FAQs

Planning Your Move to Perth

  • Journee is a full-service relocation agency that helps individuals, couples, and families relocate to Perth with confidence. Whether you're moving from interstate or overseas, we provide personalised support before, during, and after your move to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.

    Our relocation services include:

    • Property Search - Securing a rental home in Perth before you arrive.

    • Home Set Up - Organising everything from furniture and appliances to utilities, so your home is ready from day one.

    • Kids Connect - Helping families navigate Perth's education system, understand school catchment zones, and choose the right schools for their children.

    • Orientation Tours - Introducing you to Perth's suburbs, lifestyle, and local amenities to help you settle in with confidence.

    • Single Property Viewing - Ideal if you've already found a property online and need a trusted local expert to inspect it on your behalf.

    • Rental Application Support - Preparing a professional and competitive rental application to maximise your chances of success.

    Every relocation is different, which is why we take a personalised approach to every client. We tailor our services to your family's needs, budget, lifestyle, and timeline to help you feel at home in Perth sooner.

    To explore all of our relocation services and find the package that's right for you, visit our Services page.

  • Choosing the right relocation agency can make a significant difference to your moving experience. When comparing providers, look for an agency that offers:

    • Local knowledge of Perth's suburbs, rental market, schools, and lifestyle.

    • Proven experience navigating Perth's competitive rental market and relocation process.

    • A personalised approach that tailors recommendations to your family's needs, budget, and lifestyle, rather than a one-size-fits-all service.

    • Transparent pricing with clear communication about what's included and how the process works.

    At Journee, we believe these qualities are essential. Our Director/Founder, Melissa, has personally experienced relocating both interstate and internationally, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges families face when moving. Our Senior Relocation Agent, Hazel, brings extensive experience in property management, providing valuable knowledge of Perth's rental market and what property managers look for in successful rental applications.

    Together, our team combines lived relocation experience with local expertise to provide practical, personalised support for individuals and families moving to Perth.

  • Our relocation services are designed to be flexible, with pricing based on the level of support you need for your move to Perth. Whether you're looking for a complete relocation solution or assistance with a specific part of your journey, we offer a range of services to suit different budgets and relocation needs.

    We believe in transparent pricing, so you'll always know exactly what's included before getting started. There are no hidden fees, and we'll recommend the most suitable service based on your circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

    For a detailed breakdown of our relocation packages, individual services, and current pricing, check out our Digital Handbook.

  • Our Property Search Package is $3,850 + GST, with no hidden fees. We believe in transparent pricing, so you know exactly what's included before you book in.

    This package is designed to help you secure a rental home in Perth before you arrive, so you can land with a fixed address secured, and full peace of mind! We manage the entire property search process on your behalf, from preparing a strong rental application and shortlisting suitable homes to attending inspections, communicating with property managers, submitting applications, and supporting you through to an approval, connecting utilities, key collection, AND your ingoing condition report.

    Many of our clients find that securing a rental in Perth pre-arrival, can actually save them money - reducing the need for extended hotel stays, serviced apartments, or Airbnb accommodation while they search for a home.

    For a full breakdown of what's included in our Property Search Package, current pricing, and any optional add-on services, read here.

  • We've designed our payment process to be simple, flexible, and give you complete confidence in our service.

    To get started, we require a 50% deposit to commence your Property Search Package. The remaining 50% is only payable once we've successfully secured your rental home in Perth. It's our way of demonstrating our confidence in what we do and ensuring our success is aligned with yours.

    We understand that every family's financial situation is different, so we offer flexible payment options. You can pay your invoices by credit card or direct bank transfer—whichever works best for your budget and circumstances.

    All invoices are issued electronically, making it easy to keep track of your payments throughout your relocation to Perth!

Finding a Rental Home in Perth

  • Yes!

    We're confident in our ability to help you secure a rental home in Perth, which is why our payment structure reflects that confidence.

    We ask for 50% fee upfront, with the remaining 50% only payable once we've successfully secured your rental home. We believe this aligns our success with yours and gives our clients peace of mind throughout the relocation process. Combined with our personalised approach to every relocation, we're able to tailor each property search to your family's needs, budget, preferred suburbs, and lifestyle.

