Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

We'll definitely be watching!!! :thumbup:

Looking forward to it! :thumbsup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

These programmes are edited edited & edited again.
You can still watch it if you remember the BBC did not produce them as a service to the people who are serious about emigration. They are not educational. It is supposed light entertainment. Are we really bothered that much about the price of an ice cream cone in Perth:D

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Yes, this is so true! I saw the episode where the ice cream cone was mentioned - as if it was some sort of shocking revelation. All I was thinking was that maybe that particular ice cream stand was just more expensive than others, jeez.

It's a shame it is just light entertainment...I think many people would be very interested to watch a program that was entertaining but also reflected realities and helped people to understand what you REALLY have to go through when looking to migrate...which won't be based on ice cream.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Shame they didn't give todays slot to people who hadn't arranged most of it themselves.

Mr JenJen went absolutely larey at the £30000 salary wasn't enough for him in Oz but said he thought in this country they earnt £55,000? BUT THAT'S BASED ON THEM BOTH EARNING !!!! HELLOOOOOOOOO ;);) Surely if they both worked out there it would be better.

He started off as a nurse ??? was it?

I'm sorry but be realistic people if you're thinking about emigrating over to Australia you may have to go backwards jobwise and possibly financially to begin with - work your way up and that is the price you pay for wanting 'better weather' and a different lifestyle.

If you want the same life with better weather get a tanning machine thing in your house decorate the walls in a sunny colour get a yellow rollerblind and a lightbox.

Above all BBC stop wasting my viewing time under a duvet with popcorn and put on some ppl who haven't already arranged most of it themselves.

I can cope with the moaning as I'd moan given the limited BBC ideal properties to look at - most of them I wouldn't put my dog in.
Alot of what they set up for ppl is crap I think they should pay for they're flights help them look for employers and give them 3 - 4 AREAS to look at rental and property an then it will be not so much entertainment but a relaistic emigration program

Sorry BBC but I can't take you serisouly.

THANK YOU

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

The thing that p*sses me and the OH off and I don't know if anyone's already mentioned it but why do they always have to buy a house? why can't they rent!? surely not everone goes over there and wants to buy a house straight away. (sorry if im repeating someone - I skipped some pages :unsure:)

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Well come on now, get off that fence and tell us what you really feel! :rofl:

seriously though, while I started off enjoying it, I have started getting more and more irritated by it as the week goes on. hubbie is threatening to ban me from watching it as he can no longer cope with listening to my rants! :o

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

We must be missing something here so we're hoping someone can help.
For a couple to buy a house in 2005 for 200k and for it to be worth 250k now, and a joint income of approx. 55k, how the hell can they be looking at 450k houses in Australia??? They win the lottery and just not tell anyone!!!! I know they then go on to say that they can't really afford things but why even consider houses in that range?

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Just a few points to make if I may.
First of all don't take too much notice of how much someone has to buy a house especially when considering the earlier remark about the couple who bought a house in 2005 as we don't know what size of mortgage they had on that 200k or how much savings they now have or how much of a profit they could sell their business for - obviously a few factors to consider. Secondly, the BBC will ask them for rough estimations of the size of mortgage they would be looking for in Ozz and do not dig too much into their personal or actual finances. Remember one of the houses is what they would like to aspire too.

I do think though that looking at rented accommodation is a very good idea and perhaps should be suggested to the BBC as it would be more realistic.

Can I also add that when you are being filmed, you are not warned in advance of the question they are going to ask you, but perhaps asked to buy an ice cream and make some remark about it's taste or price or whatever. You have therefore only a second or so to make a response as the camera is filming you both. I think this is why some people come out with strange remarks and they too will probably be watching the programme and laughing at their responses. I found the house views some of the funniest and hardest to respond too. It's difficult to say this room is bloody awful when, after all this is someone’s home!

