0:00:02 > 0:00:06Raising your first child can be tough at the best of times,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10but it's even harder when you and your partner are like passing ships
0:00:10 > 0:00:15in the night. So how far would you go to get the time together you dream of?
0:00:15 > 0:00:19For one family it could mean moving to the other side of the world.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Working hours are playing havoc with the Guests' family life.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27I thought I'd get married and have a child and we'd spend time together,
0:00:27 > 0:00:28but we don't do that.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30She's thinking, "Where's Mummy?
0:00:30 > 0:00:32"Where was she this weekend?"
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Melissa believes the solution lies in Australia.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I think it would be a much better quality of life.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39But Chris isn't convinced.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41I've never lived outside of Sutton Coldfield.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42I've never wanted to.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46So when a trial week down under revealed some ups...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Wow. This is amazing.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49..and downs...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51You start to think, "Is it all worth it?"
0:00:51 > 0:00:54..will the family sign up for a life in the sun?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57This is the hardest decision you can ever make.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Straddling the Pacific and Indian oceans,
0:01:21 > 0:01:27Australia is the smallest continent on earth and home to just over 24 million people.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31With more than 10,000 beaches,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34a sunny climate and a great outdoor lifestyle,
0:01:34 > 0:01:40it's no surprise that every year around 30,000 Brits hope to make it their home.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Melissa Guest is desperate for more time with husband Chris and young
0:01:45 > 0:01:49daughter Quinn. And although she's never been,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53she believes moving to Australia could be the answer.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57But will the country live up to Melissa's high expectations,
0:01:57 > 0:02:02and can she persuade Chris to leave his comfortable life in the UK?
0:02:02 > 0:02:07Ahead is a week that will enable them to decide where to call home once
0:02:07 > 0:02:08and for all.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14The journey has taken the Guest family 9,000 miles from home,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16and after 18 hours in the air,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19emotions are mixed when they finally touch down in Perth.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23We're lucky with Quinn.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26She didn't play up or anything, and she slept for a bit of it.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29It just seemed like a really long time we were on the plane for.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Feeling really excited.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33It was quite an exhausting journey,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37but it was worth it and I'm really excited just to see Australia now.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Despite the distance, Chris's thoughts are still close to home.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Just the time that it's taken to actually get here,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47it does really sort of instil how far it is,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49how far away the rest of the family are.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51And now she's finally here,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Melissa's feeling the pressure to deliver the dream.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58This is definitely my one and only chance to prove to Chris that this
0:02:58 > 0:03:01is the right move. You know, if you can't prove it when you're here showing him,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03then I don't think I'd ever prove it.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06This could change our lives from this week onwards,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10so Mel has got to convince me that it is as good as she thinks it's going to be.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14It looks like Melissa will have her work cut out in the week ahead
0:03:14 > 0:03:17if she is to persuade Chris their family's future lies down under.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25The Guest family is from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28They're dad Chris, mum Melissa and one-year-old Quinn.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Since meeting five years ago,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34the couple have perfected the secret to a good marriage.
0:03:36 > 0:03:37I like to keep Mel happy.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40I do try my best to keep her happy all the time.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44Chris is always lovely to me and he always goes along with whatever I
0:03:44 > 0:03:45want just to make me happy.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48You know, Chris always says yes to me.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50But since becoming parents to Quinn,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53keeping the family home joyful is proving more difficult.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59A nurse, Melissa often works 12-hour shifts at night and weekends,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02while Chris works long days as a car salesman,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05leaving little room for quality time together.
0:04:05 > 0:04:12We end up just being ships that pass in the night, taking turns to take care of Quinn.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14It's not how I pictured family life would be, you know.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17I thought I would get married, we'd have a nice house,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19we'd have a child and we'd spend time together.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20We don't do that currently.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Time apart from Quinn is particularly upsetting for Melissa.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28If I'm doing long days or something at the weekend, you know,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31I do miss her all weekend.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35And I think she's thinking, you know, "Where's Mummy?
0:04:35 > 0:04:36"Where was she this weekend?"
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Desperate for more family time with her husband and daughter,
0:04:41 > 0:04:46Melissa's now on a mission to resurrect a long-held dream of moving to the
0:04:46 > 0:04:48other side of the world.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Ever since my friend moved to Australia when we were 16,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54it has been a dream of mine, of something that I'd love to do.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56'However it was always on the back burner, really,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00'but since having Quinn it's definitely something that, you know,
0:05:00 > 0:05:01'I feel like I need to explore more,'
0:05:01 > 0:05:06because I think it'd be a much better quality of life for her than she can
0:05:06 > 0:05:08have here in the UK.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11But while Chris agrees with Melissa's reasons for going,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15moving 9,000 miles from home has never been on his wish list.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I've never really lived outside of Sutton Coldfield.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I've never wanted to.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26I did once ask him, "If you could be born again and live anywhere in the world, where would you live?"
