Real Estate Terminology in Melbourne
Here are a few useful terms to have in mind when looking for an accommodation:
Fully Furnished / Partially Furnished
Unless otherwise advertised, properties in Melbourne are rented or sold unfurnished. While most properties with a kitchen will have a stove/oven, they may lack a refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine.
Some homes or units will be advertised as ‘partially furnished’. These properties will include some basic amenities (such as sofa, bed, refrigerator, dining table with chairs etc.), but can vary widely. If interested in a property advertised in this way, inquire as to what is included before making any assumptions or commitments.
Homes or units advertised as ‘fully-furnished’ will include all the amenities you would need to move in immediately, right down to plates and cutlery.
As there are no precise regulations concerning the use of these terms by agents when advertising a property, it is highly recommended that you check with the agent to clarify what is included.
1 Bedroom / Studio Apartment
If a home/unit is advertised as a “1 bedroom” this means that there is a lounge and/or dining area (these are sometimes combined) in addition to the bedroom. There will also always be a separate bathroom. Australia is not a country that considers a lounge room to be a bedroom as well.
The exception to this is the Studio Apartment (similar to a British bed-sit). These are very small and consist of a bathroom and a larger room that functions as a combined bedroom, lounge and dining area. One wall is usually occupied by a kitchenette.
Apartment / Flat
The terms ‘apartment’ and ‘flat’ are frequently used interchangeably by real estate agents when advertising units. While this practice can lead to confusion and disappointment, it is generally understood that apartments are in a larger multi-storey buildings with similar units, while flats are usually units that exist in an older/historic structure.
Floor / Level
Multi-storey buildings in Australia begin with the ‘Ground Floor’, and continue in increasing numbers starting with the “First Floor” (second storey). Like most other western countries, apartment buildings in Australia often superstitiously leave out Floor Number 13.
Bond
A security deposit paid by tenant to the agent and lodged (by the agent) with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).
PCM
Per Calendar Month. Annual rent for a property is divided into 12 equal monthly payment amounts, and is payable the same day of every calendar month
Utilities
Services provided to your property such as gas, electricity, water, and telephone/internet.
BIR
Built in Robes. Wardrobes which are part of the home as fixtures.
WIR
Walk-in Robe. A wardrobe adjoining a bedroom which is large enough to ‘walk-in’ to.
CBD
Melbourne’s Central Business District. The commercial centre of the city, characterized by its grid-like streets.
Private Landlord
The property is being offered for lease by the owner, not through a real estate company.
Common Abbreviations in Property Listings
- A/C – Air Conditioning
- adj – Adjacent
- alc – Alcove
- amen – Amenities
- br, bdr – Bedroom
- bung – Bungalow
- crpt – Carpet
- d/h – Ducted heating
- d/w – Dishwasher
- dbl gar – Double garage
- dlug – Double lock-up garage
- ens – Ensuite bathroom
- exp – Expenses
- ff, f/f, f/furn – Fully furnished
- fl cov – Floor coverings
- ghw – Gas hot water
- htg – Heating
- kit – Kitchen
- ldry – Laundry
- liv – Living room/space
- lug – Lock-up garage
- mod – Modern
- ofp – Open fire place
- osp – Off Street Parking
- pkg, prkg – Parking
- pw, p/w – Per week
- rm – Room
- s’out – Single fronted
- sb – Single
- semi – Semi-detached
- tce – Terrace
- tmbr – Timber
- u/f – Unfurnished
- uc, u/c, ucp – Under cover, under cover parking
- ven blds – Venetian blinds
- vgc – Very good condition
- wc – Water closet (toilet)
- wip – Walk-in pantry
- wm – Washing machine
