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Living overseas

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Original poster

Moving to Australia?

54 replies

shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:41

Me and my partner are 26, turning 27 this year we have an almost 2 year old son, we are planning to have one more baby.

We are considering our options to move to Australia, we want a better life for our children, my uncle moved his family over there 12 years ago now and his children have now grown up and they live a much better life than I believe we can offer our son living here.

We live in the west midlands currently and there is nothing to do here, I'm scared for my son to grow up here with all the crime, the cost of living crisis and everything else, I know things will also be expensive there like food but from what I've heard your overhead costs are cheaper and the quality of like is much better and that is all I want for my son, I want him to have opportunities.

We have our own house and I think we will have about £50k in equity if we decide to sell.

Has anyone else moved to Australia? How much did it cost? What would you recommend?

OP posts:
UnicorseTime · 31/01/2023 15:44

Have you been to Australia?

What do you think will be better there?

ShittyPeasantsFromHampshire · 31/01/2023 15:46

would you qualify for a visa?

Yarrawonga · 31/01/2023 15:46

Have you ever been? I would recommend that you go and visit the area you intend to settle in before deciding whether or not to move there permanently.

Australia isn’t immune from the cost of living crisis. Inflation is running at around around 8%.

Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:49

Yarrawonga · 31/01/2023 15:46

Have you ever been? I would recommend that you go and visit the area you intend to settle in before deciding whether or not to move there permanently.

Australia isn’t immune from the cost of living crisis. Inflation is running at around around 8%.

We havnt been yet, we are planning to go in September to go to the area we plan on moving too which will be local to my uncle

OP posts:
SnoozyVanWinkle · 31/01/2023 15:50

There are vast, vast parts of Australia where there is also nothing to do. So you would need to live in a city or on a coast in order to make sure there's are things to do.

The whole thing is an expensive business, there is no doubt about it. Visas, medicals shipping all before you get there but there is no reason why you shouldn't do it. It can be a 'better life' but only if you make it better and in a way you have to make it better as you are almost forced into it.

It's not cheaper to live there but as you already have family there it could all work out.

Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:50

ShittyPeasantsFromHampshire · 31/01/2023 15:46

would you qualify for a visa?

We have not applied yet, it's very early days, we are just thinking about it right now, we are visiting in September, if at that point we like it then yes at that point we will apply

OP posts:
Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 15:51

I would definitely visit Australia first and figure out if there is a place you like. Living in Queensland is a lot different to somewhere like Victoria or South Australia, both weather-wise and culture wise.

But as an Australian myself that is now living in the UK (waiting for my visa before we make our next move), I want to move back. The quality of living is so much better than here. Better access to GPs, better weather, way more disposable cash.Yeah our grocery prices are high... but renting and buying a house? I think you'll find it's not that dissimilar to here. And the wages aren't even comparable to the UK. I would also consider the generous pension scheme Australia has in place (Google Superannuation to find out more).

I would definitely consider it if I were you.

Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:51

SnoozyVanWinkle · 31/01/2023 15:50

There are vast, vast parts of Australia where there is also nothing to do. So you would need to live in a city or on a coast in order to make sure there's are things to do.

The whole thing is an expensive business, there is no doubt about it. Visas, medicals shipping all before you get there but there is no reason why you shouldn't do it. It can be a 'better life' but only if you make it better and in a way you have to make it better as you are almost forced into it.

It's not cheaper to live there but as you already have family there it could all work out.

Perfect thank you, really appreciate your advice

OP posts:
UnicorseTime · 31/01/2023 15:52

So you want to move to somewhere youve never been to in the hope of a better life, without knowing what is better there!?

pjani · 31/01/2023 15:52

Where does your uncle live? What do you and your DH do for a living? How are you in hot weather? Do you mind massive urban sprawl and being reliant on a car? I occasionally look at houses in cities in Australia and I am staggered by the size. They are huge!

Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:54

Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 15:51

I would definitely visit Australia first and figure out if there is a place you like. Living in Queensland is a lot different to somewhere like Victoria or South Australia, both weather-wise and culture wise.