0:05:26 > 0:05:29And he still said Sutton Coldfield.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Needless to say, the prospect of moving to the other side of the world is
0:05:33 > 0:05:35giving cause for concern.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Mel assures me life in Australia is better.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41And Mel hasn't been, and I haven't been,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45so I'm not exactly sure where Mel's getting that information from.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Melissa spent hours researching Australia online, though,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and her findings have left her convinced the country holds the key to a
0:05:54 > 0:05:55happier future.
0:05:56 > 0:06:03I just expect it to be more of a laid-back lifestyle. Hopefully my shift patterns will be different.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07'I do believe that nurses can earn a bit more money,
0:06:07 > 0:06:12'so hopefully I may not have to work as much as I do now over there.'
0:06:12 > 0:06:16And she never misses a chance to share her vision with Chris.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17I've come home slightly late from work,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20and Mel's literally going out the door the moment I get home.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24You know, she might say, "It wouldn't be like this in Australia.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26"We'd have more time together,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28"We'd be going outside to the pool or something now."
0:06:28 > 0:06:32My dream of Australia will be, you know,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35in a lovely open-plan house.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41'Just enjoy time together, even just in the garden with Quinn playing,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43'just because the weather will allow it.'
0:06:43 > 0:06:46And hopefully having more time to be able to do that.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48What's this, then?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52But Chris won't contemplate taking the plunge if he can't put his
0:06:52 > 0:06:54practical concerns to bed.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59It's got to work financially. There's no point moving all that way to be worse off.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02And it's not just money worries holding him back.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05'I've got a big family and they're all around me,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07'they all live in Sutton Coldfield.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09'We all get on well, we have lots of banter between us,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12'and we do get together whenever we can.'
0:07:12 > 0:07:16So it would have to be a really good reason to choose to leave that.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Melissa understands it's a huge ask and,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21much as she wants to pursue the dream,
0:07:21 > 0:07:26admits leaving loved ones in the UK would be heartbreaking for everyone.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30I'm so close to my mum and to my nan, but also,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34from another point of view, you know, it's taking Quinn away from them,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36'because they love seeing her.'
0:07:36 > 0:07:38She's their granddaughter.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Ultimately, though,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43she's prepared to pay the price and confident the country will live up
0:07:43 > 0:07:45to her expectations.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49She's hoping a trial week down under will be enough to convince Chris to
0:07:49 > 0:07:51say yes to a move.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54If after this week, you know,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58I can't persuade Chris, and it hasn't convinced him that Australia is a
0:07:58 > 0:08:03good risk to take for our family, then the dream will be over for me.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06We need to make a decision this week,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10based on what we see and experience,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12as to whether this is the right choice for us.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- This week really determines where our future's going to be.- Yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28The Guests are spending their trial week in Perth,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30capital of Western Australia.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34With picture perfect beaches and expansive parklands,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37the city enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine every day.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Their base is the coastal suburb of Jindalee,
0:08:42 > 0:08:4825 miles north of Perth city centre and just a few minutes' walk from the beachfront.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Will their first taste of Australian living meet Melissa's expectations?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54I think the house looks brilliant.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55It's exactly what we want.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58It's perfect. Yeah, can't wait to look inside.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Happily, indoors looks good too.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Wow.- That is nice, isn't it?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Yeah. Nice big living area.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Yeah, it's big, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13This is the perfect house, really.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14So far.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16THEY LAUGH
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Chris isn't getting carried away,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21but the garden's just what Melissa dreams of.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Wow, this is brilliant, isn't it? - This is nice.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26This is perfect, isn't it?
0:09:26 > 0:09:29This is the exact sort of thing I was hoping for.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33It's a great start, but as the couple relax over a cuppa,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Chris isn't making any promises just yet.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Since the moment we've got here, it is exactly how I imagined it.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41You've done a bit of convincing today, so...
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- Good.- We'll see, we'll see.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Still a week to go.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Back in the UK,
0:09:53 > 0:09:58the Guest family live in a three-bedroom semidetached house in Sutton Coldfield near Birmingham.
0:09:58 > 0:10:04Our house here in the UK is sort of an old sort of cottage style house
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- which we love.- We've spent a lot of money on it and a lot of work doing it up,
0:10:09 > 0:10:13haven't we? I've tiled the bathroom, I fitted the floors.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19If they decide to move, their budget for a home down under is £250,000.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20So what kind of house are they after?
