Finding affordable student accommodation in Perth can be a challenging task, particularly for international students who are new to the city. With the rising cost of living, it can be hard to secure affordable accommodation that meets your budget and needs. However, with careful planning and research, you can find a suitable place to live without breaking the bank. In this article, we will share some tips for securing affordable accommodation and avoiding common pitfalls when looking for a place to live in Perth.
Research the Market
Knowledge is power! Before starting your search for affordable housing in Perth, you should research the local rental market. Look for information on the rental rates in different areas of the city, as well as the type of accommodation available in those areas. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of rental costs and what you can afford. There are several websites, such as realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, that provide rental listings and market data that you can use to inform your research.
Start Your Search Early
It is advisable to start your search for affordable housing in Perth as early as possible, ideally before you arrive in the city. This will give you enough time to find suitable accommodation that fits your budget and needs. When searching for a place to live, you should also consider the proximity to your school, public transport, and other amenities. Starting your search early will also give you more time to negotiate the terms of your lease and to familiarize yourself with the rental market in Perth. Check out Gumtree as a good first step!
Be Flexible with Your Requirements
Being flexible with your requirements is essential when looking for affordable housing in Perth. If you have a limited budget, you may have to compromise on some of the features that you want in your accommodation. For example, you may need to consider shared accommodation or a smaller living space to reduce your rental costs. You should also be prepared to consider suburbs that are further from the city center, as they are likely to have lower rental rates. Remember that there are areas of Perth that are VERY well serviced by low-cost public transport (international students in Perth are eligible for concession fares) that are a little further out (and therefore much less expensive).
Avoid Scams
When searching for affordable housing in Perth, it is important to be aware of scams. Unfortunately, there are individuals who may take advantage of international students who are new to the city and unfamiliar with the rental market. Some common scams include landlords asking for a deposit before allowing you to view the property, or landlords who ask for payment before you have signed the lease agreement. To avoid scams, it is important to only deal with reputable landlords and to always read the terms and conditions of your lease agreement before signing it. Even better, move into a group house with other Lexis students who you know and trust.
Check the Lease Agreement
Before signing the lease agreement for your rental accommodation, it is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions. Some important considerations include the duration of the lease, the rental price, and any additional costs or fees, such as bond payments or utility bills. You should also check the condition of the property before signing the lease agreement to ensure that any existing damage or maintenance issues are documented and acknowledged by the landlord. This is also the case when you are leasing a ‘share room’ in a group house.
Consider alternatives
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to find your dream rental at first, book a few weeks homestay for when you first arrive. Homestay in Perth can be surprisingly cost effective, and carries the huge additional bonus that you receive a high level of support from your host family while you’re settling in to your new life in Australia (kinda nice to get those dinners cooked each night, too!). Lexis Perth offers full board homestay, Homestay BnB and various share options. Please book ahead though, as it can get busy at peak times in particular!
For many of our students (particularly before they travel), the prospect of finding student accommodation in Perth can be quite daunting. Honestly though, it always works out and once you are in Australia you’ll quickly access networks and friendship groups to point you in the right direction. Remember, everyone at Lexis Perth is happy to help …. please just ask!
