Finding a rental in Australia can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the country, relocating from overseas, or trying to secure a home with kids or pets.

In this episode of Keen On Australia, Darren is joined by Carrie-Ann, Rental Relocation Manager from Keen On Property, to break down how the Australian rental market really works in 2026. Together, they walk through where to find legitimate rentals, how affordability is assessed, common application mistakes, strategies for families and pet owners, and exactly what happens once you’re approved.

This is a practical, honest conversation based on real relocation experience, designed to help you understand the system, avoid costly mistakes, and put yourself in the strongest possible position when applying for a home.

Perfect for:

• New arrivals to Australia
• Families relocating from NZ, the UK, or elsewhere
• Anyone struggling to secure a rental
• you can down load the free ebook from this show at 
• https://keenonproperty.com.au/index.php/ebook/
• or find all the other free info on www.keenonproperty.com 
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Welcome back to 2026 and a brand-new year of Keen On Australia.

In this first episode of the year, we kick things off by reflecting on what’s ahead for the podcast in 2026 — more episodes, more real-life stories from people living across Australia, and more practical advice to help you move, settle in, and make Australia home.

We also take a moment to acknowledge the loss of Tim from the Shedbolt family, whose contribution to the Southland community in New Zealand will not be forgotten.

To start the year on a lighter note, we’re joined by Kerry for a fun and very Australian deep dive into Aussie slang. From everyday phrases like arvo and brekkie to the slang that catches newcomers out (yes — thongs and rooted make an appearance), we break down what these words actually mean and how they’re used in real life.

We also tackle one of the biggest shocks for new arrivals — Australian driving distances — and what Aussies really mean when they say something is “just up the road”.

If you’re planning a move to Australia, newly arrived, or already settled and still trying to understand the lingo, this episode is the perfect way to start the year.

🎧 Plus, we tease an upcoming episode all about renting in Australia — including what not to do when applying for a rental.

In this special festive episode of Keen On Australia, we catch up with Santa as he answers questions sent in by kids who are moving to Australia. From making new friends to what Christmas looks like Down Under, Santa helps ease worries and shares reassuring advice for children — and parents — facing a big move.

n this episode, Darren sits down with Bill Watson, CEO of First Super, to unpack everything Kiwis need to know about transferring their KiwiSaver when they move to Australia. Bill explains how Australian superannuation works, what happens when you bring your KiwiSaver across, the rules and limitations you need to be aware of, and how to avoid the common mistakes many new arrivals make.
Whether you're planning a move or already settling into Aussie life, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for managing your retirement savings with confidence.

Find out more at: https://www.firstsuper.com.au

In this episode of Keen on Australia, Darren sits down with Sarah to dive into what life is really like in Melbourne. From the culture and lifestyle to the weather, transport, neighbourhoods, and the day-to-day feel of the city, Sarah shares her firsthand experience of moving, settling in, and building a new life in one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

Whether you’re thinking of relocating to Melbourne, curious how it compares to Queensland or other parts of Australia, or just love hearing real stories from real people who’ve made the move, this episode gives you a clear, honest look at what to expect.

Sarah talks through the surprises, the challenges, the wins, and the things she wishes she’d known before arriving — making this a must-listen for anyone planning a move to Victoria.

In Episode 22 of Keen and Australia, Darren dives into one of Australia’s favourite conversation starters — the weather! With temperatures hitting 40°C yesterday, it’s the perfect time to talk about what makes Australia’s climate so unique. From summer scorchers and coastal humidity to tropical storms up north and cool changes down south, Darren shares real-life insights on what to expect, how to cope, and why Aussies just take it all in stride.

In this episode, Darren Keen is joined by Sandra Crummer from Marlun Finance to unpack the exciting new low-deposit loan options now available in Australia. Sandra explains how buyers can get into the property market with just a 5% deposit, who qualifies for these loans, and how the First Home Guarantee can make the process even easier.

We cover everything from eligibility for people on different visas, income requirements, and city purchase limits, to whether you can get approved before arriving in Australia. If you’re planning a move or looking to buy your first home, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take the right first step toward owning property in Australia.

https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/media/unlimited-places-higher-property-price-caps-first-home-buyers-1-october-2025#:~:text=24%20Aug%202025-,Unlimited%20places%2C%20higher%20property%20price%20caps%20for%20first%20home%20buyers,all%20Australians%20into%20home%20ownership

In this special Q&A edition of Keen and Australia, Darren tackles the most common questions sent in from our live Zoom events and social channels. From renting and buying property, to navigating life admin when relocating, to insider tips on settling smoothly into Queensland life — no topic is off the table.

If you’ve been wondering what it’s really like to make the move, this episode is packed with clear, practical answers that come straight from the questions our community is asking every day.

In this episode of Keen On Australia, I’m joined by the team at TORFX, a specialist foreign exchange provider helping individuals and families move their money safely and cost-effectively when relocating to Australia.

We talk about how currency transfers actually work, the hidden fees people often miss when using banks, and how TORFX can help you get more for your money with better exchange rates and personalised service. Whether you're transferring savings, buying property, or sending regular payments between countries, this episode is full of practical advice to help you make smarter financial decisions during your move.

If you're planning to relocate — or already have — and want to avoid losing money on international transfers, this one's a must-listen. Get a free quote to move your funds here https://shorturl.at/PthBv 

Thinking of teaching in Australia? I had a brilliant chat with Carly from Point to Point Education, who helps teachers relocate and find their first jobs here.

She shares everything you need to know — from navigating visas and teacher registration, to understanding what Aussie schools are really after.

If you're a teacher dreaming of life Down Under, this episode is packed with gold!