I really want to go back to the UK (we're in the 'burbs outside Vancouver) but Mr TW doesn't really - he thinks I have a very large case of "grass is greener" syndrome I have suggested we go back to the UK (we still own a flat in London) for 6 months to try it out and see how we get on.

Has anyone else done this? How did it work out? Was it enough time? What did you like about it / didn't like about it?

I know its not a lot of time but having invested heavily in our lives here with very little gains I think I'd know within 6 months whether or not we could make a go of it but I wondered what others' experiences were!

I have a similar plan. The idea is to 'try out' UK for a year, to see if it fits. From what I've read on this forum, I think we are VERY lucky to have somewhere to live in two places, it means you can test the water without burning bridges. If you have kids it makes it a bit trickier.

There seems to be a few common factors which are more likely to make the move successful. Firstly, it's having property in UK. Secondly, it's having a bit of money behind you, and thirdly, friends or family to go back to. Even two out of three is pretty good.

Well we have 1 out of the three (friends and family) but we're still going to give it a go. Six months in the UK to try and secure jobs, not long I know, but it's all we've got before the money dries up in Oz and the mortgage kicks back in.
We fly out on the 15th July with fingers, toes and everything else crossed. If it doesn't work and we have to come back to Oz at least we will have tried, and hopefully had a bit of an adventure. After all, isn't that what life is all about?

I'm really hoping that it works out for you both.

We have family and friends, and the flat but prob not much money behind us - lol! I'd like to know we can pay the mortgage on the flat for the time that we're there so hopefully our house here will sell soon so we'll be in a better position.

Fingers crossed DH falls back in love with the UK when we're there next month!

We are going to the UK for three weeks (we're going the week after next.) We plan to spend two weeks in Torquay, walking the coastpath, relaxing, beginning to look at property to buy. We both plan to retire in 2012, and in fact I've moved to 10 month contract starting July 1... that gives me approx 60 days vacation per year which is a lot of vacation for the USA! (My wife is a teacher so she has a long summer vacation anyway.)

We have two adult children - one settled in the USA, on in England. We are thinking of gradually spending longer periods in England, buying a small place there (we are not super rich, but have always saved so can afford to pay cash for a small place in a less expensive area.) And, deciding over the next three years where to make our primary home!