another thread on whether we can afford it !
Apr 27th 2010, 11:08 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
another thread on whether we can afford it !
Hi
I,ve finally got a job in Melbourne, forensic mental health nurse on a 457 visa.
Now I've got the jitters !
It will mean selling up everything here and making a permanent move and I,m worried re afordability.
We have four kids aged 18 yrs to 2 yrs. We would be on a little more in oz than here. We have a nice enough house in a nice enough area and a limited social life !
My question is could we have the same lifestyle if we're on the same money?
We are realistic enough in that we are not expecting a dramatic change on the same sort of money but don't want to settle for much less.
Is what we would pay extra for balanced by the cheaper things ie, more on air con less on gas ?
Also, looking at mortgage calculators we could get a $200,000 mortgage with approx $100,000 deposit, is this enough to get a 4 bed house, not sure where I'd be working in Melbourne yet but willing to travel.Would need somewhere not too out in the sticks so the older kids could travel to college etc
Any advice gratefully received
I,ve finally got a job in Melbourne, forensic mental health nurse on a 457 visa.
Now I've got the jitters !
It will mean selling up everything here and making a permanent move and I,m worried re afordability.
We have four kids aged 18 yrs to 2 yrs. We would be on a little more in oz than here. We have a nice enough house in a nice enough area and a limited social life !
My question is could we have the same lifestyle if we're on the same money?
We are realistic enough in that we are not expecting a dramatic change on the same sort of money but don't want to settle for much less.
Is what we would pay extra for balanced by the cheaper things ie, more on air con less on gas ?
Also, looking at mortgage calculators we could get a $200,000 mortgage with approx $100,000 deposit, is this enough to get a 4 bed house, not sure where I'd be working in Melbourne yet but willing to travel.Would need somewhere not too out in the sticks so the older kids could travel to college etc
Any advice gratefully received
Apr 27th 2010, 11:17 am
#2
pink 'n' bouncy
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Zombie nation
Posts: 6,087
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
$300,000 for a 4 bed house...ummmm...i'd say you'd be stuggling to find that anywhere in Melbourne TBH.
As for the social side of things if you had bugger all socialising in the Uk you're situation wont improve here,the locals like to hide away at home once they finish work.
Good luck.
As for the social side of things if you had bugger all socialising in the Uk you're situation wont improve here,the locals like to hide away at home once they finish work.
Good luck.
Apr 27th 2010, 12:14 pm
#3
Canuck/Aussie
Joined: May 2006
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 4,547
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
I don't live in Melbourne but would be surprised to find any 4 bedroom houses close to the city in that price range. For that amount of money you'd probably be a good distance out. Have you looked online at how much houses actually cost?
http://www.realestate.com.au/buy
Also I hope you don't take this the wrong way but you talk of making a permanent move, however you're on a temporary visa. You probably have a view of becoming a permanent resident but until you are you're still just temporary. If you know you want to stay permanent then I'd apply for your own visa as soon as possible and go on the 457 if you need to. Alternatively perhaps your employer would sponsor you for a permanent visa?
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/457_Visa_Restrictions
I would also double check to see if you have to pay school fees in Victoria on that visa. I know you do in NSW but I'm not sure about Victoria.
Congratulations on the job offer though, lots of people do come over on the 457 and make it work.
http://www.realestate.com.au/buy
Also I hope you don't take this the wrong way but you talk of making a permanent move, however you're on a temporary visa. You probably have a view of becoming a permanent resident but until you are you're still just temporary. If you know you want to stay permanent then I'd apply for your own visa as soon as possible and go on the 457 if you need to. Alternatively perhaps your employer would sponsor you for a permanent visa?
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/457_Visa_Restrictions
I would also double check to see if you have to pay school fees in Victoria on that visa. I know you do in NSW but I'm not sure about Victoria.
Congratulations on the job offer though, lots of people do come over on the 457 and make it work.
Apr 27th 2010, 12:30 pm
#4
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
hi
I've been offered a temp visa, just looking to see if they will offer a ENS 121.
Not got enough points now for 175, applied for regional sponsorship but that doesn't cover metropolitan melbourne. nervous of going on a temp visa in case the rules change again before we can get permanent one !
looking at house prices, not a lot under $350000 for what we need, would be able to afford the re payments, just doesn't look like we'd be offered enough on a mortgage !
Schooling free in Vic if on a permanent visa
Anne
I've been offered a temp visa, just looking to see if they will offer a ENS 121.
Not got enough points now for 175, applied for regional sponsorship but that doesn't cover metropolitan melbourne. nervous of going on a temp visa in case the rules change again before we can get permanent one !
looking at house prices, not a lot under $350000 for what we need, would be able to afford the re payments, just doesn't look like we'd be offered enough on a mortgage !