I would akso just like to add that the BBC staff filming are, in our experience, very nice and genuine people but they do need to make a programme so that people like us can discuss it - if we didn't who would watch it? Oh I appreciate that it looks like a holiday but honestly it’s far from it. If you can imagine being there for 6 days and 5 of them working constantly between 8.30 - 5.30, not including possibly an hour’s drive to and from the destination, it doesn’t provide much time for relaxation, especially when it comes in dark at that time and the shops are closed!!

Ps. I’m not having ago at anyone here, definitely not, but I am just hoping to give some members a clearer understanding of what happens in a nice sort of way – I see they are asking for people to apply for the next series!!
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Never seen the program, but if somebody said that they thought they would struggle in Oz if they were only getting about the same as 30,000 GBP, which is currently about $52,000.... they were right !!

$52k pa will not go very far here.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Having recorded the programs and watched them each evening this week we love seeing the different parts of Oz but are really REALLY irritated by those rediculous map boards that they have to flip several thousand (or so it seems) times before they choose UK or AUSTRALIA! :frown: Surely they can come up with something a little more high tech than that!

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Anyone know what the Banjo (I think it is a Banjo anyway) music is called that keeps featuring in the episodes? it is catchy as hell :)

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Keep your shirt on, Jen ;).

It's on at 9am in the morning (or thereabouts), isn't it????

That tells you that the programme is meaent as very light entertainment. Not a documentary, not educational, just "fluff" really.

We used to watch it before coming out to Oz and enjoyed it for the scenery. We also enjoyed for the laughs. I think the people who go on it are very brave. Like sportsendurance said: They (a) don't get a lot of time to think before they have to speak to camera, and (b) they have no control over how it's edited.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

So overall once the right sources have been found the prices work out to be about the same. :thumbup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

if you get on be prepared for some serious editing!

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Nope sorry mate but that's not the case. The exchange rate movements and the fact that Oz never really saw much to the recession, means that general food shopping is much more expensive here than the UK. Some things are still cheaper, things like petrol and council tax, but food is much more expensive now.
I base that one the views of the last three sets of people we have had out to visit who all found Oz cripplingly expensive now.

I now await ABCDiamonds facts and figures that will dispute all that. !!

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

BBC iPlayer is only available in UK unfortunately.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl:
As I said before, the programme really has nothing to do with emigrating.
Turn over to Channel 4 at the same time. You'll get a better insight about emigration from Frasier's dog Eddie:p

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

But they would both be looking to work so I just don't get it ????

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Well the ppl are ok - i'm just annoyed the BBC have spoken to these ppl and paid for them to get out there and given them a limited choice of not really what they want???
Mind you the last family I'm sorry but I don't really know why they were on it when she'd sorted most the arrangements herself???
One of the most interesting bits for me is seeing what property they put them in according to what they can afford not watching the family do a home exchange and live in a architectural mansion which would be damn near impossible for them to afford unless they pimped out they're granny !!

The ppl on the whole are quite entertaining and I actually feel sorry for most of them as like you say it's not alot of time to be out there for a reccie or a proper look round.
The only gripe I have in particular about some of the families is allowing in particular 'children under teenage age' to decide that if they don't want to live in Oz - main reason being they'll miss they're friends :blink: then no one goes :unsure:.
Whose to say best friend won't have to move to the other side the country, best friend may be best friend now but girls in particular are fickle and I doubt kids of 8 or whatever will have the same friends when they leave to attend high school or even leave high school.

PLEASSSSE don't base it friends at home ppl it gets boring

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I don't take it so seriously, it's just a bit of entertainment.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I understand that there are many factors to take into account such as profits from homes/businesses and also savings when buyiing a new home. We're just trying to get a rough idea of what kind of property we'll be able to afford when we make the move. It does seem that the people within the programme either have incredible savings behind them or they are setting their sights too high. Even if they can buy a 450k house outright, who the heck can afford a decent lifestyle on only 30k?

