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Brexit

Moving to the UK from Australia

39 replies

Allybee84 · 16/01/2019 13:03

Hello everyone,

I am a 34 year old Mum based in Western Australia with my husband and little boy aged, 2.5. We are Australians with Aussie passports but also have EU passports/Italian passport via my ancestry.

We're thinking about moving to the UK and considering London. The lifestyle in Australia is great for raising a toddler but we are bored of living in an isolated city and crave the culture and proximity to Europe that the UK offers. We love the English countryside - Australia is beautiful but we love to read by the fire and trudge through mud more as much as the beach :)

It's an inopportune time to move with Brexit on the horizon and we'll have to see what happens in the coming months before we make big decisions.

I have recently finished qualification at Univery in Professional Writing and Publishing but my work history is fairly chequered/varied but I would like to find a job in media/press. My husband is a Commercial Property Valuer. I'm wondering our chances of finding jobs.

General opinions and guidance appreciated. Feel free to be as honest as you like. I guess I'm wondering how difficult it will be in the current climate and whether the lifestyle of having a toddler in London is as great as I envision. I'm fantasising about Hyde park, a white Christmas where we aren't too hot to eat pudding and roast, the museums and weekend trips to Paris. I know the realities of commuting, living in a small place and in a city where people don't make small talk but I still want it !

Feel free to give it to me straight...

OP posts:
JustKeepSwimmingJustKeepSwimmi · 16/01/2019 13:06

I would tgink london is just avout the only place more expensive than australia, and less likely to have an outside lifestyle than out of london.

Its cramped, noisy, dirty etc compared to Melbourne (we considered a london to melbourne move but moved out of lond9n instead)

Does it have to be london? Have you a high income? In which case that wouldnt matter as much and youd have access to cultural capital etc and a base to sightsee from.

Lots of australians in london!

LIZS · 16/01/2019 13:15

Start with jobs. Brexit may well affect the property market and associated fields of work, indeed it has been slow for several years. Are his qualifications transferrable? On one regular salary London cost of living could well be a stretch. I don't think we have had a white Christmas for many years!

londonmummy2 · 16/01/2019 13:18

Don't move to London unless you or your husband are very high earners. Especially if you want to live close enough to Hyde Park to take your toddler there regularly!

Start by looking at house and rental prices on Rightmove and maybe reach out to a few recruiters over here who can say how likely it would be you'd find a job and how much they'd pay. Bear in mind wages are MUCH lower here than in Aus.

Buteo · 16/01/2019 13:21

When you say EU/Italian passports, then I take it that doesn't include UK passports?

RebootYourEngine · 16/01/2019 13:43

How much research have you done?
Have you been to London or the UK before?

London is such an expensive city. I think you are looking at it through rose tinted glasses. Just like those people on wanted down under do about Australia.

noodlenosefraggle · 16/01/2019 13:50

Don't do it Grin

It may be difficult to get visas to work here as you aren't in in demand professions. After Brexit, your Italian passport won't mean anything as you'd still be subject to immigration rules. It hasn't snowed at Christmas in my lifetime, I don't think, and when I lived in London, I hardly ever went to Hyde Park as it would cost me £12 for the privelege of dragging two kids across a massive city on the tube! Have you thought about a European country?

lekkerkroketje · 16/01/2019 13:51

How about Switzerland, The Netherlands, Denmark, or Ireland instead? They've all got strong growing economies and are mostly corporate English speaking. Your EU passports would be more use there, you'd maybe get a better standard of living than in London and a much more likely white Christmas!

juneau · 16/01/2019 13:59

I'm guessing the OP would choose to move to London, due to the language. However, if the UK becomes impossible, thanks to Brexit, then Ireland would be an option. However, if you dream of a big city and all it has to offer, obviously the cities in Ireland are much smaller.

Well, your first issue will be Brexit, which you already know. None of us Brits know what the hell is going on, or will happen in the future, but as Aussies you may find that you are MORE able to move here in the future, as one thing that has been suggested is a more favourable climate for Commonwealth citizens, so you may be able to come here as Aussies, rather than as EU citizens, if that door door closes.