But as an Australian myself that is now living in the UK (waiting for my visa before we make our next move), I want to move back. The quality of living is so much better than here. Better access to GPs, better weather, way more disposable cash.Yeah our grocery prices are high... but renting and buying a house? I think you'll find it's not that dissimilar to here. And the wages aren't even comparable to the UK. I would also consider the generous pension scheme Australia has in place (Google Superannuation to find out more).

I would definitely consider it if I were you.

Thank you so much, it's something we are definitely going to look into, the uk it's ridiculous right now and only getting a lot worse. I really don't blame you for wanting to move back home.

We are definitely planning to visit before making our decision and have a look around

OP posts:
Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 15:57

UnicorseTime · 31/01/2023 15:52

So you want to move to somewhere youve never been to in the hope of a better life, without knowing what is better there!?

As I have said it's early days and we are just looking at our options, we are going there in September, im not just going to pop on mumnet get some advise, apply for my visa and uplift my life with my son to the other side of world by the end of the year lol, I'm just looking for some advise that's all

OP posts:
Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 16:08

It's definitely getting tougher to live here. The main problem is your society just doesn't pay appropriate wages. My partner is literally earning half of what she could be earning in Australia, but when we met she had never lived in Australia so we decided I would move here. With inflation, rising housing costs and taxes, it's getting harder and harder to live a nice life in the UK.

I would echo what some other posters have said. Australia isn't without its problems. Inflation is pushing food prices high at the moment, especially in rural areas.

But there are benefits from home that I really miss. The cheap food deals at pubs (think a pint and a burger for £10). Socializing is a lot more child friendly in Australia. Landlords (not tenants) are responsible for council tax (called rates) like you are in the UK (huge expense which took me a long time to adjust to after moving here). No little extra taxes like TV licences. Third-party insurance/road tax is wrapped up into a single payment (called registration). You do have to pay for GPs but thanks to Medicare if you find a GP that "bulk bills", so for a $40 GP appointment it may be covered or subsidised.

To be honest, I never really fretted about GP expenses or anything like that when I lived at home because I was always on decent wage (as are most Australians).

So when people say Australia is expensive, I think you really have to dig into what your expenses will be first!

PacificallyRequested · 31/01/2023 16:15

Do a search, there are literally hundreds of threads debating the pros and cons of moving to Australia.

Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 16:21

Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 16:08

It's definitely getting tougher to live here. The main problem is your society just doesn't pay appropriate wages. My partner is literally earning half of what she could be earning in Australia, but when we met she had never lived in Australia so we decided I would move here. With inflation, rising housing costs and taxes, it's getting harder and harder to live a nice life in the UK.

I would echo what some other posters have said. Australia isn't without its problems. Inflation is pushing food prices high at the moment, especially in rural areas.

But there are benefits from home that I really miss. The cheap food deals at pubs (think a pint and a burger for £10). Socializing is a lot more child friendly in Australia. Landlords (not tenants) are responsible for council tax (called rates) like you are in the UK (huge expense which took me a long time to adjust to after moving here). No little extra taxes like TV licences. Third-party insurance/road tax is wrapped up into a single payment (called registration). You do have to pay for GPs but thanks to Medicare if you find a GP that "bulk bills", so for a $40 GP appointment it may be covered or subsidised.

To be honest, I never really fretted about GP expenses or anything like that when I lived at home because I was always on decent wage (as are most Australians).

So when people say Australia is expensive, I think you really have to dig into what your expenses will be first!

Thank you so much! I 100% agree there are pros and cons to living anywhere, but I just don't feel at home in the uk anymore and thinking about my son I just know I want more for him, my partner is a manager within the cnc engineer industry from the research I have done he can make a lot more money over there.
I only work part time right now as my son is only 1, im currently a customer support and trainer for Santander but most my previous experience is in sales

We are looking forward to our visit there this year, my uncle lives in New South Wales, that's where we will be visiting

OP posts:
Original poster
shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 16:21

PacificallyRequested · 31/01/2023 16:15

Do a search, there are literally hundreds of threads debating the pros and cons of moving to Australia.