Schooling free in Vic if on a permanent visa
Anne
Apr 27th 2010, 12:31 pm
#5
Random Member
Joined: May 2009
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 769
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
That's a tough call, $300k for a 4 bed house. In theory it could be done if you don't mind a really long commute and/or in a low socio-economic suburb - have a look at Melton, Epping, Craigieburn, maybe around Sunshine too? Depends on what you're used to and what your expectations are. Would be a big call, good luck!
Apr 27th 2010, 1:00 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 208
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
We live about 15km from the CBD (NW suburbs) and you can't buy here for under 400,000 now. As the poster before said you'd probably be looking at outer suburbs for a four bedroom at 350,000 - Epping, Melton, Craigieburn. There are pretty good rail links into the city but I don't think you'd have a great social life that far out. Uni/college would be tricky to get to as well for your eldest unless he drives. Good luck anyway.
Apr 28th 2010, 12:00 am
#7
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Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Beyond the Black Stump
Posts: 162
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Most people working in big Australia cities can’t afford to live in the CBD.
Most people buy or rent cheaply in other areas or outer suburbs and commute in.
For Example: many people live in Geelong and commute every day to Melbourne CBD.
Here is a reasonably priced house in Geelong:
http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...pold-106444720
Just the same as Sydney, many people live in Wollongong or the Blue Mountains or the Central Coast, and commute in every day by car, bus or train.
It is much the same as living in cheaply in Luton and commuting to London every day.
I live in a very outer suburb of Sydney and commute into the CBD by train every day. I choose to live here because it is very beautiful. I personally choose to limit my social life, but there is so much going on in the suburb for adults, children and families, that I could have a very active social life if I chose to do so.....
(i.e.) the pub, the church, the community centre, the library, the local netball team, the local football team, the local tennis team, the local theatrics company (all of them always looking for new members to join up at the start of every season), yoga class, pilates class, plus there is the local historic society, the bush regeneration group, the local bushwalking group and the local permaculture group.
Most local people in my suburb don’t hide away at home once they finish work. And I only live in a very small outer Sydney suburb (about 40 kilometres from the CBD) – so goodness knows what social activities are on offer in a bigger town like Geelong.
Most people buy or rent cheaply in other areas or outer suburbs and commute in.
For Example: many people live in Geelong and commute every day to Melbourne CBD.
Here is a reasonably priced house in Geelong:
http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...pold-106444720
Just the same as Sydney, many people live in Wollongong or the Blue Mountains or the Central Coast, and commute in every day by car, bus or train.
It is much the same as living in cheaply in Luton and commuting to London every day.
I live in a very outer suburb of Sydney and commute into the CBD by train every day. I choose to live here because it is very beautiful. I personally choose to limit my social life, but there is so much going on in the suburb for adults, children and families, that I could have a very active social life if I chose to do so.....
(i.e.) the pub, the church, the community centre, the library, the local netball team, the local football team, the local tennis team, the local theatrics company (all of them always looking for new members to join up at the start of every season), yoga class, pilates class, plus there is the local historic society, the bush regeneration group, the local bushwalking group and the local permaculture group.
Most local people in my suburb don’t hide away at home once they finish work. And I only live in a very small outer Sydney suburb (about 40 kilometres from the CBD) – so goodness knows what social activities are on offer in a bigger town like Geelong.
Apr 28th 2010, 2:26 am
#8
Account Open
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 4,298
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Hi
I,ve finally got a job in Melbourne, forensic mental health nurse on a 457 visa.
Now I've got the jitters !
It will mean selling up everything here and making a permanent move and I,m worried re afordability.
We have four kids aged 18 yrs to 2 yrs. We would be on a little more in oz than here. We have a nice enough house in a nice enough area and a limited social life !
My question is could we have the same lifestyle if we're on the same money?
We are realistic enough in that we are not expecting a dramatic change on the same sort of money but don't want to settle for much less.
Is what we would pay extra for balanced by the cheaper things ie, more on air con less on gas ?
Also, looking at mortgage calculators we could get a $200,000 mortgage with approx $100,000 deposit, is this enough to get a 4 bed house, not sure where I'd be working in Melbourne yet but willing to travel.Would need somewhere not too out in the sticks so the older kids could travel to college etc
Any advice gratefully received
I,ve finally got a job in Melbourne, forensic mental health nurse on a 457 visa.
Now I've got the jitters !
It will mean selling up everything here and making a permanent move and I,m worried re afordability.
We have four kids aged 18 yrs to 2 yrs. We would be on a little more in oz than here. We have a nice enough house in a nice enough area and a limited social life !
My question is could we have the same lifestyle if we're on the same money?
We are realistic enough in that we are not expecting a dramatic change on the same sort of money but don't want to settle for much less.
