Originally Posted by Pollyana

13 days. Bring it on.

Originally Posted by Amazulu

Average temperatures have increased by roughly 1.4C since records began in 1910, with most of that since the 1950s. Air Conditioning only became viable after the invention of freon in the 1920s, but only took off really after WW2 - and in Australia, residential AC started being implemented at scale from the 1970s - 1980s. So temperatures haven't increased dramatically - unless you believe the agenda of the MSM and politicians/vested interests who wish to hurt Western society. Saying that AC is becoming more expensive to operate but if used strategically, can mean that bill shock is not too great

Energy bills are currently much higher in the UK and Europe because of Vladdie Putin but recent history had them higher in Australia. When global energy normality resumes sometime in the future that norm will come back - however, the premature rush to renewable energy may skew that again

COL is roughly the same with Australia probably a bit more expensive, but I reckon that there's not much in it overall

Average incomes are roughly 20% higher here compared to the UK. Average household disposable income is also roughly 20% higher with Australia being 3rd in the world and the UK 14th

Per capita GDP is 30% higher than the UK - an astonishing difference

Perth has the highest incomes in Australia apart from the ACT

Household wealth in Australia, by some metrics, is the highest in the world

Average figures, although better than median are also a bit out of whack as there are more higher income earners in Australia (per capita), whereas the UK has many more low income earners. The working-class doesn't really exist anymore as those with skills have become middle-class and those without have become an underclass. The UK's underclass is growing whereas the average middle-class family in Australia is in a much better situation than those in the UK

Life in 2023, for the average punter in Australia, is pretty good. It's not bad in the UK too, just better here

Originally Posted by Amazulu

Any yet, and yet and yet

There are many things in play here. How do those four countries (Australia's peers in Europe - Australia being wealthier than the big European countries of France, Germany and the UK) manage? Debt is held against an asset - for most people a home. Usually a home is worth more than is owed (I won't debate house prices as they are what they are and it's pointless arguing about them), so there's that to consider. Also, most Australians own a piece of the $3.4 trillion super pile. Sure, only can be used in retirement but it's still an asset. Confidence is key - when that goes there's usually trouble

Household debt is far too high in Australia, no question, but people in Norway and Switzerland seem to manage okay, so it's no different here really. It will be interesting to see how rising interest rates effect confidence. There's obviously an inflection point but we're not there yet. Will we be there after another three rate rises? Who knows

Originally Posted by the troubadour

Australia's super is very reliant on the share market hence hardly a guaranteed secure product.

Originally Posted by Pollyana

You're welcome to it.
i've never had air con, coping with high humidity & temps in the high 30s is a nightmare, but when I hear the guys at wotk comparing massive air con bills, it makes the pain worthwhile.

I'm well up with prices in the UK after 5 months intense research, and know that once I move back I will have a better standard of living.

13 days. Bring it on.

Originally Posted by Pollyana

You're welcome to it.
i've never had air con, coping with high humidity & temps in the high 30s is a nightmare, but when I hear the guys at wotk comparing massive air con bills, it makes the pain worthwhile.

I'm well up with prices in the UK after 5 months intense research, and know that once I move back I will have a better standard of living.

13 days. Bring it on.

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse

I agree with this. Our 3 bed/2 bath villa uses electricity for everything except hot water and the cooktop. I don't cope with hot weather very well (as in, I bloody hate it) so the air conditioning runs all day and into the evening through much of summer. It's zoned so of course I shut the doors to all the other areas and only have it on in the open kitchen/family/living area. Air con off and ceiling fan in the bedroom on at bedtime, it's enough for cooling through the nights.

My last electricity bill covered just over 2 months, consumption was 680,000 units totalling $186. The daily supply charge added $63, so the bill totalled $249. The renewable energy buyback credits from our solar panels were $85, so the amount we paid for electricity for the period was $164.

My gas bill is ridiculous, around $52 for three months, including the supply charge and account fee I promise we do shower every day and I cook a lot!

Originally Posted by brits1

It will be nearly spring time and the flowers are showing already ie snowdrops, darts etc it’s always a lovely time to see the trees start to “leaf” again one of the upsides here In the UK in Summer time is that you do not need air con (although with the last couple of summers we have had some may argue with that) our winter here in the park district has once again been mild (ish) only 4 frosty mornings so far.
We are looking at holidays to one of the med countries (plenty of bargains to be had) my OH wants to “go” in July ((I have a “big” birthday then …gulp lol) but I like to go in June as July and August
are lively months to visit the UK, anyway good luck with your move I hope you are more excited than nervous because you’ll be fine. X

Originally Posted by brits1

...now I am fashionable …that’s a first lol

Originally Posted by paddy234

I desperately want to see the construction industry improve. A new house build in Perth used to take 9 months pre covid. Now it takes around 24 months. This isn't sustainable and I don't think there is a developed country on earth as bad as this.

Originally Posted by Pollyana

It really is a mix of nervous and excited, the one thing I know is that its the right thing to do.

Originally Posted by P and M

All the very best Poll. You have waited a long time and it has been along time in the waiting. We are both very glad for you.

P&M

Originally Posted by Amazulu

Any yet, and yet and yet

There are many things in play here. How do those four countries (Australia's peers in Europe - Australia being wealthier than the big European countries of France, Germany and the UK) manage? Debt is held against an asset - for most people a home. Usually a home is worth more than is owed (I won't debate house prices as they are what they are and it's pointless arguing about them), so there's that to consider. Also, most Australians own a piece of the $3.4 trillion super pile. Sure, only can be used in retirement but it's still an asset. Confidence is key - when that goes there's usually trouble

Household debt is far too high in Australia, no question, but people in Norway and Switzerland seem to manage okay, so it's no different here really. It will be interesting to see how rising interest rates effect confidence. There's obviously an inflection point but we're not there yet. Will we be there after another three rate rises? Who knows

Originally Posted by Moses2013

I agree there is a lot to consider, just saying that living in a wealthy country doesn't mean all people are wealthy. How people feel about quality of life, happiness and wealth is also cultural and the best example is Switzerland. The Swiss are always told that they live in the best country, are wealthy and might be happy living in rented apartments, but for me that would be a huge drop in quality of life. When you look at their figures nearly 60% of the population are tenants and nearly 65% live in flats which would be my biggest nightmare. In that sense Australians are far better off and just over 10% have to live in apartments. Of course other things come into play and for the majority of people good public transport is a form of wealth. For me that would be a huge negative as I would have to spend more time with more people. Debt can be a problem if you have an already huge mortgage and mortgage rates increase, so it's all relative.

Originally Posted by Amazulu

Switzerland is a strange country. I've been there many times and despite living in one of the most beautiful, advanced, efficient countries on the planet, most people there look miserable AF. My wife's best friend used to live there and she says that a lot of people Swiss people are deeply unhappy and that depression and other mental problems are huge issues.