OK so after moving to Melbourne three years ago, viewing about five properties and a couple of share houses I quickly managed to find a place and even get my furniture delivered before I arrived so night one was spent in my own bed. The little townhouse in Hawthorn was close to town, public transport, a great pub and shopping areas all within walking (or was that staggering) distance from home. So who would have thought finding a place to live in Darwin would prove to be so difficult. I’m being serious here, and it’s not even though I’m being fussy, just practical, my little list of property must haves includes;
A/C in more than just one bedroom given Darwin’s fluctuating temperatures is a must as are
ceiling fans
a balcony or little patio
offstreet carparking with security fencing and grills on all windows.
Nothing too difficult – but then there are the prices… for something inner city or say within a 10 min radius of the city I started off at $200 a week, that was a little optimistic (think 30 year old top level units with pungent mould odours) so now I’m spending my evenings driving around firstly looking at the property from the outside and then arranging with the rental company to have an inspection. You can learn a lot by stalking a rental property location (the photos can be deceptive). Then once you think you might like a place it’s best to check with the locals, by mentioning the street name and depending on their reaction you either fill in an application or stay well away. Points of note thus far avoid Aralia Street in Nightcliff, don’t rent on Hudson Fysh in Parap.. the list goes on...
Friday I thought I’d come up with a winner! Only to be sadly disappointed this morning as the agent called only to tell me the owner has let her property to someone from her work. Thought it was a little overpriced as I got an idea of the going market rate from the agent selling the property next door so maybe I saved myself some money? Anyways as the search for a home continues I’m also going to go to see a mortgage broker tomorrow to see what sort of loan I can get to buy my own place!
Oh, and good news as my sister Jess is moving to Darwin too! So I'm now also getting the word from her on finding somewhere for us both to live. Having not lived with my sister since I moved out of home how many years ago it could be an interesting experience. Will be great to have her up here though!
