Renting or buying a home in Australia
What to know to rent, who is allowed to buy at all, and where to find real sale prices.
✓ Checked against the sources: October 2026⚠️ This isn't legal or financial advice. Use an independent lawyer for any purchase.
Each state has its own rules
Australia is a federation. Tenancy law, bonds and stamp duty are set by each state and territory. So always check the site of the state you're moving to. The examples here are from New South Wales (Sydney) and Victoria (Melbourne).
Source: NSW Government: Residential rental bonds · Consumer Affairs Victoria: RTBA
Renting
- The bond doesn't stay with the landlord: it's lodged with a state government body. In New South Wales that's NSW Fair Trading through Rental Bonds Online, and in Victoria it's the RTBA.
- Don't send money before you've seen the place and have a contract.
Source: NSW Government: Residential rental bonds · Consumer Affairs Victoria: RTBA · Scamwatch
🔒 3 more sections in this guide
- 🚫 Buying: who is allowed to buy
- 🏠 Buying: taxes and steps
- 📊 Real prices
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