0:10:22 > 0:10:23My kitchen here in the UK,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25I absolutely love.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29However in Australia, I'd like it sort of open-plan, onto the living room,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32so, you know, Quinn can play and I can see her playing when I'm working
0:10:32 > 0:10:33in the kitchen.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36I'd love one of them huge fridges that we can fill with all
0:10:36 > 0:10:40the barbecue food and, you know, it has the ice thing on for the lovely
0:10:40 > 0:10:41weather outside.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Anything else to add to the wish list?
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Hopefully I can look out onto my pool, and the sun would be nice.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51Basically the opposite to our house in the UK.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54We want open-plan, modern,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56as new as possible.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57With a pool.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Melissa really does want that pool.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03And Chris won't settle on anything less than a show stopper.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06We've got to have that...almost that wow factor.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09You know, when people come to visit, we want them to see our house
0:11:09 > 0:11:12and think, "Wow, this is why they've done it."
0:11:16 > 0:11:19To find out what kind of house they could have in Australia,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21we'll show the family three properties.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22Two on budget,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25and a third which could be their dream home.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Only after they've seen each one will they discover its value.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32The search begins in the suburb of Butler,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36half an hour outside central Perth, and popular with young families.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43But will this four-bedroom home hit the spot?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It looks really promising from the outside, doesn't it?
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- You know.- I'm quite excited to get inside, now.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49I like the look of it.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52While Quinn stays with a childminder,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55the couple head in for a better look.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- OK, this seems small.- It's smaller than what we've got at home.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Yeah, I think I was expecting it to be bigger, and...- Yeah.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04..for a front living room, compared to what we're used to at home.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Oh, dear. It's not the best start.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Hopefully the master bedroom will impress.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11I feel like we're on the front lawn.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Yeah, we are very close to the road, really, aren't we?
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- Being on the front here. - Oh, there's your wardrobe.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23But there's one important feature missing for Melissa.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I don't like the way it hasn't got a door on it, though.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- I like to be able to shut off the mess.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Things don't improve elsewhere.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Kitchen is small.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Compact, yeah, definitely.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Feels like a caravan.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- I think this definitely doesn't have the wow factor, Mel.- No.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I don't think anybody walking in here would think...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..it's worth moving across to the other side of the world for.- No.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48I really love our kitchen at home,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- and this just doesn't compare to it at all, does it?- No.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52It's not the house of Melissa's dreams,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56and it looks like the garden could be another let-down.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58There is no pool, which is obviously,
0:12:58 > 0:12:59like, a major thing for us.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- But there is...- Yeah, I think I felt a bit disappointed
0:13:01 > 0:13:04when I sort of walked out. Like, it's big, but...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Melissa's trying to stay positive, though.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08There is room for a pool,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10depending on the price of the house, obviously.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Despite having the required four bedrooms,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17this house is falling short of the couple's expectations.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Overall, I think the house isn't for us at all.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20No, it's not for us.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25But will it be within their £250,000 budget?
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Yeah, we do need it to be, but I don't know if it's going to be.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30I want to say it's 200 grand,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32but I think it's going to be more than that.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Yeah, I think it's going to be more...more up to the 250 mark.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Time to find out.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41- OK, shall we have a look?- Yep.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47That's £7,000 under budget,
0:13:47 > 0:13:48but more than they were hoping.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49It's disappointing,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53cos it means we might not be able to afford what we actually want.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56If everything we saw was that price and we got this for it,
0:13:56 > 0:13:57I wouldn't want to move.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Even I wouldn't move for it.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03With both Chris and Melissa disappointed by the first house,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06it's important that property two impresses
0:14:06 > 0:14:08if Melissa's dream is to get back on track.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12The next property lies in Quinns Rocks,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14the closest coastal suburb to Perth.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Just a few minutes' drive to the beach,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19and with a children's park opposite for Quinn,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22will this home rebuild Melissa's vision?
0:14:22 > 0:14:23Not sure if I like it.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Are you not?- No.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Oh. Not a great start for Chris.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29But Melissa's feeling more positive.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34I quite like it. I like the view that it looks onto, the park.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36Yeah, I like the view, I agree with you on that.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40But it's not long before Chris' doubts make Melissa reconsider.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I'm not sure if I like the light brick.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Yeah, maybe, I'm not sure about the brick either,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- now you've mentioned it. - Doesn't look modern to me.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52And once inside, Chris' opinion cools even further.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53OK, this is a bit weird, isn't it?
0:14:53 > 0:14:54Coming into a room?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58I don't feel like it's a warm entrance.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01It feels like you walk in, and you walked into an office.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04In the master bedroom, Melissa tries to find a positive.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07Feels small, but I think they've got quite a big bed.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09It's not wowing me.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12But her enthusiasm quickly wanes.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15You know, you couldn't, like, have a dressing table in here, or...
