ARE Property Australia — Melbourne Rental Assist
Finding a rental in Melbourne from overseas is harder than it should be. We help you do it properly.
A service designed specifically for Malaysian and Singaporean families with children studying in Melbourne — by someone who knows the market, knows the agents, and is based here on the ground.
Why this is harder than it looks
Melbourne's rental market is one of the most competitive in Australia. Vacancy rates are low, good properties attract 10 to 30 applications within 48 hours, and agents have no obligation to explain why they chose someone else.
For families applying from Malaysia or Singapore, there are specific structural disadvantages on top of that:
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No Australian rental history
your child is an unknown quantity to agents who rely on local references
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No local income
financial support from overseas parents needs to be presented in a very specific way to be taken seriously
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No one on the ground
you can't attend inspections, respond within minutes when a good property comes up, or walk into an agent's office to follow up
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Agent communication
enquiries through property portals often go unanswered, and agents expect applicants ready to move quickly
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Unfamiliar process
the Australian tenancy system is very different from what families are used to at home
Who this service is for
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Pre-departure
your child hasn't arrived yet and you want to get organised before they land
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Just arrived
your child is in temporary accommodation and the clock is ticking
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Stuck mid-search
you've been applying and getting nowhere
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No time to manage it
you'd rather have someone handle this properly than piece it together from overseas
The three tiers
Do it yourself, with the right knowledge
The Melbourne Rental Compass (Free)
- Complete plain-English guide to Melbourne's rental market in 2026
- How the application process works and what agents are looking for
- Sample application walkthrough for an international student
- Cover letter and financial support letter guidance
- Your rights as a tenant in Victoria
- Suburb guides, cost breakdowns, and utility setup
Done-for-you. We handle everything — from the first search to the day your child gets the keys.
Full Rental Assist
Pricing:
- Standard tier — $799 + GST (properties within 15km of Melbourne CBD — University of Melbourne, RMIT, Melbourne CBD institutions)
- Premium tier — $1,299 + GST (properties within 50km of Melbourne CBD — Monash Clayton, Deakin Burwood, La Trobe Bundoora, outer suburbs)
- Where a brief spans both zones, Premium tier applies. Tier confirmed at the needs assessment call.
What's included:
- 45-minute needs assessment call — we establish your full brief and assess your child's application profile
- Active property search on realestate.com.au and Domain — daily, against your confirmed brief
- Curated shortlist of up to 5 properties with our honest assessment of each — presented within 5 business days
- Inspection attendance on your behalf where possible, with a written Inspection Report including condition, location, and recommendation
- Full application preparation — cover letter, documents, financial narrative, referee briefing
- Direct agent liaison throughout — follow-ups, queries, advocating for your application
- Lease review before signing — plain-English summary of key clauses (not legal advice)
- Utility connection guidance once keys are secured
- Up to 3 applications included. Additional applications available on request — fee quoted on enquiry.
What this service does not include:
- Guaranteeing a specific property or suburb
- Inspections outside the agreed shortlist
- Legal advice of any kind
- Bond lodgement or rent payment on the client's behalf
- Property management, disputes, lease renewals, or end-of-tenancy matters
Service period: Active for 90 days from the needs assessment call.
Full terms and conditions apply — provided with your client agreement on booking.
Done-with-you. You do the searching. We make sure your application is as strong as it can be.
Application Support
Pricing:
- $199 + GST — covers up to 2 applications and is valid for 60 days from the initial consultation
- Additional applications: $50 + GST each, available at any time during the service period
- Inspection attendance add-on: $99 + GST per inspection (within 50km of Melbourne CBD — verbal or WhatsApp feedback, no formal written report)
What's included:
- 30-minute video consultation to review your child's situation and documentation
- Application readiness review — we identify what is strong, weak, or missing before agents see it
- Professional cover letter and supporting statement drafted and tailored to your child's profile
- Document formatting and presentation guidance
- Pre-submission review of the completed application package
- Post-outcome debrief if an application is unsuccessful
What this service does not include:
- Property searching or shortlisting on your behalf
- Direct communication with agents or landlords (unless the inspection add-on is engaged)
- Formal written inspection reports (add-on provides verbal or WhatsApp feedback only)
- Negotiating lease terms or reviewing tenancy agreements
- Advice or assistance after a lease has been signed
Service period: Valid for 60 days from the initial consultation, or until all included applications are submitted — whichever comes first.
Full terms and conditions apply — provided with your booking confirmation.