    In the rare event that circumstances outside of anyone's control affect your move—such as visa delays, a change in employment, or other client-related factors—we'll simply pause your property search and resume it when you're ready. Our goal is to work with you, not against you.

    Every relocation is different, which is why we begin by understanding your budget, preferred suburbs, lifestyle, and timeframe. This allows us to develop a realistic strategy and give you the best possible outcome in Perth's competitive rental market.

    If you'd like to learn more about what's included in our Property Search Package and how our payment structure works, visit our Pricing page.

  • Since Journee was established in 2022, we've achieved a 100% success rate in securing rental approvals for our Property Search clients.

    In a small number of cases, clients have chosen not to proceed with an approved rental due to changes in their personal circumstances, such as visa delays, employment changes, or revised relocation plans. However, every client we've represented has received a rental approval through our personalised property search process.

    We believe this success comes down to our personalised approach. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we carefully match each client's budget, lifestyle, preferred suburbs, and relocation timeline with the realities of the Perth rental market. We also ensure every application is professionally prepared and presented to give our clients the strongest possible chance of success.

    If you're planning a move to Perth and want to learn more about how we help clients secure rentals before they arrive, we'd love to chat about your relocation plans! Book a Relo Hub Call.

  • Yes, Perth's rental market remains competitive, although conditions can vary significantly depending on the suburb you're looking in. While rental availability has improved in some areas, demand is still particularly high in inner-city suburbs, Perth's western suburbs, and popular school catchment zones.

    If you're relocating with children, it's important to understand that school catchment areas can have a major impact on the rental market. Homes within highly sought-after public school catchments often receive more applications, making them more competitive than neighbouring suburbs outside the catchment.

    To give yourself the best chance of securing a rental, we recommend:

    • Keeping your rental references and supporting documents up to date.

    • Being flexible with your preferred suburbs where possible.

    • Understanding how school catchment zones may influence your property search.

    If you're relocating with school-aged children, we recommend reading our Perth Schools Guide. It explains how school catchment zones work, highlights popular public and private schools, and can help you choose suburbs that best suit your family's needs before you begin your rental search.

    You can also download our free resource here!

  • The Perth rental market is one of the most competitive in Australia, with rental prices varying depending on the suburb, property type, and current market conditions. For the latest median rental prices across Perth, we recommend checking the REIWA Median Rental Price page.

    When applying for rentals in Perth, most property managers will assess your affordability to ensure the rent is sustainable based on your income. As a general guide, your weekly rent should ideally be no more than 30% of your net (after-tax) household income.

    For example, if your household earns $2,500 per week after tax, a weekly rent of around $750 would generally fall within the affordability guideline.

    If your rent exceeds this ratio, it doesn't automatically mean your application will be unsuccessful. Property managers may also consider factors such as your savings, employment stability, rental history, or any additional sources of income when assessing your application.

    At Journee, we review your affordability before we begin your Perth property search to help ensure you're applying for rentals that align with your budget and give you the strongest possible chance of success.

  • Yes. References are an important part of your rental application and help property managers assess whether you'll be a reliable tenant. If you're moving to Perth from interstate or overseas and don't have an Australian rental history, strong references can make your application more competitive.

    The stronger and more relevant your references are, the more confidence they can give property managers when assessing your application for rentals in Perth.

Family Relocation & Schools

  • Yes! We know that choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions families make when relocating to Perth, which is why we offer dedicated support to help make the process easier.

    Through our Kids Connect Package, we provide personalised guidance on Perth's education system, public and private school options, school catchment zones, and enrolment requirements. We'll work with you to understand your children's ages, interests, learning needs, and your preferred lifestyle to help you identify schools and suburbs that best suit your family.

    Because school catchment zones can influence the availability and demand for rentals in Perth, we also consider your schooling preferences as part of your overall relocation and property search strategy. Planning both together gives you the best chance of securing a rental home in the right location for your family.

