We know all about how hard it is to rent a home in Melbourne, especially after moving thousands of miles across the ocean to the land down under! If you’re moving to Melbourne, you must have heard about the competitive housing market. It’s true, we’ve been through it ourselves, and the best solution is to arm yourself with knowledge. Which is why we’ve put together this guide to renting a home in Melbourne. So whether you’re looking for a tiny apartment or getting ready to enjoy the Melbourne high life, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing Your Neighbourhood
Melbourne is a big city, and there are many great neighbourhoods to live in. It is a very safe city, with notably low crime rates. Therefore, choosing your dream neighbourhood becomes less about security factors and more about deciding the environment in which you’d like to spend your days down under.
The Beachside
Do you enjoy waking up to the crashing waves, or fancy a morning dip into the ocean? If so, the neighbourhoods of Williamstown, St Kilda and Elwood are popular destinations. These are on the pricier side of things, due to the fact that they are also close to the city centre. Further from metropolitan Melbourne and you’d find Brighton, Beaumaris and Frankston as great places to rent a home in Melbourne.
Up North
The North side of Melbourne is the area up the Yarra river. Here, you’ll find trendy neighbourhoods such as Clifton Hill and Fairfield, with great bars and restaurants to enjoy a night out. This is an excellent place to rent a home in Melbourne, with a laid back vibe that makes it the dream location for many an expat. With Greek and Italian influences, you’ll never be short of fantastic food in the area.
To the West
To the West you’ll find some of the fastest growing neighbourhoods in Melbourne, with relatively affordable housing for those looking to rent a home in Melbourne on a budget. Suburbs such as Moonee Ponds, Yarraville and Footscray have become trendy destinations for students and young people on a budget. If you’re in the area, the Footscray market with its cheap groceries will be a go to.
Inner City
If living in the heart of the city appeals to you, opt for Southbank and the Melbourne Central area. With offices, art galleries, cafes and Chinatown all within arms reach, this is where you’d want to be if you want the world at your doorstep. However, do expect to pay a premium due to the central location.
How To Rent A Home In Melbourne?
In Melbourne, you can rent a home either from a real estate agent or an owner. With many housing options available, you can opt for apartment living or a full property for yourself. As a note, most rental homes in Melbourne do not come fully furnished, but you can expect heating, hot water, stoves, washing and carpentry to be provided. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Choose your neighbourhood
Read on to find out some of the best places to live in!
Step 2: Inspect the property
Make an appointment to inspect the property, preferably first hand, to confirm that it is in good working condition. Be prepared to show the tenant your personal identification (e.g. passport) at this stage.
Step 3: Submit an application and sign a lease
Ready to commit to renting a home in Melbourne? Submit an application, which often requires you to list where you’ve lived and worked, including your current income. Many tenants also require references. Once your application is approved, you will have to sign a lease. Do ensure that all the details in the lease are in good order, for it is a legally binding period and does not have a cooling off period for you to change your mind.
Step 4: Get ready to move in!
Congratulations! You’re now officially renting a home in Melbourne. It’s time to connect your utility services if this has not been done for you, and you can head to the Victorian Energy Compare website to find the right provider. It would be wise to complete a condition report, or inspection of the property. Bring any issues to the attention of the tenant, so that they are aware that it is a pre-existing condition.
Where To Browse When Renting A Home In Melbourne?
Thankfully, the internet’s going to be your best friend when it comes to renting a home in Melbourne. There are many great resources such as ours to turn to, and here’s a couple of our favourite sites to get you started:
Domain.com.au
Domain.com.au is likely going to be your lifesaver in Melbourne. With a large listing of properties, all you have to do is to indicate the type of property and location, and you’ll be sure to find your next dream home.
Ray White
The agents at Ray White have extensive knowledge of Melbourne and it’s neighbourhoods, helping you narrow down your search to find a rental home in Melbourne that meets your needs.
View.com.au
As one of Australia’s leading platforms, View has helped many first time renters in Melbourne secure rental homes in Melbourne with its depth of information guiding many a new expat along the way.
Realestate.com.au
Real Estate will allow you to apply for a home with one simple form, minimising any administrative hassle along your journey to renting a home in Melbourne for the first time.
If you’re looking for a simple and easy way to live, renting a home in Melbourne offers flexibility, with limited financial commitments. As you begin your Melbourne journey, your needs may change, hence it is a sensible option to get a feel of the city first. 
Otherwise, discover our best short-term accommodations in Melbourne here, or read our one-stop guide to moving to Australia here!