As for jobs - yes I'm sure you will be able to find work in London with your qualifications. However, writers/media/journalists are not particularly well paid - certainly not when it sounds like you'd like to live in central London. It certainly is lovely around Hyde Park, but the property prices are eye-watering. A quick look at 2-bedroom flats on Zoopla, Rightmove, etc, will show you what I mean. However, it is possible to live further out and still spend your weekends enjoying all that London has to offer.

Our Christmases are often grey and rainy, rather than snowy, so bear that in mind. Winter here can be cold and icy, but more frequently it's just damp and depressing! If you want snowy winters you might be better moving to Scandinavia or the Alps! As Aussies in London though you will fit right in. Many of your fellow countrymen and women are already here and you will find London is very cosmopolitan and welcoming. Plus, if you come with the attitude that you want to be here and enjoy all it has to offer, I'm sure you will!

Evidencebased · 16/01/2019 14:00

Look, I'm British, and I wouldn't move here if I had a choice.

The lack of political leadership means we're teetering on the edge of a financial depression the like of which has not been seen since the thirties. And ,sadly, I'm ashamed to say, a very anti- immigrant culture, in some places.

You would have immigration problems here.
Go to Europe, lots of lovely cities.
You might have to learn a language first, but you would also benefit from a stronger , more work experience CV before moving.

Bearbehind · 16/01/2019 14:13

Aside from everything else people have said (which is all very valid) I’d be astounded if your husbands job skills were transferable.

Valuing commercial property is surely all about knowledge and experience in the market isn’t it?

TheElementsSong · 16/01/2019 14:19

Don't come here, OP. If you have EU passports, go somewhere in mainland Europe. They have fires, and mud, and roasts, and museums.

Plus, I can't remember the last time I experienced a white Christmas, and I live in the North of England.

Allybee84 · 16/01/2019 14:55

I think the fact that a white Christmas/Europe is a cheap plane fare away is enticing enough. It's amazing to me that you have Europe on your door step . We have so few options that aren't a long haul flight with toddler. First world problems I guess...

Thanks so much for all of the advice and valid points. I only have an Italian and Australian passport and you all make valid points. I guess I'm just being a bit hopefully impractical because it's always been my dream to live/move to UK. Having said that I think rose tinted glasses are the reason we do anything major in life - it's why I'm married with a toddler.

Thanks again, can always count on these forums to read honest and intelligent advice. The points about considering other European countries - will research.

OP posts:
Allybee84 · 16/01/2019 15:20

He's not a real estate agent, he's a commercial RICS valuer which is recognised by the UK. It's less about the market and more about calculations.

OP posts:
londonmummy2 · 16/01/2019 15:42

OP are you under 31? You can come here on the 2 year visa thing if you are.

noodlenosefraggle · 16/01/2019 17:32

londonmummyop is 35.
To be honest, I'm surprised anyone with a choice is still here! I've told my kids to work towards getting good jobs that are internationally recognised so they can bugger off if needs be.

Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt · 16/01/2019 17:42

Estates Gazette for jobs, see what's out there.

Commercial property in London is very much who you know, so get networking too. If he works for a large property company now, a transfer would be easiest.

There are jobs outside London, which would be better for you if you want countryside & snow, eg round Manchester. But most are in London...

I'd do your sums carefully, as you won't be jetting off to Europe if you're broke.

explodingkitten · 16/01/2019 19:54

I think the fact that a white Christmas/Europe is a cheap plane fare away

What do you find cheap? Because it's not like a jetstar flight of 30 dollars if you'll go to a different country. Car fuel is also way more expensive. I think you should have a good look into the costs. I second looking at more than just London to save on costs.