Testimonials
Prabha Parajuli
11:14 01 Dec 25
o: Ms. Jolene TeoInternational Real EstateDear Jolene,I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your thoughtful recommendation of the Australian property “Elements at Carousel,” 14 Leila Street, Perth, WA AustraliaYour professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. I truly value the time you invested in guiding me and helping me understand the opportunity clearly. Your insight has been incredibly helpful, and I am grateful for your support throughout this process.Thank you once again for your dedication and excellent service.Warm regards,Prabhakar ParajuliSingaporeDecember 2025
Len See Mun
09:52 14 Nov 25
Jolene was my agent that helped my family and I purchase our first home in Australia. No matter the challenges faced as every clients’ situations and needs can be different, she has kindly assist and guide us every step of the way. Her professional demeanour, connections with relevant parties and constant checking-in on us, had made the process smooth sailing. I would recommend her to anyone who requires her services. Thank you for your help again, Jolene 🙂
Fidelia Loo
01:38 03 Nov 25
We didn’t know where to start when it came to buying property in Australia. After meeting Jolene and her team in their seminar in Kuching, we realised they were the right people who could help us. Jolene was super patient, clear, and made things really easy to understand, even from overseas. She guided us through the whole process and gave honest advice, which we really appreciated. No pressure, just solid support and good info.
Joey Kuai
14:22 18 Aug 25
As first time buyers of an Australian property, we’re very appreciative of our great experience working with Jolene. With a limited understanding of the do’s and don’ts of the purchase process, Jolene was exceptionally professional in providing advice to us throughout the way.Jolene genuinely took care of us as customers. She patiently listened to our requirements, navigated us through the property market, and provided options that were best catered for us.From the very start, Jolene has proactively addressed all matters in supporting our purchase process. We highly recommend her for those seeking a property agent!
Brandon Tan
13:26 16 Jun 25
💎Jolene is the key to our successful purchase of our H&L package. As foreign investors we find limited options through the agencies based in our country and we have our concerns with the risks associated with a two-part contract. Jolene was able to explain the pros and cons to us with clarity.✅Able to provide detailed information of the different suburbs that we shortlisted and driving to the location of our selected option to share photos with us.✅Well verse with FIRB requirements such as application process and calculation of stamp duties.✅Well-connected, we were able to benefit from her recommendation for other professionals that is required to complete the purchase (i.e. lawyer, broker).✅Patient and swift replies, we appreciate that she goes the extra mile to update us even during her holiday!✅Assisted us on several occasions in managing the expectations of the developer while we ran into admin issues.We strongly recommend reaching out to Jolene if you are considering property investing in Australia.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thomas Peh
14:23 18 Apr 25
Very professional bunch of people. Knowledgeable and approachable
Anthony Yip
08:05 25 Jun 24
Jolene Teo has impeccable marketing service credentials for Australian residential assets. She’s patient, thoroughly customer orientated, follows through and is most helpful whenever her client needs advice or assistance with the myriad of details required when purchasing a property. I have no hesitation in recommending ARE Property Australia and her services.
Zoe Cheng
06:35 05 May 24
Purchasing an off-the-plan property as a foreigner in another country can be a lengthy process, but after a year, we finally reached settlement.I highly recommend Jolene to anyone seeking a property agent in Melbourne. Jolene was not only friendly and approachable but also highly professional. She took the time to fully grasp our needs and preferences and tirelessly searched for the best options for us.Additionally, she expertly guided us through each step of the buying process, always being prompt in her responses to our WhatsApp messages, emails, and phone calls, and patiently addressing any questions we had.Once again, thank you, Jolene, for all your assistance!
Ooi Lee Kean
12:50 02 Apr 24
I recently had the pleasure working with ARE Property, Jolene and Mica. They had exceeded my expectations. They are knowledgeable and transparent , guiding me through every steps of the process. What could have been a complicated experience turned into a very positive one. I found a unit that fit perfectly within my budget in a fantastic location in Melbourne. I am very happy with the outcome!
jenny ong
01:04 21 Aug 23
Absolutely Exceptional! I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to Jolene for her outstanding support in the pursuit of finding a new home. Her unwavering dedication, professional acumen, and guidance truly shone. Notably, she adeptly addressed our inquiries, always with our best interests in mind, contributing to a reassuring experience. Her contributions have undoubtedly facilitated a positive and seamless journey. Thank you ☺️
June Z
06:06 04 May 23
Jolene 帮助我在海外的亲戚成功购置了澳洲的投资房。我们非常感激她的经验、专业、细心和耐心。我的亲戚是第一次海外置业又不熟悉澳洲情况，几个月内问了无数问题，前后考虑了十几处房产。Jolene 一直都是悉心回应，甚至还主动指出很多我亲戚没有意识到的弊端。从购房、交割、租赁，Jolene 给了我亲戚一条龙的服务，帮我们省下了很多操心事。房子现在顺利地租出去，价值和房租都呈健康增长态势。 多谢Jolene! Highly recommended! 👍
Sam Tang
05:36 04 May 23
I had the pleasure of working with Jolene recently when I was looking to buy a property in Melbourne, and I have to say, she was an absolute star. From the moment we first connected, Jolene was friendly, approachable and professional. She took the time to really understand my needs and preferences, and worked tirelessly to find me options that ticked all the boxes.Jolene's knowledge of the Melbourne property market catering to the needs of a foreigner is second to none, and she was able to guide me through every step of the buying process with ease. She was always quick to respond to my WhatsApp, emails and phone calls, and was happy to answer any questions I had along the way.What I appreciated most about Jolene, however, was her honesty and integrity. She never tried to push me towards a property that wasn't quite right for me, and was always upfront about any potential issues or challenges with a property. This made me feel confident that I was making the right decision, and I ended up finding a unit that our family absolutely love.Overall, I can't recommend Jolene highly enough. If you're looking for a property agent in Melbourne who is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about finding the right choice for you, then Jolene is the one to choose. Thank you, Jolene, for all your hard work and support!"
