Housing in Australia: renting, bonds, buying a home and energy bills

When you rent in Australia, watch out for rental scams first (never pay before you have inspected and signed). Bonds are capped, and the landlord or agent must lodge your bond with the state bond authority within a set time — they cannot keep it. Fill in the condition report carefully and take photos when you move in, set up electricity and gas through the official comparison site, and follow the bond refund process when you leave: a landlord who wants to keep part of the bond must give reasons and evidence. Rules differ by state; this page covers NSW, VIC and QLD. Each step links to a verified guide and the official source.

Your visa status comes first when you buy a home in Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents can buy straight away, and can apply for the federal 5% Deposit Scheme and their state's first home grant and stamp duty concession. Temporary visa holders and buyers living overseas count as 'foreign persons': you must get FIRB approval from the ATO before you buy, you generally cannot buy an established (existing) home between 1 April 2025 and 30 June 2029, and you pay your state's foreign buyer surcharge duty on top. This page covers the federal scheme and the rules in NSW, VIC and QLD. It is not loan or investment advice.

In Australia you buy electricity and gas from a retailer. At the same address you can switch freely between retailers and plans, and prices vary a lot. In NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and the ACT, compare plans on the AER's official site Energy Made Easy; in VIC use Victorian Energy Compare. Every three months your bill must tell you whether a cheaper plan is available. If you cannot pay a bill, your retailer must by law offer you a payment plan and hardship help. If you hold a concession card, you can apply for your state's energy rebate.

When you rent a home in Australia, the landlord cannot keep your bond. It must be lodged with the state government's bond authority: in NSW with NSW Fair Trading through Rental Bonds Online, in VIC with the RTBA, and in QLD with the RTA. The maximum differs by state (NSW and QLD up to 4 weeks' rent; VIC usually 1 month's rent). Complete a condition report with photos when you move in, claim the bond back through the official system when you leave, and the other side has 14 days to dispute. If you cannot agree, go to the state tribunal (NCAT, VCAT or QCAT). This page covers NSW, VIC and QLD.