If there’s one region making waves in global mobility right now, it’s Australia.

Relocating talent to the Land Down Under comes with its own unique set of challenges—from navigating visa and immigration regulations to managing a tight housing market and staying on top of shifting mobility trends.

The July ATMA Australia Country Update offered timely, actionable insights into these critical areas—must-know information for companies and individuals planning a move to Australia in the near future. Let’s dive in:

Housing: Tight Markets, Soaring Prices

Australia is renowned for its high cost of living, and housing sits at the heart of this issue. In 2025, the rental market is marked by intense demand, extremely low vacancy rates, and growing affordability stress.

Currently, Australia’s vacancy rate is at 1.2%, well below the balanced rate of 3%. This means properties turn over quickly, viewing times are limited, and competition is fierce, with 20 to 70 people attending each showing. Perth and Brisbane are considered the most problematic when it comes to vacancies.

Rental prices also vary dramatically by region, with Sydney ranked as the most expensive city for housing.

“Australia is a wonderful country to live in, but it’s expensive and it’s getting more expensive. The individuals that we work with and help when they arrive in Australia are genuinely shocked at the cost of living and, in particular, the cost of housing.” 

Visa and Immigration Policies & Challenges

Visa and immigration requirements continue to be a major consideration. The primary work visa for sponsored employees—the Subclass 482 visa—allows stays of up to four years and can be renewed indefinitely.

However, application timelines remain lengthy, ranging from 2 to 6 months, and costs have risen. The principal applicant fee is now $3,210 AUD. It’s worth noting that there are visa incentives and pathways to permanent residency for people who are open to working outside of the top cities.

Employers must ensure compliance with the minimum salary requirement of $76,515 AUD, regardless of location.

“In the Australian immigration space, there will be changes, like an increase in application fees every year, and longer processing times. So, if you are looking at working in Australia or sending expats or any of your colleagues to Australia, my advice is don’t wait, and when you’re ready to make the application, jump on it before more changes are underway.”

Navigating the Australian Education System

Understanding the education system is essential for families relocating to Australia. Australia offers three main types of schooling: government (public) schools, Catholic schools, and independent (private) schools. Public schools require residency within a specific school zone. Catholic and independent schools have their own admissions processes; tuition at independent schools can range from $24,000 to $50,000 AUD per year.

In general, all schooling streams in Australia are well-received by locals and expatriate families. Extracurriculars are encouraged alongside academic education, and schools tend to be focused on the whole child rather than just grades.

Each option varies in terms of cost, culture, and enrollment criteria, making early planning critical.

A Regional Global Mobility Snapshot

Australia has a mature and thriving global mobility industry, largely driven by the mining, financial services, technology, and engineering sectors.

Despite recent economic pressures, the country remains a key player in the digital economy, with a growing number of globally connected startups.

Domestic mobility is also on the rise, with companies re-evaluating relocation policies to account for affordability concerns and a growing reluctance among employees to move.

“Domestic mobility is an established phenomenon with its own unique set of characteristics. All sectors drive domestic mobility in Australia, but none drives it quite so hard as does the mining and mineral sector.” 

The Bottom Line

Relocating talent to Australia involves careful planning and a clear understanding of local factors that may pose challenges for your mobile talent, including housing, visa and immigration policies, and the education system. Staying informed about the latest trends and challenges in the regional global mobility landscape can help companies and individuals make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition for employees and their families.

Hungry for more intel on this dynamic market?
Stay tuned—our Australia Mobility Survey drops later this year, packed with fresh insights and data-driven trends to help guide your next move to (or within) this buzzing region.