What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
As Adelaide is such a compact city, proximity to your work location does not need to play as much of a factor in selecting a residential area as it might in other cities. Adelaide offers beachside living, stately homes in well-established suburbs and also the possibility of living in a semi-rural setting in the Adelaide Hills. Public transport includes trains, buses, trams and the O-bahn.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Expats are often delighted to see the wonderful choice of suburban lifestyle in Adelaide and it is not unusual for newcomers to be equally interested in the relaxed beachside homes in the western areas, the beautifully renovated 1880's homes of the eastern suburbs, the trendy inner city living in apartments and townhouses, or the quiet village like atmosphere of the Adelaide Hills.

Inner city and North Adelaide
The northern inner suburban areas of North Adelaide, Medindie and Walkerville are noted for their fine homes, which range in style from renovated workers’ cottages and two-storey terraced houses to splendid, opulent period homes. The inner city itself provides apartment and townhouse style living that is popular with people who enjoy the café lifestyle and being within walking distance to city offices.

Eastern Suburbs
Toorak Gardens, Heathpool, Tusmore, Burnside and Kensington Gardens are renowned for their beautiful tree-lined avenues, substantial homes and exclusive shopping precincts. These suburbs are very accessible to the more exclusive private schools in Adelaide.

South Eastern Suburbs
Southeast of the city lie the suburbs of Springfield and Netherby. Nestled at the bottom of the Adelaide Hills Face Zone, this area has a wealth of fine properties in lush tree-lined streets.

Southern Suburbs
South of the city centre, the suburbs of Unley and Hyde Park offer a very cosmopolitan, fashionable way of life. Unley Road has some of Adelaide’s top designer shops such as George Cross and Harry Who. King William Road in Hyde Park is another stylish shopping delight with many brilliant specialty shops and boutiques. Its many cafes make it a very popular spot for a Saturday or Sunday morning coffee.

Western Suburbs
West of the city are the seaside suburbs, including Henley Beach, Grange, West Beach, Glenelg and Brighton. West Beach Reserve contains numerous playing fields, two golf courses, a boating lake and a large modern caravan park. The nearby Adelaide Airport is between the city centre and the western coastline. Glenelg is a bustling seaside resort with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and shops. It also has an entertainment site called "Magic Mountain" this is very popular with children and young people; it features water slides and amusement games. The Holdfast Shores Marina, which features spectacular accommodation, cafes and restaurants. Departing regularly from Glenelg, the State’s only tram service takes passengers on a delightful journey through the suburbs to Victoria Square in the city. Glenelg offers a more densely populated, very cosmopolitan, fashionable way of life, favoured by those looking to be conveniently located to the beaches, city, restaurants and entertainment.

North-Eastern Suburbs
Suburban areas to the north-east of the Central Business District are also popular with expatriates, particularly those with offices located to the north of the city. The Golden Grove area, including Greenwith, Wynn Vale, Modbury and St Agnes, stretches nearly 20 kilometres from the city and is full of recent housing developments. The local public transport facilities are very good and include the O-Bahn Busway, which is a super smooth 100 km/h journey to the city centre, from which you have easy access to the CBD and to all schools. Shopping needs are very well provided for with several local centres as well as the Tea Tree Gully shopping complex. These north-eastern areas offer a fine suburban family lifestyle good road access to the city and more affordable housing.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expatriates typically rent in Adelaide, though the affordability of housing can be a lure to purchasing. If you wish to purchase a home and you are not a permanent resident it is strongly recommended that you contact the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for up to date legislation which may affect non-residents purchasing property in Australia.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
To move into a rental home, typically you will pay a rental bond which is a form of security for the landlord against breaches of the Residential Tenancy Agreement, together with two weeks rent in advance. The amount of bond varies according to the type of property involved and can be summarised as follows - Four (4) weeks rent where there is a rent of $250 per week or less, or six (6) weeks rent where there is a rent of more than $250 per week. You will need to sign a bond lodgement form to be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal; this money will be paid back to you providing the rental property is in order. The amount of band that is to be paid must be written in the agreement.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
Utilities are not covered in the price of rent.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
The majority of Adelaide's suburbs are reasonably secure, but most people will elect to take out contents insurance, simply for peace of mind. It is prudent to always lock your house and car when you are not there.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current for Australia is 230/250 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50 cycles per second, which is compatible with European appliances (an adapter will be required for the plug) but not with US appliances (which would require a transformer). Standard plugs have three flat pins (Australian pattern) and the majority of lamp fittings are of the bayonet type. Some appliances can be purchased with dual voltage. Television and video communications operate on PAL-B system are being phased out gradually with the introduction of DVB-T which should be completed by late 2013 in metropolitan Adelaide, with South Australian regional areas being completed earlier.


Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
Here are some useful terms:
  • House - free standing home (single or two storey residence)
  • Duplex - single or double storey homes sharing one common wall
  • Townhouse - single or double storey homes sharing more than one common wall, also known as a terraced home
  • Villa - small complex of free-standing or terraced homes, with small courtyards or gardens
  • Unit/Apartment - 1,2 or 3 bedroom homes in a multi-storey block
  • DLUG - double, lock-up garage
The majority of Adelaide rental properties are unfurnished, but in areas closer to the city fully furnished apartments are available. Unfurnished rental properties displayed on the internet may feature furniture for advertising purposes only.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.