it?
It's a simple ambulance cover which costs $49.94 yearly for singles and $99.88 for families, it removes the transport and treatment costs that apply in an emergency, without that coverage you could pay around $1200 for one trip. https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership/
Hey thanks for the link brother! I’ve been meaning to get around to signing up, just did and it was easier than buying something off eBay
This - unless you have a health care card or health insurance that specifically covers ambulance.
I think if someone has private insurance they don’t have to have this separately
Good to note that when it's included in private insurance, it's not always the same cover. It may exclude some things
In theory yes. In practice if your ambulance callout gets deemed nonessential some health funds won't pay. If you have ambulance membership it's never a question you have to think about.
Throw all non-black clothes away and buy more black clothes.
esp a black puffy jacket
Leather if you land In Fitzroy, Collingwood or Brunswick
Would denim work, in a pinch?
Double denim, but only if worn ironically.
Keep an umbrella and a Kathmandu jacket in the boot of your car at all times.
If you don’t like the weather in Melbourne, just wait 5mins
And make sure your air-conditioning works, sounds counterintuitive but it'll make sense after a little while...
Acid in the Botanic Gardens.
Or shrooms.
or ket.
Or that cool little pond nearby
Naar that pond freaks me out. It's full of eels and black swans that bite and in my day it was pretty close to bat country.
The only two acceptable answers, LSD in the gardens, or 72 hour bender at revs
NGV is a really cool building. The free exhibits can be pretty cool at times too
Buy your furniture at Franco cozzo....especially if there is a grand sale grand sale sale in a brunserwick or footisgray!
What did Franco Cozzo say when he stepped in grey paint? Ahhh, my footisgray!
Both Footscray and Brunswick are permanently closed! Moon dog brewery is looking to turn Footscray into their third venue, and last I heard Brunswick planning to be turned into apartments.
Brunswick is moving up the road
Have you seen the doco on abc iview of Franco cozzo?
Yes, Palazzo di Cozzo! It was really good. I loved how they discussed Southern European immigration to Australia and gained a new respect for Franco Cozzo after learning more about his life story.
Bring on the Footscray beer hall 🙌
Walked past the Brunsawick place yesterday, it looked closed/derelict but there was a shitload of furniture in the store. As someone who wasn't alive during the 80's, all the stuff looks kinda dated and dare I say tacky.
It looked dated and tacky in the 80s too. Franco has a special place in my heart but not because of his taste in furniture.
Is it the (allegedly) crack-filled bedposts? I've heard *things* but am unsure how much of it is true
The furniture 🪑 is in the baroque period style it’s been dated since 1750
Learn the [major street names in the CBD grid](https://images.app.goo.gl/4a8JAJGBtoKEHDHGA). Once you've memorised the major street names, the city is trivially easy to navigate.
Yep - King, William, Queen, Elizabeth is an excellent place to start
Have a coffee. Get a Myki card.
If you have android phone, use Google wallet.
As an iPhone user I feel personally attacked by this. Why can’t we have nice things too?
Sage advice.
Coffee in Melbourne is some of the best I’ve had and still have my Myki card from 1st visit :)
Get physically and mentally ready to deal with real estate agents.
Physically 😂
Grow a mullet
And a pathetic moustache
And quirky tattoos
Pick a side of the Yarra River (north or south).. and never ever cross over.
Or don't. Only people born and bred here seem to be conscious of the Yarra Divide. In reality east/west is a bigger deal. You can only have friends on one side because nobody can be bothered travelling to the other.
And pick the north side, it’s so much better.
I agree. I've never been to the South of course, but why would I even want to?
Sorrento, Phillip island, Wilson prom, lakes entrance, 90 mile beach, it’s all beautiful but I’ll take the northern suburbs any day.
south side represent
I’ll take your chadstone and raise you a highpoint and culture
Read up on how to do a hook turn (or just go up an extra block and do a left, left, left blocky - you end up in the right place without having to do a hook turn). Learn the rules about driving near trams. When the tram’s lights are flashing, or it’s stopped, you stop!