I will thank you

OP posts:
Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 17:40

shannonhinton0421 · 31/01/2023 16:21

Thank you so much! I 100% agree there are pros and cons to living anywhere, but I just don't feel at home in the uk anymore and thinking about my son I just know I want more for him, my partner is a manager within the cnc engineer industry from the research I have done he can make a lot more money over there.
I only work part time right now as my son is only 1, im currently a customer support and trainer for Santander but most my previous experience is in sales

We are looking forward to our visit there this year, my uncle lives in New South Wales, that's where we will be visiting

Show quote history

It sounds like you are both qualified and I'm sure you'll have no problems finding your partner a skills-based visa. The government releases a skills shortage list each year to determine who they will grant these to, so I suggest checking this out so see if your partner's occupation has been listed this year or in the past for some guidance.

NSW is a beautiful place!

VerveClique · 31/01/2023 17:56

NSW is vast and diverse!

Genuinely think about what you like to do. If it’s visiting a range of cities/cultural activities at all/regularly, Australia won’t be your thing.

If it’s coastal living you’re after, really research this, as it can be extortionate.

Minimalme · 31/01/2023 18:06

I know this is a very dull thing to add in but if you decide to move, make sure your relationship is rock solid.

If you split up over there (and I say this as someone who has an excellent marriage of 20 years but never banks on it staying that way) one of you might want to come back to the uk which will be difficult wrt the kids.

There are heartbreaking threads on here from women who have to stay abroad when their relationship has broken down, because they can't legally move and take the kids with them.

Aldibag · 31/01/2023 18:27

NSW is bigger than the whole of Spain and UK put together. If inland, it takes a day or more to drive to the sea. Trains are limited. So depending on where your uncle lives as to what it will be like…

Check your visa options for working visa, and timeline. Then check cost of Permanent residency and timeline, and even check cost of citizenship and timeline. So you know what it takes to stay. Costs of public schools on a working visa also.

I would check those now, because such things take a long time. I might start now on the paperwork and if you don’t end up liking in in September, pull the plug on the paperwork.

It sounds like you want to leave UK, so it might be hard for a springtime NSW holiday to let you down enough for you to stay in Blighty, especially heading into a UK winter…!

Hoistupthemainsail · 04/02/2023 04:04

We live in aus and have brought our children up here. Have most definitely given them a better childhood and they are thriving. We are too. But of course we miss family.

It is hugely expensive though. We are high earners but don't have much left over for anything to be honest. Eating out is a treat and we shop at Aldi and buy second hand. But we have a very high mortgage and have chosen private school route so of course that's expensive!!

lifeinthehills · 04/02/2023 04:59

Do some investigating into how far 50K will get you as a house deposit, especially if you're going to a major city.

spottygymbag · 04/02/2023 05:25

Be aware of childcare costs too- citizens and some visas get CCS which can cover almost half the cost. If not it's expensive with one and more so if you're planning a second. Obviously depends which part of NSW you are in but daily fees unsubsidised where we are come to $165 per child per day.
Also consider maternity leave too- you need to have been employed for 10 of the past 12 months to access the government one (again this may be dependent on your visa).

madamepresident · 04/02/2023 05:25

UnicorseTime · 31/01/2023 15:52

So you want to move to somewhere youve never been to in the hope of a better life, without knowing what is better there!?

I've done it twice 🤷🏻‍♀️ it all worked out

Cantstandbullshitanymore · 04/02/2023 22:52

Weegie91 · 31/01/2023 15:51

I would definitely visit Australia first and figure out if there is a place you like. Living in Queensland is a lot different to somewhere like Victoria or South Australia, both weather-wise and culture wise.

But as an Australian myself that is now living in the UK (waiting for my visa before we make our next move), I want to move back. The quality of living is so much better than here. Better access to GPs, better weather, way more disposable cash.Yeah our grocery prices are high... but renting and buying a house? I think you'll find it's not that dissimilar to here. And the wages aren't even comparable to the UK. I would also consider the generous pension scheme Australia has in place (Google Superannuation to find out more).

I would definitely consider it if I were you.

How dare you say Australia has better quality of living than the UK? Well go on back then to ride your spiders to work while wrestling snakes during lunch break #sarcasm

Many Brits on MN find it hard to even comprehend that people in other countries can have a better life than the UK.