Is what we would pay extra for balanced by the cheaper things ie, more on air con less on gas ?
Also, looking at mortgage calculators we could get a $200,000 mortgage with approx $100,000 deposit, is this enough to get a 4 bed house, not sure where I'd be working in Melbourne yet but willing to travel.Would need somewhere not too out in the sticks so the older kids could travel to college etc
Any advice gratefully received
a) are you and your partner currently working and whats your joint gross salary (rough figures I'm not trying to be nosy).
b) what area/town in the uk do you live in ?
c) when you get here, will you and your partner work ? If yes, what kind of work does your partner do... and what approximate joint income will you guys be expecting to earn.
Apr 28th 2010, 3:10 am
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,375
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
I agree, we went down to melb, well one HOUR from melb, with view to purchase of rental property, this was about 4 years ago. Budget was 400k, absolute joke, basically whats on teh net at that price were absolute dumps in reality. Prices have gone up a LOT since 4 years ago too.
Apr 28th 2010, 4:43 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Amongst Melbourne's tall gum trees
Posts: 1,323
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
As others have said, I doubt you can find many 4 bedroom houses under $400k around where we are (Northeastern middle suburbs) or even further this side or in many Melbourne suburbs for that matter.
Maybe you should just rent for a while, while on the 457, and then buy once you get PR.
Also bear in mind that 457 visa holders and dependents are considered international students for TAFE (vocational) colleges. That means a much higher fee than for Australians. Not sure about university fees, but my guess is it's be the same...
Sorry, I don't mean to sound too negative, but you really need to do your homework before you sell up in the UK.
Apr 28th 2010, 5:08 am
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Victoria
Posts: 1,395
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Most people working in big Australia cities can’t afford to live in the CBD.
Most people buy or rent cheaply in other areas or outer suburbs and commute in.
For Example: many people live in Geelong and commute every day to Melbourne CBD.
Here is a reasonably priced house in Geelong:
http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...pold-106444720
Just the same as Sydney, many people live in Wollongong or the Blue Mountains or the Central Coast, and commute in every day by car, bus or train.
It is much the same as living in cheaply in Luton and commuting to London every day.
I live in a very outer suburb of Sydney and commute into the CBD by train every day. I choose to live here because it is very beautiful. I personally choose to limit my social life, but there is so much going on in the suburb for adults, children and families, that I could have a very active social life if I chose to do so.....
(i.e.) the pub, the church, the community centre, the library, the local netball team, the local football team, the local tennis team, the local theatrics company (all of them always looking for new members to join up at the start of every season), yoga class, pilates class, plus there is the local historic society, the bush regeneration group, the local bushwalking group and the local permaculture group.
Most local people in my suburb don’t hide away at home once they finish work. And I only live in a very small outer Sydney suburb (about 40 kilometres from the CBD) – so goodness knows what social activities are on offer in a bigger town like Geelong.
Most people buy or rent cheaply in other areas or outer suburbs and commute in.
For Example: many people live in Geelong and commute every day to Melbourne CBD.
Here is a reasonably priced house in Geelong:
http://www.realestate.com.au/propert...pold-106444720
Just the same as Sydney, many people live in Wollongong or the Blue Mountains or the Central Coast, and commute in every day by car, bus or train.
It is much the same as living in cheaply in Luton and commuting to London every day.
I live in a very outer suburb of Sydney and commute into the CBD by train every day. I choose to live here because it is very beautiful. I personally choose to limit my social life, but there is so much going on in the suburb for adults, children and families, that I could have a very active social life if I chose to do so.....
(i.e.) the pub, the church, the community centre, the library, the local netball team, the local football team, the local tennis team, the local theatrics company (all of them always looking for new members to join up at the start of every season), yoga class, pilates class, plus there is the local historic society, the bush regeneration group, the local bushwalking group and the local permaculture group.
Most local people in my suburb don’t hide away at home once they finish work. And I only live in a very small outer Sydney suburb (about 40 kilometres from the CBD) – so goodness knows what social activities are on offer in a bigger town like Geelong.
To live near a station in an ok suburb in Geelong you would really struggle at that price........
Apr 28th 2010, 8:58 am
#12
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
thank you for all the comments
I've e mailed re 176 sponsorship and it looks like that's possible, we couldn't afford to go on a 457 due to college fees and medical care etc.
I work full time and husband part time,my wages would be equal that what we have here combined (more or less) and it seems to be swings and roundabouts on cost of living, what you save you spend elsewhere.
We've been researching for six months now but it's really difficult to see exactly how far things are from each other, especially since real estate.com seem to have changed their layout ! the hospital is in fairfield
We live in Nottingham, about half an hours bus ride to the center.
Son will hopefully be driving by then but husband won't be.