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I imagine that depends on what you class as a 'decent lifestyle'. Some people like going out all the time and spending cash, others don't.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Even without a mortgage to pay, surely the running costs of a home that large woulkd exceed the income. I know I wouldn't be making the move to have a lovely home and no free money to enjoy it.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Everyone's lifestyle is different though a bit like for some they wouldn't consider a house without a pool and i've overheard ppl say if they couldn't get a house they liked with one they wouldn't move :confused:
Others wouldn't have a house with a pool regardless of how perfect that house is for them in every other way.

As has been said some people go out lots or double they're shopping bill with booze others dont

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

this has really got you all talking.
At the end of the day many expats get themselves into a massive house massive mortgage and massive debt.Many people we know both people have to work in order to pay for their dream.
Alternatively some don't and have huge equity, you never know.

To show rentals in certain areas would be difficult to say the least
1 Arrange with tenants to vacate, video and take two hours for 5 mins tv
2 They like a house furnished as it gives you the dream (if it's decent). Rentals are empty usually. Some house's are staged to sell here.
3 They'd need to tell you your up against 40 -60 other prospective tenants in popular areas put your app in and wait wait and wait. Chase, Chase, Chase and if you lucky you'll get it. Not conducive to getting you here.

They also don't tell you that most expats rent for 6 12 months or until they can get finance.:confused:

We were luckiy we sold our house just before the recession hit, it;s now worth £100,000+ less than when we sold :thumbdown:.

I find it the same cost of living or less. Utilities are cheaper, rates etc but then we don't live in the city so some things are more. Excursions are in the whole cheaper as they are free and outside.

I LOVE IT AND AM DEFINATELY IN THE RIGHT PLACE. NOTHING BETTER THAN CATCHING A WAVE FIRST THING OR THE 6AM SWIM WITH THE SURF CLUB AND YOUR BOYS.
EMBRACE THE LIFE, LIVE YOUR DREAM AND ENJOY YOUR FAMILY TO THE FULL, AND THAT'S HOW I SEE AUSTRALIA.

JANE

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

The pattern that I've mostly seen on that series so far is people have tended to overvalue their homes and have had high expectations of the house which they intended to buy. More of the same really in the sense that people expect a lot but the dots don't quite join up when it comes to financing it. Also there have been issues about transferring skills to Australia and achieving a like-for-like income.

With the state of the pound right now transferring large sums of money might in any case be unwise. As others have said, renting to start off is what most people seem to do - which is just as well because letting out your UK home until the exchange rate and/or house price improves fits in nicely with that choice. This also provides us with the important safety net in the event of things not working out on the other side.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

$30k a year is poverty levels. My last electric bill was $800. Try paying that out of a $30k a year wage.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

My other half now refuses to watch this with me, now that we know how much the editing make Oz and the people on the show seem a certain way! :rofl:
To be honest, I'm only looking at the houses now as most of the emigration information is so vague and cost of living depends on what you decide you need in your own life. My brother has what I consider a very nice life on a very small salary in Wollongong and if we're half as happy as he and his family are then it'll be worth the move from the UK.

It does get SO boring listening to folk bleating on about missing their family etc, I don't even watch that bit now. Also letting the kids have a say! Really? You're going to let an 8 year old decide the fate of the rest of the family?! But maybe that's just the editing...:thumbsup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Haha. I thought I was the only one who sky+'d it so that I can fastforward the messages from home section. Lol :rofl:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Oh no that was our reason for getting sky+ LOL

'Hope your having fun but make sure you're come back' 'don't move'.

I have a great opinion of the people who evidently don't really want them to go but suck it up don't do the sobbing and say they jsut want them to be happy - how rare those family and friends seem to be though !!

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

It was £30K not $30K

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I am getting pretty fed up with the Wanted Down as it would appear that there is some pretty smart editing going on to create maximum emotional effect/drama or these people have done very little research before thinking about a move. In the age of the internet you would think that most people would have done the sums, looked at job opportunities and house prices.

I just cant understand where people get the concept that they can move to (or near to) a major Australian city and buy a huge house, work less and be better off.

Yes houses are cheaper than the EQUIVALENT house in the UK but thats about it. Everything else costs the same cost if not more. And the cheap petrol thing doesnt count either cos you end up driving twice as far to get anywhere.

