Brisbane Accommodation

[JohnK]

There is a slim possibility that I may be moving to Brisbane for work. I have been doing some research on accommodation options and would appreciate the advice of a local. I would be interested in a serviced apartment or fully furnished apartment and it would need to be close to Toowong or Eagle Farm and initially I would be looking at signing a 6 months lease. Share accommodation is not an option.

I have looked at Bonapartes service apartments in Spring Hill and a couple of weeks ago I noticed that it was priced at $285/week based on signing a 6 months lease but I can no longer find this offer on their website. The best appears to be $400+/week for a 3 months lease which is a lot more than I want to spend.

Is it a realistic expectation to find something in the $250-$300 range per week? I am on a limited budget as I will more than likely be commuting back to Sydney on the weekends every week. This will be a permanent role so there is really no opportunity to claim back through tax accommodation or travel expenses.

 

[straitman]

I have looked at Bonapartes service apartments in Spring Hill and a couple of weeks ago I noticed that it was priced at $285/week based on signing a 6 months lease but I can no longer find this offer on their website. The best appears to be $400+/week for a 3 months lease which is a lot more than I want to spend.

JohnK,

I hope it (the job) comes off for you.

I don't have any other ideas than to suggest you contact the apartments direct about the previous offer. I guess it's possible they had a quota and have filled it. (Yield Management maybe)

 

[simongr]

Is it a realistic expectation to find something in the $250-$300 range per week? I am on a limited budget as I will more than likely be commuting back to Sydney on the weekends every week. This will be a permanent role so there is really no opportunity to claim back through tax accommodation or travel expenses.

Would the organisation you are looking to work for consider "Living Away from Home Allowance" where they can pay you an amount equal to your rent free from tax. This is very popular with companies employing overseas workers on 457 visas but is also an option for Oz citizens.

 

[serfty]

My B-I-L lived at Auchenflower (near Toowong) in a fully furnished apt for $340 pw, then moved to Southbank in an unfurnished 2 br apt @ $400 pw. (nice place, overlooking the River)

Neither of these were "serviced".

Try this:

• http://www.realestate.com.au/cgi-bi...iving,Serviced+Apartment,Studio,Unit&p=30&o=p

 

[futaris]

There is a slim possibility that I may be moving to Brisbane for work. I would be interested in a serviced apartment or fully furnished apartment and it would need to be close to Toowong or Eagle Farm and initially I would be looking at signing a 6 months lease.

Toowong and Auchenflower apartments are in one of the most expensive areas in Brisbane. The problem with Milton/Toowong/Auchenflower area is that it is close to the city and close to the University of Queensland, so it is in high demand.

I think that the most expensive area would have to be Ascot, and Hamilton which is right next to Eagle Farm.

You best options would probably be to look somewhere in-between, i.e. New Farm, Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill or the like. South Brisbane and West End are other options...

Do you plan on commuting by car or by public transport? Of course, if you plan on going back to Sydney often, then being near a train station (for the Airtrain) is going to be a big plus.

These days a lot of apartments seem to be going up around the major bus interchanges, i.e. Chermside, Toombul, Indooroopilly. Indooroopilly/Taringa should be a bit cheaper than Toowong/Auchenflower.

For reference we rent a two bedroom apartment (unfurnished) in New Farm, near the river for $360/week.

NB, I've lived in Chapel Hill, Kenmore, Wooloowin and New Farm, and they've all got their pluses/minuses. Nowadays, I would suggest to avoid living in the Western Suburbs these days as the traffic is terrible on Milton Rd and Coronation Dr (in peak hour).

 

[JohnK]

Would the organisation you are looking to work for consider "Living Away from Home Allowance" where they can pay you an amount equal to your rent free from tax.

Sounds like something to consider but I have a feeling as this is a permanent role the company would actually expect me to take care of all accommodation needs. I don't mind spending the money on accommodation as long as I stay within a certain budget otherwise it will not be worthwhile.

