I just watched this program via Channel 4's online service and I thought it was a good show for what it was trying to do.

I did think that there were some things that were left a bit vague. It was stated, for example, that the home buyer was on a skilled migrant visa and at the very end, the voice-over mentioned that the permanent visa 'arrived a week later'. This certainly doesn't seem to mirror the true life situation that everyone here on this forum goes through where it takes many months for a permanent visa to come through. Getting a visa is a very difficult and painstaking experience and this just didn't come through at all on the film.

There wasn't anything as far as I could tell that would give away one way or another whether the cost of living was more or less expensive than the country the home buyers were coming from.

Based on the way the homes they looked at were showcased in the films, I can certainly see why so many Brits would be so enthusiastic about wanting to move downunder. The comparatively sheer size of the homes (particularly on the inside) is extremely desireable compared to British standards - houses here (particularly newer build) are often referred to as 'rabbit hutches' because they are so small on the inside with bedrooms barely able to accommodate decent sized beds - to say nothing of further furniture as well.

It also didn't go into any detail as far as I could see as to how the home buyers were going to fund the purchase of the home. It sort of hinted that they had the full amount (£260,000) from the sale of their home in Wales - suggesting that no mortgage was going to be necessary - an enviable position to be in which could very well explain the distinct lack of the usual intense interest or stress that normally comes with buying a new home on the part of the buyers.

Overall, I can't say that the program did anything in particular to sway my decision one way or another to move downunder. Since I'm hoping for a more spacious living style (larger home), I suppose my attraction to larger homes was somewhat confirmed by this program so that'll at least keep my interest piqued for now. Other than that, I think I'll put more stock in the research I've done myself. Anyone moving to another country needs to do so with their eyes open - if for no other reason than to see through programs like this that should not be taken completely on face value.

- CDM

I have lived in Oz for much of my life and well with shows like this its no wonder some people are disappointed when they eventually get to Oz.Yes,:glossed over rubbish IMHO !!!!!

I enjoyed watching the show. I thought Amanda had a tough job with that couple and also being so heavily pregnant.......

The couple started out with the right thoughts on buying a house and Amanda did comment on film without the couple present that they seem to have forgotten what they asked for in the beginning i.e. location is everything, the house comes second.

The couple were taken in by the whole picture perfect lifestyle that most people see on the internet when looking at houses. Amanda also showed the viewers a couple of house details where in print they looked fantastic and the pictures were beautiful and perfect but in real life, weren't that fantastic after all.

The couple had done a lot of research apparently and knew where they wanted to live, but in reality what they wanted and what they could actually get for their money were two very different things. In the end I think they had adjusted their views and were on more or less the same page as Amanda. They did just want the big new house with a big garden and the area really wasn't that important.

The husband had a job he was starting shortly after filming had finished and was over on a sponsored work visa. They had applied for a 175 independently and I bet they had just as many issues getting that sorted as people on BE do but obviously the filming of this programme had started at the end of their journey so we didn't get to see all the difficulties they may or may not have gone through.

I am pleased they found what they were looking for. I for one cannot wait to get over to Oz, but I do not have my rose tinted spectacles on. You have to take all TV programmes with a pinch of salt so to speak as you see what they want you to see. Amanda said (and I agree) that people look at houses on the internet and make up their minds about the size and type of house they want before they've even arrived in Oz, so that when they do arrive they have a preconceived idea which is often unrealistic and then are disappointed when they realise that they can't have the 5 bedroom property with a pool and huge garden all done up like something out of a magazine, in the best neighborhood for their budget. This couple certainly fitted that category. I am concerned my husband has the same view but will deal with this when we actually have the green light to go!

As an example, I like to watch X-factor (no sniggering please!) and know that it doesn't play out the way we see on TV. There are 3 rounds you have to go through before you even get to see the judges. There are 3 other producers who you audition for and give you the thumbs up or down. It isn't a private audition as we see on TV it is in front of all the other people auditioning on the day with you and often you are trying to shine over and above other noise and screaming of thousands of other hopefuls as they are filming the connecting pieces where people are screaming "I've got the x-factor". People who can actually sing are turned down in favour of the clowns that you see auditioning for the judges. Of course good singers do get through but this is luck more than talent in some cases (not all of course). It makes for great TV that's why they do it.I get so cross when I see the judges being so harsh about those that can't sing when the producers gave them false hope by putting them through to the judges auditions in the first place.
Same with these kinds of programmes. If they were all doom and gloom nobody would watch them as where is the fun in that and it doesn't make good TV. People wouldn't be inclined to watch if it burst their bubble and that would do nothing for the ratings.

I watch these programmes as it shows me what I can achieve in the future. I know moving will be hard and financially it will probably cripple us, but there are pro's that far out way the con's I think. Everyone has to look at things from their own perspective as I bet no two prospective immigrants are in the same boat.

Fully agreed with all your post and well put.

However, in regards your comment above... no-one had to turn up to the X-Factor auditions, so if they did of their own volition, so virtually everyone then, it's tough. If they think they can sing yet are truly pants, that is what makes it great - not that fact they cannot sing but the fact they think they can. Judges deserve to be harsh - live with the truth if you decided to go to the audition!

Just tried to play the Channel 4 on Demand clips and it says you have to be within the UK to watch them...is there any way around that?

Regards

Mark

Well there is that aspect of it. But I do think it is a bit over the top. It's cruel in a way, false hope and all of that. They probably think they will get in and are actually good singers. They believe this and has been reinforced by being put through 3 rounds before the actually seeing the judges. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are people who are in it just to get on TV but just think it's a bit harsh to be laughed at and have your dreams smashed especially little old ladies etc. The friends and family are also cruel for not being honest with these people.... I cringe sometimes when the really bad ones come on. I feel so embarrassed for them.

Anyway, we digress from the original post but it makes for great TV and I do watch it. Just wouldn't audition for it.

You are def ANAL(lytical)

Tried looking at the CH.4 online facility to watch this via my ibook (Apple) and it does not work?. Am in the UK. Any ideas, any IT experts out there?. The Ch.4 thing said you need a PC apparently.

Any ideas welcome

Please explain.....I do not understand psychobabble.

G

That's a bit mean to say that. Fair play peoples! Keep this forum polite and clean, some of my younger relations like to read them. Think about it. Thanks.

Me neither

That's Ok then

It is an expression often used nowadays and I'm sure most people do not know what it really means.

Just like aussies dont know what 'YOUR ROUND' means Sorry if this also offends you AND your younger relatives Gordo

For all you guys outside of the UK you need to join thebox or uknova, these are essential for expats in Australia as the local TV is dire. These sites have been mentioned in these forums many times so do a search if you need more information.

About the program, I couldn't understand why the presenter was asking a real estate agent about visa's, surely it would have been easy enough to ask a migration agent.

Hope this helps

Chris
.

Sadly, and quite pathetically, Channel 4's service is not supported on OS X. This is down to their software only supporing the DRM that comes with the latest version of Windows and IE. Not sure if they are planning an OS X version in the future or not.

You'll either have to use a PC or, as I did, install a Windows license on your Mac using Bootcamp or one of the virtualisation packages. I used VirtualBox for this and spun up a version of Windows to get the player to work.

- CDM