I love Australia because of the Australian way of life. I still expect to work hard, miss friends and the UK occasionally but over overall I know where I am happiest.

I cant wait to get back to Oz next month having been in the UK for the last 18 months because I have been constantly reminded why I moved to Oz in the start.:cool::thumbup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I only saw 2 episodes of the show while in the UK, it was enough:rolleyes:

One was Darwin, filmed in winter of course;) the job on a building site, no mention of the hellish like heat humidity you would experience on site most of the year, just the wonderful views:confused: I mean really, most aussie tradies cant hack Darwin weather.

Thought the aussie living costs were underestimated, even though the couples did find them expensive, I mean internet in oz for 10 a month :rofl:

Also why do the couples look at houses so much more than their UK ones, its like heres one you cant have :lol:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Before we went over with the crew I spent about 18 months researching a wide range of things, including asking many questions from you folkes. I decided before applying that my perceptions about houses would have to be different than those in the UK because it's very much about the outdoors not the indoor living - hopefully!
I had a good idea about prices although still needed reassuring about food prices, work attitudes and general accessibility to a range of amenities.
The whole opportunity I must admit confirmed very much what I already knew whereas my wife, who took very little interest in my research learned quite a lot.
I would never criticize others on the WDU programme because not only would it be totally unfair but the editing of such a programme may hide certain realities / truths. However, it does surprise me when they are extremely disappointed and surprised about such basic things as wages and have your mind changed because of the family and friends video - surely you think about this beforehand??
I leave myself open to ridicule!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

[QUOTE=sportsendurance;8235558
I leave myself open to ridicule!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:[/QUOTE]

Awwwww - bless you - I have the feeling you are getting more anxious as the days go by! If nothing else .... You have made everyone aware of how edited these programmes are. Just remember you have lots of friends here who'll enjoy your programme - and we'll let the BBC have it if they portray you badly!!!!:eek:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

As long as you don't allow your kids to make the decision and at the friends and family bit go wow now i've seen that I can't do this I think you'll be fine !!

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I found the hardest thing about dealing with the F&F video was how much it may be hurting my wife and whether I was doing the right thing. I hold huge admiration for for my wife once again in how she copes with difficult situations. I think the F&F video is good for the family to watch and I do hear others closer to home say it's one of the best parts of the programme! Personal preference I suppose

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

It would be interesting if they showed the F&F video at the start or second day as opposed to near the final day.

The way the programme is structured seems to be along the lines of:

Shock the family about house/living prices and job prospects

Show them a great outdoor life and expat community

And then tug the heartstrings with the F&F video.

Whereas if the F&F was put the front of the queue then the family may be able to process the whole situation better.

As for the kids deciding...expect blowback when they become teenagers :eek:

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

Hee hee...I saw the Darwin one too. They did mention cyclones, as in if you're very unlucky you might have to take cover once very couple of years....the wet season didn't get much of a mention...although I think one of the families they met in the park did state that they spend most of it indoors (shock horror! ;)).

My understanding is that a lot of construction work stops during the wet...that certainly wasn't mentioned.

Also noticed the $10 internet....hmmmmmm.....dial-up maybe???

From the 2 episodes I have seen WDU certainly has portrayed an Aus is expensive message though...more so than previous episodes I have seen. And having just spent 2 weeks in the UK I'd say it's an accurate comparison....comparing like for like the UK is undoubtedly cheaper in I would say most areas - even using a far higher exchange rate - no point comparing a special offer price on bread in Aus with the standard price in the UK! Compare the special with a BOGOF maybe.

The Australian house prices certainly shocked the people I was watching the show with too....and beside the tarted up showhome variety most of the houses are pretty naff....a lot of the people seem to have nicer, albeit smaller houses in the UK.

Personally from what I saw I thought WDU was getting a bit more realistic.

Re: Wanted Down Under 2010
 

I wonder how many viewers have given up on their "dream" based on what they have seen on WDU?