    To learn more about school catchment zones, enrolment requirements, and choosing the right school, explore our Perth Schools Guide or get in touch to discuss our Kids Connect Package.

  • For families relocating to Perth, choosing between public and private schooling often depends on budget, location, and personal values around education, extracurricular opportunities, and school community.

    Public Schools (Government Schools)

    • Cost: Public schools are government-funded, meaning they are low-cost for residents. There are usually voluntary contributions (around $60 to $300 per year for primary, and a bit higher for secondary), but no compulsory tuition fees for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

    • Admissions: Most public schools operate on a local intake area system—you must live within a specific geographic zone to enroll.

    • Curriculum: They follow the WA Curriculum, overseen by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Public schools offer a wide range of general subjects and programs.

    Examples: Churchlands Senior High School, Willetton Senior High School, Rossmoyne Senior High School.

    Private Schools (Independent and Catholic Schools)

    • Cost: Private schools charge tuition fees, which can range from a few thousand dollars per year (for Catholic schools) to over $25,000–$35,000 per year for elite independent schools like Hale School, St Hilda’s, or Christ Church Grammar.

    • Admissions: Entry is generally application-based, often with waiting lists. Religious affiliation can sometimes be a factor (especially for Catholic schools), but many private schools are open to all.

    • Curriculum: They still follow the WA Curriculum, but often offer additional programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), enhanced arts or sports programs, leadership programs, and overseas exchange opportunities.

    Examples: Wesley College, St Mary’s Anglican Girls' School, Aquinas College, Santa Maria College.

  • The northern suburbs are renowned for their vibrant coastal lifestyle, with stunning beaches like Scarborough, Hillarys, and Mindarie. These areas attract families and young professionals who appreciate ocean views and outdoor living.

    The Joondalup Line provides efficient public transport, with train journeys from suburbs like Warwick to the Perth CBD taking approximately 20–25 minutes.

    The southern suburbs offer a more relaxed, family-focused environment with affordable housing options and easy access to the Swan River.

    Coastal towns like Secret Harbour and Mandurah are popular for their beautiful beaches and community feel.

    South Perth and Como are closer to the CBD, providing a more urban atmosphere.

    A rapidly growing suburb in the south is Baldivis, known for its modern homes, good schools and excellent infrastructure, making it a top choice for families relocating to Perth.

    The Mandurah Line serves the southern corridor, with train journeys from Mandurah to Perth taking approximately 54 minutes.

  • There isn't a single "best" suburb for families relocating to Perth because every family has different priorities. The right location depends on your workplace, budget, school preferences, commute and the lifestyle you're looking for.

    Many families relocating from overseas are looking for safe, family-friendly communities with good schools, parks, shopping centres and easy access to beaches or public transport. Some of the most popular suburbs we recommend include Baldivis, Secret Harbour, Singleton, Meadow Springs, Madora Bay, Iluka, Burns Beach, Hillarys, Duncraig, Ocean Reef and Applecross, although there are many other fantastic options across Perth.

    For families working at Fiona Stanley Hospital, the southern suburbs such as Success, Hammond Park, Atwell, Aubin Grove and Coogee are often popular because they offer convenient commuting and excellent family amenities. Those working in the Perth CBD may prefer established suburbs with easy train access, while families based in Joondalup often choose nearby coastal communities in Perth's northern suburbs.

    Many international families are surprised by how much lifestyle plays a role in choosing where to live. Some want to be walking distance to the beach, while others prioritise school catchments, larger backyards or a shorter commute to work. Perth offers all of these, so finding the right suburb is about matching your family's priorities rather than choosing the most well known postcode.

    At Journee, we take the time to understand what's important to your family before recommending suburbs. Because we live and work in Perth, we can provide genuine local advice and help you narrow down the options to areas that suit your lifestyle, budget and long-term plans, making your move to Western Australia as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Settling Into Life in Perth

  • Whether you need a car in Perth depends on where you live, work, and study. If you're living in or near the CBD or along a major train line, it's possible to rely on public transport for your daily commute. However, many Perth suburbs are spread out, so having a car often provides greater flexibility for work, school drop-offs, weekend activities, and exploring Western Australia.

