Bond rent and upfront costs when moving house in Australia is one of those topics that surprises many students. The upfront costs can be significant, and many students don’t budget for them. I’ve moved multiple times, and I’ve watched friends move. Some were prepared. Others weren’t. The difference was understanding what costs to expect.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve paid bonds, rent, and upfront costs multiple times, and I’ve learned what to expect. Some costs are obvious. Others are less obvious. The difference was understanding all the costs.
So here’s everything I know about bond, rent, and upfront costs when moving house in Australia, based on what actually costs.
Bond: What It Is and How Much
Let me start with this, because it’s usually the biggest upfront cost.
Bond is: a security deposit that landlords hold. It’s usually 4 weeks rent, and you get it back when you leave if the property is in good condition.
How much: usually 4 weeks rent. If rent is $200 per week, bond is $800.
But here’s what I’ve learned: bond is significant. Budget for it. You’ll get it back when you leave if the property is in good condition, but you need to pay it upfront.
Rent in Advance: What to Expect
This is another upfront cost, and here’s what it involves.
Rent in advance: landlords usually ask for 2 to 4 weeks rent in advance. This is your first rent payment.
How much: usually 2 to 4 weeks rent. Combined with bond, this can be 6 to 8 weeks rent upfront.
But here’s what I’ve learned: rent in advance is common. Budget for it. Combined with bond, you might need 6 to 8 weeks rent upfront. It’s a significant amount.
Other Upfront Costs: What Else to Budget For
This is important, because there are other costs too.
Application fees: some agents charge application fees, usually $20 to $50.
Moving costs: if you hire movers or rent a van, this costs money.
Connection fees: electricity, gas, water, and internet might have connection fees.
But here’s what I’ve learned: other costs add up. Budget for application fees, moving costs, and connection fees. They’re not huge, but they add up.
Total Upfront Costs: What to Budget
This is the practical part, and here’s what to budget.
Total upfront costs: bond (4 weeks rent) + rent in advance (2 to 4 weeks rent) + other costs (application fees, moving costs, connection fees).
Example: if rent is $200 per week, you might need $1,200 to $1,800 upfront, plus other costs.
But here’s what I’ve learned: upfront costs are significant. Budget for bond, rent in advance, and other costs. Don’t underestimate them. You need significant savings before moving.
Getting Your Bond Back: What to Know
This is important, because understanding how to get bond back helps you protect it.
You get bond back: when you leave, if the property is in good condition. Landlords can deduct for damage or cleaning.
To protect your bond: clean the property, fix any damage, and take photos when you leave.
But here’s what I’ve learned: you usually get bond back if you take care of the property. Clean it, fix damage, and take photos. It protects your bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bond do I need?
Usually 4 weeks rent. If rent is $200 per week, bond is $800.
When do I get bond back?
When you leave, if the property is in good condition. It can take a few weeks to process.
Can landlords keep my bond?
Yes, if there’s damage or cleaning needed. But they can’t keep it unfairly. If you disagree, you can dispute it.
How much rent in advance do I need?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks rent. Combined with bond, this can be 6 to 8 weeks rent upfront.
What if I can’t afford upfront costs?
Save before moving, or consider cheaper options. Upfront costs are significant. Don’t move without budgeting for them.
Do I need to pay application fees?
Sometimes yes. Some agents charge application fees, usually $20 to $50. Not all do, but budget for it.
Final Thoughts
Bond, rent, and upfront costs when moving house in Australia are significant. Bond is usually 4 weeks rent. Rent in advance is usually 2 to 4 weeks rent. Combined, you might need 6 to 8 weeks rent upfront, plus other costs. Budget for all costs before moving.
Don’t underestimate upfront costs. They’re significant. Budget for bond, rent in advance, and other costs. You need significant savings before moving. Don’t move without budgeting for all costs.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Budget for upfront costs. Bond, rent in advance, and other costs add up. Don’t underestimate them. Save before moving, and budget for all costs.
If you’re still budgeting, calculate bond (4 weeks rent), rent in advance (2 to 4 weeks rent), and other costs. Save before moving, and don’t move without budgeting for all costs. Upfront costs are significant, so be prepared.