Originally Posted by Beoz

Looks pretty tough for those who are determined to own their own home and raise kids in Oz right now. But for the dual income, no mortage, no kids, likes of myself and my partner I can't see there is a better place to be right now. For us, we are moving for a change of scenery but mostly we are moving for the money, cash up, and hopefully add a little more to the retirement fund than we could in the UK right now.. A bit like Aussies did 10 years ago - come to London, cash up on pounds, travel a bit and return home. I still have some Aussie mates who have done 10 years in London with a wad of pounds saved up and are furious they can't return home with them.

We have a dual income £90,000 in the UK. We haven't seen a pay rise in 3 years. In fact I had to take a pay cut 2 years ago. Our jobs in Oz are earning us $280,000 dual income and on my fx rate estimation that is £180,000. Even though there is a cost of living increase in some areas what we will be able to save in Oz will hammer what we can save in the UK right now. Probably planning on sending a third back to the UK to take advantage of the FX rate, pop a third into some high interest account in Oz and spin the rest on some high risk stocks and the like. Who knows - open to suggestion.

I understand that most people aren't in our relatively flexible position, and I hope we're doing the right thing. Haven't seen anything yet to suggest otherwise.

Originally Posted by Beedubya

Good luck to you both, I hope the quantity outweighs the quality for you........I will pop back in 20 years time on BE, God willing, to check this out and to check in with you...............

Originally Posted by moneypenny20

Who knows where any of us will be in 20 years time, including you.

Originally Posted by 77hil

The ultimate irony of this thread is that it was kicked off by someone who doesn't even live here.

Originally Posted by Beedubya

Lots of ironies in this thread..............including what is deemed to be the quality of life...........

Originally Posted by Beedubya

Lots of ironies in this thread..............including what is deemed to be the quality of life...........

Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede

Has anyone actually defined "quality of life" in this thread? If so, can you provide examples and explain why you think they're ironic?

Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede

Has anyone actually defined "quality of life" in this thread? If so, can you provide examples and explain why you think they're ironic?

Originally Posted by Indented Head

Interesting points going on.

I moved to Australia 10 weeks ago , I agree its expensive to buy groceries , do a meal planner for the week . We eat very well and can afford a bowl of ice cream at the end.

Cars are expensive to buy I agree , but look at this to buy a 14 year old Corsa its about £3,500 . So cars hold some value unlike the UK.

House prises are high , as in the UK . But I did come from a 2 bed terraced in Barnsley and made a healthy return on the sale.

The cash is currently sat in the HSBC in the Uk whilst I decide what to do with it , bring it over and get 5% on my every day savings account in Australia or keep it in my 1% account in UK. A good point to Australia you get a decent savings rate.

I am looking at a $290,000 mortgage in Australia and this will get me 3 bed , 2Bathrooms and a drive with a double garage and utility, I could not of afford this in the UK ever , unless I moved to Grimethorpe in a new Haslam home that are currently up for sale at £100,000 and I would of paid £129,000.

If I dont use my Uk cash towards this buy and deduct the £13,000 first home owners grant the Australian government give me I will be able to afford this .

Happy to do overtime to pay for the special extras I may want , thats life.

Also the land and house package people like you to negotiate I managed to get $40,000 off and carpets and curtains and kitchen up grade.

Rentals are cheap if you look around in Australia , I pay $900 a month for a two bedded near the beach (3 mins away) sounds expensive but salaries cover this.

Life is not easy , I knew the rates were crap before I left the UK. But my house sold and didn't in 2002 when I last put it up for sale when the $ was strong.

I came with savings ' saved it to spend it '.

But in 2002 I would not have the cash sat in the bank I have now. And in 2002 I bought a flat in Sheffield that has a tenant in it , and its a long term investment.

In 2002 my good old Mum said dont buy a flat there not going to go up in value ????????? £20,000 since 2002.

You have to ride with the economy spite what country you are in , dont live beyond your means and you will be fine.

Last thing , two weeks ago I had $20 disposable cash before pay day. Me and some friends spent $50 between us (£35) and spent the evening at the beach and used the free gas BBQ the government provide. Fantastic evening with a burger and a few beers.

Barnsley will not give you this ' Dus Tha No Wat A MEEN '?. Make things happen.

Originally Posted by Indented Head

Interesting points going on.

I moved to Australia 10 weeks ago , I agree its expensive to buy groceries , do a meal planner for the week . We eat very well and can afford a bowl of ice cream at the end.

Cars are expensive to buy I agree , but look at this to buy a 14 year old Corsa its about £3,500 . So cars hold some value unlike the UK.

House prises are high , as in the UK . But I did come from a 2 bed terraced in Barnsley and made a healthy return on the sale.

The cash is currently sat in the HSBC in the Uk whilst I decide what to do with it , bring it over and get 5% on my every day savings account in Australia or keep it in my 1% account in UK. A good point to Australia you get a decent savings rate.

I am looking at a $290,000 mortgage in Australia and this will get me 3 bed , 2Bathrooms and a drive with a double garage and utility, I could not of afford this in the UK ever , unless I moved to Grimethorpe in a new Haslam home that are currently up for sale at £100,000 and I would of paid £129,000.

If I dont use my Uk cash towards this buy and deduct the £13,000 first home owners grant the Australian government give me I will be able to afford this .

Happy to do overtime to pay for the special extras I may want , thats life.

Also the land and house package people like you to negotiate I managed to get $40,000 off and carpets and curtains and kitchen up grade.

Rentals are cheap if you look around in Australia , I pay $900 a month for a two bedded near the beach (3 mins away) sounds expensive but salaries cover this.

Life is not easy , I knew the rates were crap before I left the UK. But my house sold and didn't in 2002 when I last put it up for sale when the $ was strong.

I came with savings ' saved it to spend it '.

But in 2002 I would not have the cash sat in the bank I have now. And in 2002 I bought a flat in Sheffield that has a tenant in it , and its a long term investment.

In 2002 my good old Mum said dont buy a flat there not going to go up in value ????????? £20,000 since 2002.

You have to ride with the economy spite what country you are in , dont live beyond your means and you will be fine.

Last thing , two weeks ago I had $20 disposable cash before pay day. Me and some friends spent $50 between us (£35) and spent the evening at the beach and used the free gas BBQ the government provide. Fantastic evening with a burger and a few beers.

Barnsley will not give you this ' Dus Tha No Wat A MEEN '?. Make things happen.

Originally Posted by smiling4

Oh and forgot because the weather is so pants, heating and electric bills are skying too!!

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus

Just a oneliner.... my last Winter electricity bill was $1100 for a quarter. At current exchange rates I make that 722 quid.

A bargain huh?