Ashley Hay
13:06 06 Apr 23
Jolene is an absolute gem of knowledge. From the get-go, she’s displayed adept skills in listening to her clients’ needs prior to selecting locations. In the search for luxuriously affordable apartments located near University via public transport, Jolene smoothly helped both my partner’s and own parents (from Indonesia & Malaysia) set up investments for us. This has helped built a strong foundation of our property ventures, which we plan to dive deeper in the future. Being kind, easy to communicate with and mindful when listening, I highly recommend Jolene to anyone who’s just began searching for properties, especially foreign parents planning for their children. Lastly, to Jolene, thank you again for the wonderful service you’ve provided us with.
Balvir Bal
23:55 17 Jun 22
Jolene has been so helpful in assisting with my property search in Melbourne especially in the area that I am interested. She provide good advice and jolene have a good knowledge of the properties in melbourne. Highly recommended.
Chris Foongli
02:56 16 Jun 22
Jolene is very experienced in real estate. She is attentive, responsive and good knowledge of the property in Melbourne.
Cheryl Ng
06:55 08 Sep 21
Jolene and her team have been so helpful in assisting with my property search in Melbourne, in the way they take the time to really understand our needs and preferences, suitability and affordability, then recommending only what they would invest in themselves, which has made the process very comfortable and smooth. Would definitely recommend their services !
Jonathan Wong
23:09 27 Aug 21
I have been working with Jolene Teo on purchasing a property, as a first home buyer she has made the process an extremely pleasant one. For someone who is usually anxious when dealing with these matters, she has made the process extremely smooth and easy to do. Thank you so much and I really appreciate the care and attention to detail you have taken in making this process as simple as possible.
Xin Yen
11:19 25 Aug 21
Melbourne Property Investments is a very responsible and effective company and suggest a suitable property that customer can afford according to their needs. They also help with after purchase follow up which is very reliable. I like it a lot. It's a trustworthy place to seek advice.
may chua
01:06 19 Aug 21
Jolene and her team are very helpful. She provide very good service and advice to me and my husband although we from overseas.
alyssa ll
02:23 04 Aug 21
Jolene met my real estate needs in professional, efficient , and caring manner. She has a very patient attitude ensuring that I would be 100 percent happy with the purchase of my Apartment…
F Lim
23:37 07 Apr 21
Jolene and her team are really helpful, takes the time to answer any queries that I have and find what is suitable. 5 star service! Thank you.
TBT 2019
01:03 07 Apr 21
I invested two overseas properties consecutive through a property broker. I didn’t receive my expected services from the broker, and Jolene stepped up providing her best knowledge and support professionally. After the handover, it was unfortunate for the poor Lettings management. Again, Jolene picked up my concerns and dealt with it from all her networks. I would highly recommend Jolene to you if you are a property investors. I am sure that you will have a peaceful mind and security from Jolene’s support!
Six Penze
00:34 31 Mar 21
Very knowledgeable Ms Jolene.Assisted me in purchasing property at Australia and after sales service also very nice .More information please WhatsApp Ms Jolene +60126331006 🙏🤣
Thomas Khoo
01:44 30 Mar 21
A responsible person that you want to deal with . As a oversea buyer , either u buy or sell your house . She is able to help .
About Jolene
I'm based in Melbourne and I specialise in helping Malaysian and Singaporean families navigate the Australian property and rental market. I understand the challenges you're facing because I work with families in your situation every day — and I know what it takes to succeed in this market as an international applicant.
I've been specialising in Australian property since 2000.
We have offices in Melbourne, Australia, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, so you've got someone to speak to locally if needed.
Feel free to reach out via: jolene.teo@areproperty.com or WhatsApp +60126331006
Frequently Asked Question
Not sure which option
is right for you?
Book a free 20-minute call and we'll talk through your child's situation. No obligation.
Let's Talk Today
VISIT US
Address: 312/434 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004 VIC
CALL US
AU Phone: (03) 9998 1940
WhatsApp +60126331006