My B-I-L lived at Auchenflower (near Toowong) in a fully furnished apt for $340 pw, then moved to Southbank in an unfurnished 2 br apt @ $400 pw. (nice place, overlooking the River)

Neither of these were "serviced".

I would prefer it to be serviced but no problem if fully furnished just need to find a good laundry.

I can see that it is going to be difficult to keep it under $300/wk unless I look further away but then I also need to consider commuting time and costs.

Do you plan on commuting by car or by public transport? Of course, if you plan on going back to Sydney often, then being near a train station (for the Airtrain) is going to be a big plus.

Initially it would have to be public transport. Either way I would still consider my home to be Sydney and do not want to spend any money on possessions in Brisbane. Who knows what may happen in 6-12 months if everything works out....

 

[simongr]

Sounds like something to consider but I have a feeling as this is a permanent role the company would actually expect me to take care of all accommodation needs. I don't mind spending the money on accommodation as long as I stay within a certain budget otherwise it will not be worthwhile.

I wouldnt want pushing this to joepardise the job but for the record I was being paid LAFHA for 4 years at my prior employer in a 'permanent' position.

 

[oz_mark]

I wouldnt want pushing this to joepardise the job but for the record I was being paid LAFHA for 4 years at my prior employer in a 'permanent' position.

AFAIK, LAFHA is largely about having the intention to return to your normal place of residence. While some employers may not wish to actually pay the extra, there are those willing to include it in your overall package, so that while it does not cover the full cost of living away from home, there is a tax break in it.

 

[Mr Somerset]

Also worth looking at inner north suburbs like Newmarket & Wilston - on the train lines, close to the airport, and likely to be that little bit cheaper than New Farm & the Valley.

Spring Hill is a good bet overall, however places like Bonaparte's aren't overly flash (eg on a very main road)

 

[simongr]

AFAIK, LAFHA is largely about having the intention to return to your normal place of residence. While some employers may not wish to actually pay the extra, there are those willing to include it in your overall package, so that while it does not cover the full cost of living away from home, there is a tax break in it.

That was my experience of prior and current employers - no additional cost to the employer but a 40-50% effective reduction in rental costs - it was v. painful when it stopped though...

 

[medhead]

I'd also suggest Kelvin Grove, which is getting some critical mass for the university there, so may have some cheaper accomodation available. There should be a decent bus service to Roma st station. In fact I understand there is to be a city - kevlin grove loop service.

Or Herston, which has a main hospital and hence a need for cheap accomodation - but probably not serviced.

otherwise trace out the eagle farm and Toowong train lines and see what's available. Or look at going out similar distances (<8 km) on other train lines, i.e. Yeronga, or like stones corner sort area (Can't think of the train station there). But this would more likely be furnished apartments not serviced.

 

[oz_mark]

That was my experience of prior and current employers - no additional cost to the employer but a 40-50% effective reduction in rental costs - it was v. painful when it stopped though...

Indeed. If the last 20K or so of your salary becomes tax free, it does make a difference (and hurts when it stops)

 

[NM]

Or look at going out similar distances (<8 km) on other train lines, i.e. Yeronga, or like stones corner sort area (Can't think of the train station there). But this would more likely be furnished apartments not serviced.

Buranda is the closest station to Stones Corner. But it can be a pain driving from the south side of the river to Toowong in peak hour.

 

[kpc]

There is a slim possibility that I may be moving to Brisbane for work.

I know nothing about Brisbane accommodation but just wanted to wish you well with this job possibility John

 

[JohnK]

I hope it (the job) comes off for you.

I know nothing about Brisbane accommodation but just wanted to wish you well with this job possibility John

Thanks Bill and Kevin. The waiting is actually stressing me out.

The first possibility has been trying to happen for over a month now. I had a phone interview last week and they need to decide who they will see in person so they will pay for my expenses for an interview. I was supposed to hear back yesterday Wednesday but nothing so far.

