International House Hunting - Sydney Style

Upon arrival in Sydney I began my international house hunting search as my initial accommodation arranged by work was only good for four weeks.  My requirements for an apartment are as follows:

• 1.        Location – being close to work is extremely important to me (to give you an idea of distance comparative to US standards – 400 meters is equivalent to a quarter of a mile (or one lap around a track) and 800 meters is equivalent to a half a mile). 

• 2.       Size – one bedroom with ample closet space

• 3.       Style – modern finishings and furniture

• 4.       Internal laundry is key

• 5.       Budget – no more than $600 per week

I viewed five properties in five different areas- let’s see if you can guess the one I chose.  The chosen property will be revealed in the next post!

Property #1 – King Street Wharf Unit

This property is 306 meters from work.   The building was very quiet and it is a secure building with a concierge  who can accept packages on your behalf if you aren’t home.  The property is not on a main street.  The unit was one bedroom with a large double closet in the bedroom, a large linen closet in the bathroom and another closet right when you walk in so there is certainly ample storage.  The washer and dryer were in the bathroom hidden by doors.  For the most part the furnishings were updated and the kitchen had all of the necessities.  The unit was quoted at $600 per week.  Some additional perks to this unit was the large outdoor balcony off both the living and bedroom.  Also included in the building is a gym, a sauna, an outdoor pool, a large outdoor lounge area and a grill.

Property #2 – Circular Quay Unit

This property is 790 meters from work.  This building also seemed quiet and was a secure building with a concierge on staff.  The unit was one bedroom but much smaller than Property #1.  It is located on a pretty busy side street.  The only storage available was the double closet in the bedroom.  Included in the tiny bedroom was a washer which also has a setting to be a dryer.  The kitchen was indeed interesting.  The hot plate on the counter was considered the stove and the microwave is considered to be the oven.  The sofa in the small living room turns into a sleeper bed which would be good for visitors.  There were lovely plantation shutters covering the windows in both the bedroom and living room.  The unit was quoted at $550 per week.

Property #3 – Chinatown Area Unit

This property is 981 meters from work.  This unit is in a very large apartment building with many student tenants.  The unit was quite spacious with lots of closets and very modern furnishings and appliances including internal laundry.  This unit has a concierge and is secured.  The unit actually resembled a hotel with the quality of furnishings and linens.  This unit was also quoted at $600 per week.

Property #4 – Bridge Area Unit

This property is 109 meters from work.  The unit was very small and was quoted at $625 per week.  There wasn’t actually a kitchen.  There was a mini fridge similar to one you would have in a dorm room in college and the microwave would be used for all your cooking needs.  There was no internal laundry.  Shared machines operated by coins was in the basement of the building.  The furniture was quite dated.  There was a small outdoor balcony overlooking the harbor bridge!  The view was incredible!

Property #5 – Darling Harbour Unit

This unit is 362 meters from work.  The unit was quite large and located in a secure building with an attendant at the desk at all times.  This was a corner unit with large floor to ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light with beautiful city and harbor views.  There is also a large rooftop deck with a grill, lounge chairs and gorgeous views of the city.  The appliances in the kitchen were dated and there was no television with the unit.  The bathroom was a decent size with internal laundry included.   The closets in the bedroom were very large.  This unit was quoted at $600 per week.  

All properties in Sydney include water in the base cost of the rent.  Electricity, gas, and internet are the tenants responsibilities.  All of the properties I viewed were considered fully furnished including bed, living room furniture, kitchen table and chairs along with cutlery and basic kitchen needs.

Which one will it be?!?