Lonelyheart2020 · 16/01/2019 20:08

I have lived In London 27 years since birth haha
We have never had a white Xmas !
Infact last year was the first time snow landed on the floor in 4 years !
When it does snow it’s nice for about half a day before it becomes a dirty slushy slippery mess.
It’s expensive and although yes Australia seems expensive compared to wages you will get here it isn’t.
Rent is high in London for very very little
My 2 bed tiny flat is 1400 pound a month.
More than most one person wages.
Hyde park - we have been maybe 5 times since daughter was born.... and that only for winter wonderland there is some lovely parks over here but I would no where near compare it to the outdoors of some Australia.

Climate is mild but wet and a little sucky
Australians who have never been here take the kids at us not coping in 32 degree heat however I have been to both and it’s nothing like the heat in Austriala in London it’s muggy / suffocating and basically minging.
Crime rate and and gang crimes are on the up, with no help from the government with youths so this will continue to rise.

xebobfromUS · 16/01/2019 21:42

Ally

With your Italian passport, if it's snow you want you might want to check out a province of Italy called South Tyrol.

Here is an excerpt about it's weather;

" Climatically, South Tyrol may be divided into five distinct groups:

The Adige valley area, with cold winters (24-h averages in January of about 0 °C) and warm summers (24-h averages in July of about 23 °C), usually classified as Humid subtropical climate — Cfa. It has the driest and sunniest climate of the province. The main city in this area is Bolzano.

The midlands, between 300 and 900 metres, with cold winters (24-h averages in January between -3 °C and 1 °C) and mild summers (24-h averages in July between 15 °C and 21 °C); This is a typical Oceanic climate, classified as Cfb. It is usually wetter than the subtropical climate, and very snowy during the winters. During the spring and autumn, there is a large foggy season, but fog may occur even on summer mornings. Main towns in this area are Meran, Bruneck, Sterzing, and Brixen. Near the lakes in higher lands (between 1000 and 1400 meters) the humidity may make the climate in these regions milder during winter, but also cooler in summer, then, a Subpolar oceanic climate, Cfc, may occur.

The alpine valleys between 900 and 1400 metres, with a typically Humid continental climate — Dfb, covering the largest part of the province. The winters are usually very cold (24-h averages in January between -8 °C and -3 °C), and the summers, mild with averages between 14 and 19 °C. It is a very snowy climate; snow may occur from early October to April or even May. Main municipalities in this area are Urtijëi, Badia, Sexten, Toblach, Stilfs, Vöran, and Mühlwald.

The alpine valleys between 1400 and 1700 metres, with a Subarctic climate — Dfc, with harsh winters (24-h averages in January between -9 °C and -5 °C) and cool, short, rainy and foggy summers (24-h averages in July of about 12 °C). These areas usually have five months below the freezing point, and snow sometimes occurs even during the summer, in September. This climate is the wettest of the province, with large rainfalls during the summer, heavy snowfalls during spring and fall. The winter is usually a little drier, marked by freezing and dry weeks, although not sufficiently dry to be classified as a Dwc climate. Main municipalities in this area are Corvara, Sëlva, Santa Cristina Gherdëina.

The highlands above 1700 meters, with an alpine tundra climate, ET, which becomes an Ice Cap Climate, EF, above 3000 meters. The winters are cold, but sometimes not as cold as the higher valleys' winters. In January, most of the areas at 2000 meters have an average temperature of about -5 °C, while in the valleys at about 1600 meters, the mean temperature may be as low as -8 or -9 °C. The higher lands, above 3000 meters are usually extremely cold, with averages of about -14 °C during the coldest month, January. ".

South Tyrol is an amazingly economically stable province, during the 2008 financial crises and thereafter it's unemployment rate was very low, even lower than Germany's.

The largest companies seem to be very welcoming of English speakers.

The downside is that it's cities and towns are pretty small, the largest city has a population of about 100,000 people so there might not be quite the cultural attractions and events that you might want.

Meesh77 · 16/01/2019 21:50

It sounds as though you love the idea of a big city. What about a slightly smaller city like oxford or Cambridge, bath or Bristol. You can still get to London and Europe.

Edinburgh is lovely too. And it snows.

I lived in Sydney for a while and had relatives on Perth, which I visited twice. I could never live in WA, I’d be bored stupid, I sympathise with your yearning for London.