The other possibility eventuated on Monday and they have seen my resume and are interested. I got a call from the agent yesterday Wednesday that they will fly me up for an interview but just wanted to know why I have been out of work for so long. I explained to the agent and he said he will get back to me. Nothing so far.

If the interview(s) go ahead and as they are both prepared to fly me up there how much input do I have in the choice of carrier? The first test will come if they choose Jetstar as the carrier and I reject the offer. I think it would also be best if I flew up the night before to have time to relax before the interview but I would not expect them to pay for accommodation as well.

 

[oz_mark]

If the interview(s) go ahead and as they are both prepared to fly me up there how much input do I have in the choice of carrier? The first test will come if they choose Jetstar as the carrier and I reject the offer. I think it would also be best if I flew up the night before to have time to relax before the interview but I would not expect them to pay for accommodation as well.

In my experience, given that they will be booking the tickets you will be on whatever carrier their travel policy dictates.

 

[DTM1]

If the interview(s) go ahead and as they are both prepared to fly me up there how much input do I have in the choice of carrier? The first test will come if they choose Jetstar as the carrier and I reject the offer. I think it would also be best if I flew up the night before to have time to relax before the interview but I would not expect them to pay for accommodation as well.

No offence John, but (speaking as an employer) if a job candidate asked me to book for them on the candidate's airline of choice, that would be the end of the candidate's chances - the employer will book and that will be the end of it.

As for accomodation, I agree that you should not ask, even if they give you a very early interview slot - it sends the wrong message entirely.

In my experience, distinguishing equally qualified candidtaes can come down to the little things - and particularly things that would not be addressed in an interview, so you can't correct any misconceptions.

by the way, good luck.

 

[tuapekastar]

Best of luck with the job John. Hope one of the opportunities (or even both, though choosing can be a pain - a pain you could probably live with ) comes through.

 

[JohnK]

No offence John, but (speaking as an employer) if a job candidate asked me to book for them on the candidate's airline of choice, that would be the end of the candidate's chances - the employer will book and that will be the end of it.

I totally understand and no offence taken. From my perspective as I feel so strongly about not wanting to travel JQ do I risk it or take what they give me? Hard to answer but I would not want to work for a company that has a travel policy that incorporates JQ travel. Sorry it is such an easy choice for me. Why would it be inappropriate for me to see the flight schedule before going up there?

As for accomodation, I agree that you should not ask, even if they give you a very early interview slot - it sends the wrong message entirely.

I mentioned that I would not ask for accommodation but you feel that if I asked to be flown up the night before that would ruin my chances of getting the job? Why? If for some insane reason they wanted to interview me at 8:30am I should just accept that I would need to be awake at 3:30am to get there for the interview and from my past experiences I would be absolutely braindead at the interview. No genuine prospective employer would impose those sorts of limitations.

In my experience, distinguishing equally qualified candidtaes can come down to the little things - and particularly things that would not be addressed in an interview, so you can't correct any misconceptions.

Yes, the little things are important to me as well. It works both ways. I received a call from the agent this morning that the prospective employer will be in Sydney next Thursday and would like to conduct an interview in the Qantas Lounge at 2:30pm. How do you think that makes me feel? Unworthy! How would I make a decision on a prospective employer without seeing the work environment?

But this is where people totally misunderstand me. I was prepared to travel to Brisbane for the interview paying for the flights and accommodation out of my own pocket. As fate would have it I received another email less than a hour ago and I may also have a possible interview in Sydney for a contract role. Who knows? Without even talking to any of the prospective employers I know which role I want now. And then again I may end up with none of them. That is the uncertainty of life....

 

[medhead]

But it can be a pain driving from the south side of the river to Toowong in peak hour.

I think JohnK was talking about using public transport initially at least. Hence my suggestions realted to train services, which are probably the most effective ways to get to both toowong and Eagle Farm.