The delights of Sydney real estate

Well I could do a whole blog on the trials and tribulations of the Sydney real estate market. We've only just started applying for rentals, so I know we're still in for a whole world of pain, but I'm already sick of open houses (I never thought I'd say that!) and trying to make small talk with real estate agents. We've been to open houses where we were the only people viewing, and we've also been to one where there were over 30 people trying to squeeze into a two bedroom unit! Suffice to say this one went within 24 hours (it had the most beautiful view of Sydney harbour).

This morning I submitted two applications for properties in Manly. We both LOVE one of them - its balcony hangs right over the water, there is a secluded beach and freshwater pool one minute walk away, and it is only a 10 minute walk to the ferry to get into the city. The other one we saw a couple of weeks ago and I was sure it was going to be snapped up immediately so we didn't bother putting an application in as Steve hadn't started his job at that point. Fast forward two weeks and it's still on the market and is in a brilliant location; again 10 minutes walk from the ferry and a five minute walk to the local cafes, shops and the beach.

Beautiful Manly beach.

So I would be really happy in either of them and I have everything crossed that we get one. I know we will be so incredibly lucky if we are considered for either property, so I am still on the hunt. We are also looking in Balmain, Neutral Bay/Cremorne and North Sydney. We feel that we are pretty laid back with where we live, as long as we get two bedrooms (for ALL our guests from the UK to stay - come on guys!), outside space and a relatively new bathroom and kitchen. But you don't get much for your money round these parts, even coming from London.

Will keep you updated...

An Australian resident...finally!

I haven't blogged properly in a while; we have been pretty busy with lots of exciting things happening. My visa was finally approved last week, which involved a four-night trip to New Zealand (more about that in another post), but I now have permanent residency! I originally applied for a temporary partner visa (subclass 309), but ended up being granted a permanent visa (subclass 100). I thought I'd share the timeline of my visa processing for those who are considering making the move down under, or who are already embarking on it.

8th March: submitted application via post.
12th March: email received from case officer confirming receipt of application and informing me that there was currently a 5-6 month wait. I was also asked to attend a medical examination as soon as possible.
27th March: attended medical examination in London.
4th April: received confirmation from my case officer that the medical results had been received and she would be in touch when my visa was ready to be approved. 
9th May: confirmation from case officer that I could travel to Australia on a tourist visa while my partner visa was still being considered.

12th July: we arrived in Sydney with me on a three-month eVisitor visa.

10th August: I received an email from my case officer that said they were ready to grant my partner visa and that I needed to leave Australia for at least three working days in order to do so.
3rd September: we flew to New Zealand for four nights.
7th September: we arrived back in Sydney and confirmed with the border staff that I was now on a permanent residency visa (partner visa subclass 100).

So in all it took almost six months, but that was because I was already in Australia and had to leave so the visa could be formally granted. It was actually five months from submitting the application to receiving the email to say they were ready to grant the visa. We still believe we did the right thing by coming out here before it was granted though, as we wouldn't have got out here until at least October if we had waited for it in the UK.

I would love to hear others' experiences of the visa process - drop me a comment or contact me on Twitter (@hollygalt).

Details

Australian Government, Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Website: www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/family-visas-partner.htm 

Instagram Sydney-style

I haven't done a picture post while I've been in Australia, so here are my Instagram photos since I arrived in Sydney in July. They give a snapshot of our life over the last few weeks, and as you would expect they are mostly of beaches, the opera house and lots of sunshine!

At the airport, my fab husband bought me a new iPad so I can FaceTime family and friends. Note: large glass of wine, sorely needed after many tearful goodbyes.

First morning in Oz, and the sun is shining!

On the Manly Ferry to the city to pick up our bank cards.

The garden where we are staying in the Northern Beaches. Looking forward to afternoons spent in this pool when summer arrives!

Manly beach

You can just about make out the hubby.

Kilo of prawns in Gerringong.

Palm Beach AKA Summer Bay.

Breakfast by the beach in Manly.

Manly flags!