London is wonderful. I live in the north of England but get to London as often as possible, it’s less than 2 hours by train. In the last 18 months I’ve been to Berlin, Amsterdam, the Italian lakes, Tuscany, Venice. Love Europe. Don’t give up on your dream

Allybee84 · 17/01/2019 00:05

Thanks for all the brilliant advice, amazing how many prompt replies from well informed and intelligent responders. I so appreciate and my husband was stunned that my answer had been answered so thoroughly. He was however sitting there indignantly defending his profession & demand when I read out some of the answers and almost wanted to reply to one - so funny !!!
We still are set on moving but now considering various English cities besides London.
Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt Thanks for the practical and savvy advice. I think that's a good point that we'll not have as much money for travel living in central London. We have finances for a property but income is still a big factor.

Thanks Meesh77 We are considering Edinburgh and funnily enough the other exact other cities you mentioned too. Perth is lovely but yes, it's almost so lovely that it's pleasantvillish and boring - it's the 'Perth bubble' and I feel like a fish out of water. Thanks for the positive advice.

xebobfromUS this is really interesting and I will research - never considered employability in Italy so I appreciate. Someone that also shares my passion for weather.

OP posts:
Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt · 17/01/2019 00:19

Bear in mind that the Scottish property law is completely different to England & Wales.

It's even more local for employment. Fantastic place to live, Edinburgh, but dark/wet in the winter.

Birmingham might be good, airport, revamped middle, property companies, middle of the country?

Productrecall · 17/01/2019 00:29

I've lived in both London and Australia, and although Australia feels isolated and a bit culturally boring and provincial at times, it completely outweighs grimy London!
You might enjoy some of the traditional old university cities, but tbh I'd also be checking out mainland Europe esp with brexit on the horizon.

YahBasic · 17/01/2019 00:32

DH is from Perth and we have settled in the South West. He struggles with the climate - mainly it just being so grey and damp all the time. That being said, we do have a decent lifestyle here.

I work for an organisation linked to Commercial Valuers/Surveyors. There are a lot of jobs in the South West area currently, paying between 40-70k. The struggle will be in getting the foot in the door - DH struggled to find work initially despite having right to work. If he could transfer with work, that would obviously be the best way.

Friends who have tried to relocate without having professions on the skills shortage list, have basically had to take a punt on moving here and frantically job searching in the hope that they will be taken on. Ive been there myself, and it is so difficult.

That being said, you sound passionate about it, so could be worth playing the long game and exploring other options in Europe.

Beansonapost · 17/01/2019 00:50

I wouldn't.

We moved from Perth in 2017 with husband (finishing his masters) we moved to Glasgow with a 4 month old and a 2 year old.

Then we moved down south and DH got a job.

The past summer was fantastic and as my in-laws explained the best since 1976!... that's the year DH was born!!!! 😐. I really enjoyed it!

The winter I am finding a real struggle... I can't get out of bed... it's dark, it's cold, it's wet! I feel depressed. DD goes to nursery and on her morning days I have not been able to get up and take her. We did break up the winter with a Caribbean break and I felt so good waking up to blue skies every morning and even when it rained for about half a day it didn't seem as depressing as the rain here. I'm slowly and painfully watching the sunset move further away from 3pm can't wait for the long bright days again... if the summer is good this year.

I miss the bright blue skies of Perth. I don't miss the boringness of it all though. It's lovely clean city and we enjoyed it but found the lack of things to do annoying. I don't miss the heat either. But we miss sunny days so we are contemplating a move back to oz. but it's a massive decision as we have Europe here very cheaply. Plus other destinations. Australia is so far away.

I love the U.K. ... the culture etc. I feel like I belong here, I also have a fantastic job that I love... we have work like balance oddly. But the weather is doing my head in! DH is British and admits he forgot what the winter was like.

And also housing. In Glasgow we thought it would be fantastic as it was actually affordable and you could get a decent sized house for your money. But it was wetter and colder than where we are now... hence the move.

I find myself missing our Australian home & lifestyle.

Have you considered another Australian city?