Moving to Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia’s third largest and fastest growing city with endless recreational, cultural and sporting facilities, cosmopolitan alfresco eateries and the great Brisbane River at its heart. Brisbane is sophisticated, warm and friendly and its great climate allows you to make the most of all that’s going on.
Queensland lives up to its reputation as the 'Sunshine State' with an average of 11.5 hours of daily sunshine - 300 days a year. Its warm and sunny climate attracts many visitors keen to escape colder regions. The climate lends itself to outdoor living - many activities, both social and sporting, are alfresco. Most houses have verandas or terraces where families and friends congregate for informal entertaining.
Living in the City
Expatriates typically rent in Brisbane. The Queensland Government has high taxes - or ‘stamp duty’ - on the purchase of real estate. If you are not a permanent resident of Australia, you will also need to get Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to purchase established residential real estate.
To rent a home you’ll need to pay one month's rent in advance before you can collect the keys. You will also be required to pay a security deposit (known as a ‘bond’) before you can move in. Equivalent to four week's rent for unfurnished and six week's rent for furnished rentals, the bond is held by a government agency until the end of the tenancy.
Brisbane has many areas that are popular with expatriates. Choosing the right location is essential if you’re going to have a great stay in Brisbane. Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield, and Hendra are all situated 15 minutes from the airport and centre of the CBD with excellent private and state primary schools to choose from. New Farm and Teneriffe are on the river and are very popular with all age groups for apartment living with many cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep. St. Lucia, Indooroopilly, Paddington, and Chelmer Westar are also popular neighbourhoods with excellent facilities.
Getting Around
Most families in Brisbane have a car however the public transport system is very good and professionals often use a train, bus or ferry to commute to work.
- In order to legally drive in Brisbane, you must have a driver's permit. Holders of international permits may drive on Queensland roads up until the expiration date of the permit. The holder of an overseas or interstate (other Australian state's) licence may drive in Queensland for three months only.
- To obtain a Queensland driver’s licence, you will need to undertake a full test which includes a practical driving component as well as a theory test. When relocating to Brisbane from overseas it is strongly recommended that you apply for a Queensland driver’s license as soon as possible.
- The public transportation system in Brisbane is excellent and reliable. Brisbane City Council and Queensland Rail operate an integrated public transport system incorporating buses, ferries and trains.