Insider tips for moving to Melbourne, Australia

If you plan on moving to Melbourne anytime in the future, and don’t know what to expect, the expert tips contained in this article will help make your move easier and help you settle in faster.

For seven consecutive years, Australia’s second biggest city Melbourne has been voted “The most liveable city in the world” only losing to Vienna in 2018.

In 2017, Melbourne played host to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, showing that Melbournians are as passionate about good food as Parisians and Italians. The city is also the nation’s capital for the arts, sport, culture and literature.

The wide-open spaces, large number of parks, beaches and coastal villages, as well as more than 320 species of wildlife are enough to attract lovers of the outdoors, while the eclectic shopping malls, graffiti covered alleys, and hip boutiques are attraction destinations for locals and foreigners alike.

Melbourne has a unique charm for everyone, which is why your decision to move may be your best decision yet.

But, before you pack your belongings and book your plane ticket, here are a few tips to make your Melbourne move a success.

Finding a home in Melbourne

In Melbourne, just like in any other big Australian city, the closer you move to the Central Business District (CBD), the more expensive the houses, and the smaller their size.

However, you can opt for any of the many suburbs that are also close to the CBD. These neighbourhoods are great for people just coming into the city, and if you are lucky, you will get a great home with a decent sized backyard for an affordable price. It is important to point out that you will more than likely pay more for a similar apartment in Auckland.  

When you move to Melbourne, there are two options open to you with regards to accommodation:


Renting accommodation: In most parts of Melbourne, the average cost for houses is about $430 AUD per week, with houses closer to the CBD going for about $600 AUD per week.

The demand for rental houses is usually quite high, so you may want to get your application in quickly, and carry out the required inspection. You may also find it easier when you register with any of the reliable estate agents in your preferred area.

There are a number of options available that would help you save money on rent, such as getting a flatmate or renting a private room (known as a bedsitter in other parts of the world).

Buying property: If you can afford to do it, buying a property in Melbourne is also a good idea. But, you will have to shop around as the prices vary by location. The average price for a house in the city as at 2018 is about $900,000 AUD, although you can get one cheaper if you look further from the city centre.

House sales in Melbourne are usually handled by real estate agents, so you will definitely need to engage one or more agents if you want to get the house of your choice.

You can get key facts about Melbourne from expert movers, AusMove, including on how to rent or buy a house in Melbourne.

Getting around Melbourne

When you arrive in Melbourne, one of the things you will notice is the trams in the city. This is the preferred method of moving about in Melbourne. In fact, Melbourne has the longest urban tram network in the world, with 25 different routes and 250 kilometres of tracks, but ask any Melbournian, and they will tell you the trams are very slow.

Due to trams being the preferred method of moving about in the city, you will find that the seats are almost all full, so you may want to leave home early if you are to catch a ride to your destination. The trams are also slow, as passengers tend to board and disembark at regular intervals.

If you are thinking of buying a car, you may have to think again, especially if you live or work near the CBD, where you are unlikely to find a parking space. Also, you will find that you are often stuck behind a tram.

So, unless you absolutely must have a car, why not join millions of Melbournians and move about the city using the efficient tram system.

Finding work in Melbourne

If you are moving to Melbourne in search of work opportunities, you are on the right track.

Melbourne has one of the strongest and most vibrant economies in Australia, with the city constantly putting forward strong economic policies that make it a favourite for business start-ups and international companies.

If you are moving over from New Zealand, and find a job you are qualified for, you can start immediately without having to take any qualification exams. The Trans-Tasman mutual recognition agreement recognises qualifications without the need for further testing for occupations that are recognised, registered or approved in both New Zealand and Australia.

However, it is a good idea to get a firm job offer before leaving your home city, so that you don’t arrive in Melbourne and run out of money while looking for a job. But, as long as you have the necessary skills and qualifications, you will find it easy to look for a job in Melbourne.

And if the arts is your thing, Melbourne is the place to seek fame and fortune.  In fact, many struggling artists have arrived in Melbourne to make their fortune. This is a city full of opportunities in virtually every industry.

Become a Melbournian

From becoming a part of the coffee culture, to spending weekends edging on your favourite team or spending time on any of the many beaches and coastal attractions that the city is famous for, you will find that you are no different from the original Melbournians, and you will love every minute of it.

Conclusion

Australia has always been, and remains a land full of promise and opportunities, and your plan to move to one of the greatest cities in the Land Down Under is nothing short of genius.

Hopefully, the tips in this article will help you in your plan to move to the city of Melbourne, and if you intend to move your belongings to your new city, make sure to use a professional international mover , so that when you arrive in your new home, you will have familiar items around you.