Flat hunting in Australia is a slightly different process to that in the UK. You find a flat on the Internet, arrange a viewing (which is either a Wednesday or a Saturday), complete an application and then wait to see if the landlord chooses you.

The Girl and I saw three places the other week. One was rough around the edges but with potential in a lovely area. Another one was modern with a balcony, but was tiny. The last one was just amazing. An old building in a great area with large rooms. No outdoors space, but it had a bath and sunroom.

We applied for both the “rough with potential” and “amazing” flat (or unit as they call them here). We both loved the “amazing” flat, but decided that we’d have a much better chance of landing the “rough with potential” as it was cheaper, had been on the market for longer and had less interest in it.

The following day we checked in with the agent for the “rough with potential” flat. He was happy with The Girl’s application, but not with mine – I’m a self-employed international. The agent asked for more detailed bank statements and a letter for my accountant. By Friday morning we had still heard nothing, so fearing a rejection we lined up about eight flat viewings on Saturday. Then out of the blue on Friday afternoon we received a call from the agent for the “amazing” flat. We could have it if we wanted. I asked to call the agent back while I checked with The Girl. She screamed in my face “YESSSS” and ordered me to call the agent back instantly. I called, but the agent was on the other line so I left an affirmative “Yes please” message with the rudest receptionist ever. No exaggeration – she was a super bitch. Then my phone battery died. We were miles from where we were staying and The Girl didn’t have a mobile at this point. So we ran frantically to find the nearest pay phone. After some car dodging we found a phone, fumbled for a $2 coin, negotiated “super bitch” and got through to the agent. The deal was verbally agreed to and we arranged to come in the next day to sign the lease on the “amazing” flat.

The next day we arrived 30 minutes early to sign the lease at the office. The Girl was worried that we’d loose the place last minute. I was worried that my card might not work for the deposit. Everything ended up being fine. As soon as we finished the paperwork we drove down the road to our new flat. Right next to where we parked the car we spotted a white sofa sitting on the street. We thought that it might be for the rubbish tip, but we it was far too new and lovely to be wasted so we took it. It wasn’t easy, but it’s saved us a load of cash. A few nights later we found some dining chairs.

We’ve been in the place for just over a week and we both love it. The place itself is huge and lovely. The building is secure and comes with a huge washing machine and dryer, so even more money saved. And the location is fantastic – minutes from the trendy Oxford and Crown Streets and only a 30 minute walk from the Opera House. The slight negative is that the flat never gets any sunlight so can be a little chilly, but that’s going to be perfect in the summer.

Address available on request.