Somewhere to call our own

Yes, we finally have somewhere to live. Apparently we were really lucky as we were only rejected for three places before being approved for a house in Cammeray which is just north of the city, over the Harbour Bridge. We were told to brace ourselves for rejection from at least 10 places, but in the end we decided to look away from Manly where competition for rentals is fierce. We are paying slightly over our original budget, but commuting to the city will be much cheaper so we are actually saving money.

And we have a house! The last time I lived somewhere with stairs was when I was still living at home with my parents, so this has got me very excited. We now have the task of furnishing a two bedroom house on a somewhat limited budget. Thank goodness for places like 2nds World - I don't want to spend valuable money on washing machines when I could be spending it on candles and cushions (!), and to be fair I don't really mind what the washing machine and dryer look like as they will be behind closed doors (did I mention we have an internal laundry room?!). So this month's wages will be going on a sofa, fridge, bed, TV and basic kitcheneware. Next month's will be spent on a BBQ, outdoor furniture and a bed for the spare room (my parents arrive in less than two months).

So we finally have something to get excited about - a place of our own again. After nearly four months of being nomads, it will be such a relief to close the front door and relax in our own space. It's a pretty blank canvas so I'm looking forward to being able to start from scratch and style the house how I want it. I will post pictures as and when we get organised!

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...