Hi

We are looking for some really basic advice, please!

We are moving to Sydney around November this year and will have a job in the city by then.

We will initially rent a house/apartment north of the bridge (job is in Chatswood)

We have been looking for rentals on the web and see that prices are quotes per week. Are these rates inclusive of taxes? (In UK we have Council tax to pay)

Are there any other significant costs we need to consider on top of the quoted rental rates?

Any suggestions for preferred areas within easy reach of Chatswood....would far prefer a house or garden apartment.

Do Landlords allow pets? (we have a cat)

Thanks guys

A and M

Hi Andrew,

Unfortunately I can't help with your accommodation needs, but my boyfriend and I are also heading out to Australia, Sydney in fact on November 1st this year - but unfortunately we're only there for 3.5 months just to 'test' out living and working.

We're thinking about trying to find somewhere relatively cheap to live in Coogee - that way we can get out of the Sydney hustle and bustle, and it's not far from the CBD anyway.

Are you and your partner moving over there for good? I was looking at hopefully working for the Guide Dogs offices, and I noticed that they have offices in Chatswood.

If you find any cheap places to rent, then let me know - gumtree.com.au is quite good, my boyfriend has been looking there. We can't believe the situation with the exchange rate at the moment - it's going to be quite difficult if it doesn't change in the next few months :-(

Look forward to hearing from you.

Miranda