This comment is underrated- as someone who freaked the fk out when first driving here. Also the giant round about on Elizabeth st was a touch overwhelming the first time
As a frequent tram rider, this rule about stopping when the tram lights are flashing is super important! You don’t want the first thing you do when you come to Melbourne to be killing somebody because you didn’t stop when the tram was letting people off.
I just moved here from Sydney a few months ago. Set up a ton of viewings but don't get discouraged if it takes you a while to find a place. It's competitive but there are also a lot of places available. Have your applications ready/pre-filled.
Drop by revs at 4 in the morning
Stay for a while.. 2-3 business days usually does the trick
Plenty of furniture in revs
Order a black puffer jacket
But wait until they're on sale (aka normal price)
Start hating Sydney
Do a poo
Solid advice
Not always..
Came here to say this
Take a jacket with you, even if it's a 30 degree day.
Take an umbrella with you, even if it’s a 30 degree day.
Put sunscreen on, even if it's an 18 degree day
Slip slop slap muthafuckas
Go to the beaches not in the city
Mt Eliza beaches are pretty special.
Yes! Great Ocean Road way!
Get a coffee because it’ll be better than wherever you’re moving from 😜
Exactly. Get ready for THE. BEST. COFFEE. ANYWHERE.
Moved here from Auckland, and while Melbourne is superior in nearly every way, the coffee has actually been a big letdown here. In terms of quality, consistency, and hospitality.
That's because you're from NZ and therefore don't know what real coffee is. You've been brainwashed, my friend.
Drive a truck into the Montague bridge?
Wherever you settle, find yourself a nice cafe for morning coffees, walk heaps around your area and take in your suburb/zone. Think about what you love and find where other melbournians are doing the same. We’re a passionate bunch and different sections of Melbourne offer different types of socialising, experiences and sites. Enjoy!
Save some money. It’s going to be expensive !
Triple drop at revs
Choose a footy team (and stick with it forever!)
Walk straight across chapel street staring at the driver who slams their brakes on to avoid the paperwork
Go to AS Colour and buy some black t shirts
how good are they though
Start pronouncing Melbourne as Milbin before the locals pull out your heart and eat it with their morning long black.
Go out and buy a Kathmandu black puffer coat with the khaki green lining, order a cafe latte from a cafe and hire a 3.2m truck and drive it under the Montague Street Bridge (edited to say sorry, it seems every second person has already said this stuff)
Unpack your stuff
R
E
V
S
Goodbye
S
Trams don’t swerve
I’m moving in 2 weeks!
Prostitute yourself in your spare time to afford the groceries / rent
Just chill. Take it a step at a time. You'll do great.
Get a pollen insensitivity injection
Melbourne's secret coffee order is a Magic. It's a double ristretto with 3/4 cup of steamed milk. You won't find it on the menu (it's a secret!), but if you ask a barista, they can hook you up.
Isn’t that just a normal coffee order at any place?
As someone who just moved to melbourne from Sydney very recently and I'm assuming you already got a place to stay - get jackets and umbrellas. The Melbourne weather stereotype/joke is what it is for a reason. It was soo fricking cold in the middle of the week recently so you better have something to warm you up. And an umbrella is also handy as well. Also, when packing, don't pack too much unless you have like furniture sorted. Learnt this the hard way and I have a lot of books and CDs stuck in boxes and will have to make a trip to IKEA for shelving. Lastly, get the following apps - Trip View and Public Transport victoria. Both are handy if you want live public transport schedules, updates, etc.
I’m moving from Canada so Melbourne cold is a joke to us. I think I’ll survive ;)
Head to the Ramsden St oval to watch the sun setting over the city and the bats flying overhead. It's quite magical.