    One of the benefits of driving in Perth is that there are currently no toll roads, and commute times are generally shorter than in larger Australian cities. Public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries, is reliable in many areas, but journey times can be longer if you're travelling between suburbs or outside peak service routes.

    If you're unsure whether you'll need a car, it's worth considering your workplace, your children's school, and your preferred suburb before making a decision. During your relocation planning, we can also help you choose a location that suits your lifestyle and daily commute.

    If you do decide to purchase a vehicle after arriving in Perth, we're proud to partner with Nissan Rockingham, who can help make the process of buying a new car simple and stress-free for our clients!

  • One of the most common questions we are asked is whether it's better to live north or south of the river. The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer, it simply comes down to your lifestyle, budget, workplace location and what you value most in a community.

    North of the River is known for its established coastal lifestyle, with popular suburbs such as Scarborough, Hillarys, Ocean Reef, Iluka and Mindarie offering easy access to some of Perth's best beaches. Many families and professionals are drawn to the northern corridor for its beach culture, cafes, shopping precincts and convenient access to the Perth CBD via the Yanchep train line.

    South of the River offers a diverse mix of riverside, coastal and family-friendly communities. Suburbs such as South Perth, Como and Applecross provide easy access to the CBD, while coastal areas including Coogee, Secret Harbour and Madora Bay offer a relaxed beachside lifestyle. Growing communities such as Baldivis, Hammond Park and Mandogalup continue to attract families looking for modern homes, larger blocks and excellent value for money.

    In general, the southern corridor tends to offer more housing choice and affordability compared to many coastal northern suburbs, while the north is often favoured by those seeking a stronger beach-focused lifestyle closer to established employment hubs.

    Both regions are well serviced by public transport, schools, shopping centres, healthcare facilities and recreational amenities. The best location for your family will ultimately depend on your workplace, school preferences, budget and lifestyle priorities.

  • Absolutely! Setting up utilities is one of the final steps before moving into your new home, and we're here to make the process as simple as possible.

    Through our partnership with MyConnect, you can arrange essential services such as electricity, gas, internet, and other household utilities for your Perth rental—all in one place.

    One thing to keep in mind is that some internet providers require you to be in Australia before they can activate your service or complete the connection process. This can vary depending on the provider and your property's NBN connection.

    If you're relocating with Journee, we'll coordinate the process for you wherever possible. Our goal is to have your internet connection activated and ready for your arrival, so you can start working, studying, or staying connected from day one in your new Perth home!

    For a simple way to connect your utilities, visit our MyConnect page.

  • If you're moving to Perth and have more luggage than your airline allows, shipping your belongings can often be a more cost-effective and convenient option than paying for excess baggage.

    For suitcases, boxes, sports equipment, or other personal belongings, we recommend Send My Bag. They offer reliable international luggage shipping to Perth and can deliver directly to your new address, helping you avoid the stress of travelling with multiple heavy bags!

    Whether you're relocating to Perth permanently or visiting on a short trip, using a luggage shipping service can make your journey much easier. It also gives you the flexibility to travel with just your essentials while your belongings are safely in transit.

    Try Send My Bag and get 5% OFF your first order!

  • We'd love to learn more about your relocation plans and help you determine the best way to support your move to Perth.

    The best place to start is by booking a Relocation Hub Call. This gives us the opportunity to discuss your relocation timeline, answer your questions, and recommend the most suitable services for you and your family.

    To help us prepare for your call, we also encourage you to complete our Relocation Questionnaire. The more we know about your budget, preferred suburbs, family requirements, and relocation goals, the better we can tailor our advice.

    If you have a general enquiry, you're also welcome to contact us via email at support@journeeagency.com.au

    For the best experience, we recommend getting in touch around 10 weeks before your planned arrival in Perth. This allows enough time to prepare your rental application, develop a personalised property search strategy, and begin searching for your new home. As we work closely with each client and limit the number of relocations we manage at one time, our calendar can book out several months in advance—so we encourage you to reach out as early as possible to secure your preferred timeframe!