In an ideal world we would be within a reasonable commute for me (about 30 mins) and within reach of a decent center for shops (daughter) and college (son) in a nice community for the little ones and husband.
Please tell me this is possible ??
Anne
I've e mailed re 176 sponsorship and it looks like that's possible, we couldn't afford to go on a 457 due to college fees and medical care etc.
I work full time and husband part time,my wages would be equal that what we have here combined (more or less) and it seems to be swings and roundabouts on cost of living, what you save you spend elsewhere.
We've been researching for six months now but it's really difficult to see exactly how far things are from each other, especially since real estate.com seem to have changed their layout ! the hospital is in fairfield
We live in Nottingham, about half an hours bus ride to the center.
Son will hopefully be driving by then but husband won't be.
In an ideal world we would be within a reasonable commute for me (about 30 mins) and within reach of a decent center for shops (daughter) and college (son) in a nice community for the little ones and husband.
Please tell me this is possible ??
Anne
Apr 28th 2010, 11:42 am
#13
Random Member
Joined: May 2009
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 769
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Hi Anne,
Its the $300k that's the problem. Would you not consider renting out here? You will get far more choice in much nicer areas, as well as not having to pay council rates. For the $300 - $400 pw bracket you can get nice 4 bed houses - admittedly some are still a long way out - off the top of my head have a look at Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Taylors Lakes, Point Cook - but lots of those areas are popular with British families. Or, you could rent an older but still nice house further in - Mount Waverley, Vermont, Doncaster are all possible. Other people on here will be able to point you in the right direction for suburbs.
I honestly think the renting issue is worth some thought - better to be living somewhere half decent when you first arrive so you can give Aus a fair go instead of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere. x
Its the $300k that's the problem. Would you not consider renting out here? You will get far more choice in much nicer areas, as well as not having to pay council rates. For the $300 - $400 pw bracket you can get nice 4 bed houses - admittedly some are still a long way out - off the top of my head have a look at Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Taylors Lakes, Point Cook - but lots of those areas are popular with British families. Or, you could rent an older but still nice house further in - Mount Waverley, Vermont, Doncaster are all possible. Other people on here will be able to point you in the right direction for suburbs.
I honestly think the renting issue is worth some thought - better to be living somewhere half decent when you first arrive so you can give Aus a fair go instead of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere. x
Apr 28th 2010, 12:47 pm
#14
Account Open
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 4,298
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Hi Anne,
Its the $300k that's the problem. Would you not consider renting out here? You will get far more choice in much nicer areas, as well as not having to pay council rates. For the $300 - $400 pw bracket you can get nice 4 bed houses - admittedly some are still a long way out - off the top of my head have a look at Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Taylors Lakes, Point Cook - but lots of those areas are popular with British families. Or, you could rent an older but still nice house further in - Mount Waverley, Vermont, Doncaster are all possible. Other people on here will be able to point you in the right direction for suburbs.
I honestly think the renting issue is worth some thought - better to be living somewhere half decent when you first arrive so you can give Aus a fair go instead of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere. x
Its the $300k that's the problem. Would you not consider renting out here? You will get far more choice in much nicer areas, as well as not having to pay council rates. For the $300 - $400 pw bracket you can get nice 4 bed houses - admittedly some are still a long way out - off the top of my head have a look at Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Taylors Lakes, Point Cook - but lots of those areas are popular with British families. Or, you could rent an older but still nice house further in - Mount Waverley, Vermont, Doncaster are all possible. Other people on here will be able to point you in the right direction for suburbs.
I honestly think the renting issue is worth some thought - better to be living somewhere half decent when you first arrive so you can give Aus a fair go instead of being stuck out in the middle of nowhere. x
you mention that your salary in Aus will be roughly equal to you + husband's uk salary. Not sure how you worked it out, but for a move from Nottingham to melbourne I think you need to use an exchange rate of approx 2.5.... so if you and husband currently earn GBP30k together, then you will need to earn 75k here (in my opinion) for a similar standard of living.
If you go into this move with the mindset that "you need to buy a house" then this might not turn out to be a good move. Renting is the way forward.
Apr 28th 2010, 6:01 pm
#15
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
Re: another thread on whether we can afford it !
Hi
Sorry, think i've misled everyone. We would be renting for a while to ensure we like any area we eventually choose, I'm just thinking ahead a year or so, would feel a little nervous renting much longer in case it means a lot of short term rentals and more unsettling for the kids, Will do more research on areas. i have another interview next week which will hopefully give us more options
Anne
Sorry, think i've misled everyone. We would be renting for a while to ensure we like any area we eventually choose, I'm just thinking ahead a year or so, would feel a little nervous renting much longer in case it means a lot of short term rentals and more unsettling for the kids, Will do more research on areas. i have another interview next week which will hopefully give us more options
Anne