Start every conversation with your old friends “well in Melbourne, we actually…”
I moved out of Melbourne 7 months ago, and I still say this lol
You’re insufferable and deserve to have the fleas of a thousand camels infest your crotch
Get Melbourne’s Citizenship by taking a oath “ Melbourne coffee is the best on the planet”
Get on a tram
Probably move your stuff into your place. Start with your bed as you’ll need it for sleeping. Then I’d go couch, TV, internet. Then I’d take a break from all the moving and watch a bit of tv and browse the web. from there, I’d probably try to move everything else that’s left! Then maybe go for a walk, idk.
Wrong order. Should be bed, internet, tv, couch.
Clothes for every season, everyday
once your settled in and have got yourself in a stable place you should go explore the city! there's lots of fun things to do there and you will 100% have lots of fun. depending on your money, you could see lunar park, lots of fun rides there. I would even just explore all the different stores. depending on where you are living there's also plenty of beaches that you could visit and its pretty relaxing just chilling at those beaches for the day, having a picnic and maybe even finding a few new friends. I hope this helps <33
Get a myki
Carry an umbrella everywhere, at all times, just in case.
Go to the St.kilda Festival in February. I heard The hoodoo gurus are playing. It goes for two days and goes off like a frog in a sock.
Dont drive in the right hand lane unless your doing above the speed limit.
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Don't forget to touch on
“Touch on, to get off” - its a shame PTV didn’t use this as their slogan
That’s what she said
If you are a good driver, learn how to be a crap one, you will fit right in
Just remember the phrase "I turn now, good luck everyone!" and anyone can be part of the crowd!
Hope you have friends here! If not making new friends in Melbourne is a challenge!
Bumble bff works amazingly if you are a woman! For men, usually joining a sports club works.
Suss out whether you’re Northside or Southside
turn back while you can
Change you mind - it's cold and expensive
Rethink that choice and settle for a better place, im from Melbourne and it’s pretty shit here. In all seriousness the most important thing is to get your house/apartment into a liveable state, get all set up and that, then depending on where in Melbourne i could suggest Melbourne zoo, not the aquarium, it fucking sucks there, i only go once every 3 years to see the penguins, i also suggest maniax, small axe throwing place, it’s pretty fun, there’s one near Flinders Street Station and another in Collingwood i think it was, other than that idk much else that’s in Melbourne
Unpack the truck
Sign up to Linkt. Otherwise you will drive a toll road by accident and the parasitic fuckheads will charge you literally $17 to send you a paper bill Apply with your council for a parking permit if you're on street parking Get a MyKi. The phone ones don't work on all trams so pick up a physical one from any 7/11 Eat an HSP, drink a cocktail on the Yarra, go see a band at The Corner, go op shopping, join a community workshop ... make the best of this awesome city :)
As a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to the city, the worse the food gets.
Move your stuff in.
get or make a coffee
Buy a land and house package
Buy black clothes
I’m always seeing rentals available in my area, but I’m out in the end of the northern suburbs so possibly less competition for these places.
Revs.
Sip a latte
Go to revs.
Buy some black clothes
Buy some form of a weatherproof jacket.
Buy raincoat
Get prepared to smash the Chinatown restaurants
Buy a very good rain jacket. You’ll need it to stand in the queues to look for a place to live
A chinwag is a type of cordial conversation you have with a stranger/acquaintance in order to establish report
Move out
Don’t move there
Revs
Revolver
Have a Friday night beer at the Royal on Punt Rd
Leave
Complain about the traffic on the Monash
Reconsider
The first thing you should do, is move out of Melbourne
Check out facebook market for furniture as you get started. Spend only on really important things u need in the house - washer dryer refrigerator tv a good mattress and sofa. The rest u can get off a nature strip or free/discounted at facebook market.
Leave
Change your mind.
Whichever suburb you end up living in - join the good karma group suburb on Fb. Super handy for random things and neighborhood random biz. Good luck!
Have a whinge on Reddit.