Moving to Australia from New Zealand?

Moving to Australia and needing somewhere to live?

Find out about short-term living options in Australia, finding a home to rent, flatting, what documents you need and more.

It’s tough landing in a new country without somewhere to go from the airport, especially if you have a family. I get a lot of enquiries about where to stay when you first arrive before you can get a rental in Australia because it’s almost impossible to get one before you leave New Zealand.

The Australian rental market is quite similar to NZ but Australia is so much bigger, so it’s more competitive than New Zealand for both renting and buying.

Like New Zealand, there are positives and negatives to each city and each suburb and it is important to do research before you leave New Zealand, especially before you make any fixed arrangements.

Don’t get caught out arriving in Australia without the documentation/paperwork you need!

It will cause you a whole lot of stress, time, and worry!

Australia can be really competitive when it comes to jobs, apartments, and rentals. You might end up in a position where everyone wants the apartment you want, and you need to stand out (references).

You will need to prove your identity when applying for a property rental, driver’s licence, a white card or Medicare card, or setting up a mobile or superannuation account.

When you move to Australia, setting up utilities like electricity, broadband, and gas is not straightforward. As a newly arrived resident, you won’t have the necessary paperwork.

That’s why you are going to need a utility connection service.

Compare & Connect handles all the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring you can quickly access essential utilities such as electricity, gas, broadband, pay TV, and more.

Skip the stress, save time, and avoid endless research by filling out one simple online form and get everything sorted!

Are you a New Zealander wanting to buy a house in Australia?

Yes, you can! If you’re an NZ citizen buying property in Australia, everything works the same as if you were an Australian citizen buying property in Australia. You may even be eligible for the first homeowner’s grant.

However, if you are not an NZ citizen, depending on your visa and residence status, there are some restrictions for foreigners wanting to buy property in Australia.

Find below some advice on buying your dream home in Australia and some smart tips to avoid paying more than you need in fees and charges.

Are you looking for a mortgage to buy your new home in Australia? Look no further than Australia’s Online Mortgage Broker.

As a New Zealand citizen, securing a mortgage in Australia can be challenging—especially as a newly arrived resident. That’s why it’s crucial to work with someone you can trust to find you the best deal.

UNO Home Loans, Australia’s Online Mortgage Broker, combines Unparalleled Service with technology to streamline the entire process of getting and having a mortgage so you save time, hassle and money for the entire time you have a home loan.

Use your KiwiSaver towards your home deposit for your first Australian home with First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)!

The Australia Government First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – lets you withdraw some of your KiwiSaver to help buy your first Australian home.

Yes, you read right… There is quite a history with this, but once again New Zealanders moving to Australia can transfer their KiwiSaver to Australia and use some of it as a deposit for their first home. You must meet the criteria the ATO set and ensure you set up the right account with the right super fund provider.

Should I move to Australia? This is a question hundreds of thousands of people around the world ask themselves each year.

Moving to Australia is a big step, and choosing a city is not easy because Australia has many amazing places to live.

They all have unique opportunities, and the information below will help you choose which city best suits you and your family.

The eight states have individual characteristics and climates. Do you want to live in tropical Queensland, cooler Canberra, laid-back Darwin, or right in the hustle and bustle of Sydney?

There has been a significant change in the surcharge purchaser duty law in New South Wales (NSW), affecting citizens of certain countries.

As of April 8, 2024, citizens of New Zealand, Finland, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, South Africa, and Switzerland, who were previously exempt due to international tax treaties, may now be subject to paying surcharge purchaser duty if they enter into an agreement to purchase residential property in NSW.

Surcharge purchaser duty is mandatory for those considered foreign persons acquiring residential-related property in NSW. Currently set at 8% of the dutiable value, which is the greater of the purchase price or property value, this duty is paid in addition to transfer duty.

You will be exempt if you’ve been in Australia for at least 200 days within the 12-month period before the date of the contract.

What is a buyer’s agent, and why should you consider using one?

In Australia, a lot of home purchases use a buyer agent (also known as a buyer’s advocate) to help them through the purchasing process. If you are planning on purchasing from New Zealand, you will probably need one.

Whether you’re a time-poor buyer or unfamiliar with the local market, a professional buyer’s agent will help make your property journey smooth and stress-free.

Are New Zealand citizens eligible for Australia’s First Home Owners Grant (FHOG)?

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) in Australia is designed to encourage and assist home ownership across the country, and for eligible borrowers, it’s a great start to life as a property owner.

The grant differs in each state and territory; in most places, it applies to new homes only.

The Australian government’s First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) and other benefits are available to permanent residents as if they were citizens. Because NZ citizens are considered to be permanent residents of Australia, they are eligible for the grant.

FHOG does not consider NZ property for eligibility; it considers only property you’ve owned in Australia.