In January 2009 we will arrive in the North Lakes area - to settle down there for 12 months. First we surfed through the real estate advertisements (lots of opportunities), but now we are in doubts to sign a rental contract from Germany without visiting the object. We might stay in a hotel for some days to do the house selection while being in NL. Here are our actual questions:

- How do we buy a car from Germany in e.g. North Lakes to me mobile from the first day? Or is it better to just hire a rental car at the air port to start with?

- Who offers a unit with furniture for e.g. 20 days for two adults and two kids? That would give us some time to get rid of jet lag and to check out house opportunities...

I appreciate all ideas. Thank you.

Dirk

Hi Dirk

We managed to arrange a 3 month let on a house in North Lakes for when we first arrived from the UK.  We had to pay rent in advance.  As our furniture wasn't cleared from customs we arranged a motel in Kippa Ring (they're on the internet - Kippa Ring Village Motel)(about 10-15 mins drive) for the first week.  It was fine to start with - 2 bedrooms, washing machine, etc.  Was quite expensive $675pw but cheapest thing we could find from UK that had vacancy and all the staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.  We hired a car for the first week and bought a cheap car to get us by which we will change soon.  There is stamp duty payable on car purchases so be aware when budgeting. 

Hope this helps

Louise

Hi Louise,

Thank you for the hint. I had a look at google earth to see where the Kippa-ring Motel is located and now I do have this question: Was it loud in there as it is surrounded by major streets? Was there a lot traffice noice? Do you remember this?

Regards,

Dirk