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- No.- I mean, you literally have your bed and your bedside table,
0:15:19 > 0:15:20and that's it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22So I think I'd like a bit more room, really.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It might all hang on the spacious walk-in wardrobe.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- There's plenty of space in there. - Loads of room in there, isn't there?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Again, though, it's what's missing that swings it for Melissa.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33I would like a walk-in wardrobe,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36but I'd just rather it had a door on.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39And even the en suite falls short of the space they're after.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41This is really small.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It's just like...a cupboard.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Yeah.- At this point,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I don't feel like I need to see the rest of the house.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- Really?- Yeah, I'm just not...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Well, I'm intrigued just to, you know, see a bit further.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54With Chris ready to give up on the house,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57the kitchen desperately needs to deliver the space they crave.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00So I think the kitchen area is, you know, it's big enough.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Yeah.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Mmm, Chris doesn't sound too convinced.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07And even Melissa can't find a positive in the sitting room.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09It's just way too small.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11We wouldn't even consider it, would we?
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- No.- That's the thing,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16we want a place where we're excited to get people to come over.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Yeah.- And we don't even like this place.- No.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23When I bought my first flat when I was 20,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- that's what it feels like.- Yeah.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Just doesn't feel like a forward step at all.- No.
0:16:28 > 0:16:33Will the outdoor space provide the wow factor they're after?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I think it would have to be an amazing house
0:16:35 > 0:16:38to justify not having a pool, and right now, we've not seen that.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42No. I think if you're moving to Australia you, you know...
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- you want a pool, don't you? - The whole point is to be outside.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49There's no hiding his true feelings on this house for Chris.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I feel like even my body language is saying, "I don't like it!"
0:16:53 > 0:16:56While the house didn't deliver the dream for the couple,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00with £250,000 to spend, will it be in line with their budget?
0:17:02 > 0:17:03No part of it made me think,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05"Oh, yeah, this is worth moving for."
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Every room really is too small.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Yeah, the whole house is too small, the garden was too small,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13there's no pool. I think this has got to be...
0:17:14 > 0:17:16220.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I'd like it to be, but I think it's going to be more like 240.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24- Shall we have a look then?- Yep.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32That's £9,000 under budget.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36What worries me is, if this is all we can afford,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39then it's not the dream that, you know, I've had,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41and it's not the lifestyle that I would want here,
0:17:41 > 0:17:43to live in a house like this.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Yeah, I just feel deflated now.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48So it kind of makes me think that
0:17:48 > 0:17:50we might not be able to do it at all.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54With both properties underwhelming them so far,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57hopefully it'll be third time lucky
0:17:57 > 0:18:00if Melissa is to persuade Chris making the move would be worth it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02For the final viewing,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05we found the family what could be their dream home.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Just over 30 miles from central Perth,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11it's in the coastal suburb of Yanchep, close to the beach
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and on the doorstep of the Yanchep National Park.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16This spacious beach-style home
0:18:16 > 0:18:19should have all the space the family need.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Will it be worth the wait?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- This is more like it, isn't it? - Yeah, this is it,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- this is what we imagined. - Much more like it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27It's the happiest Chris has been all day.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Let's hope the inside's as nice as the outside.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Ah, yeah, and I hope it's affordable.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Fingers crossed.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37This is very nice.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Yeah.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Nice, welcoming entrance hall.- Yeah.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43And even the floor is impressing.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I like the floor, it makes it, just gives it, like...
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Yeah, I do love the floor.- It is a posh feel, isn't it, you know?- Yeah.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51And the smiles continue into the master bedroom.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54This is much more like it.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Yeah.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58This is lovely.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Enough space, Chris?
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- It's big as well, isn't it?- Yeah, massive room.- Big, bright and airy.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04You can put chairs there, so you can sit in the window.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06And the en suite?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- This is more like it, isn't it? - Much more like it.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- This is a wow en suite.- Yeah.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12Finally, the wow factor.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15And it continues into the walk-in wardrobe.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16Wow.
0:19:18 > 0:19:19This is a walk-in wardrobe, yeah.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Celebrity wardrobe, isn't it?
0:19:21 > 0:19:24At last, the all-important door.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26And it's closed behind a door, as well, which is perfect.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Yeah, it's what we wanted. Yeah, absolutely.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30So you can just put all your mess in here.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Only problem is...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36I don't know if I've really got enough clothes to fill this, though.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38It's pretty big, isn't it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41The bedrooms are much more to the couple's taste,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44and Chris can imagine feeling right at home here.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45This would suit anybody, wouldn't it?
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- Whether you've got guests coming, or if it was Quinn's room.- Yeah.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51You know what I mean? It's just a nice room, isn't it?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53I think anybody would be happy to stay in here.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56And just when they thought things couldn't get any better...
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Wow. This is amazing.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I think we've seen enough, haven't we?
0:20:00 > 0:20:01This will do.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03This is what we're thinking of.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- This is what we have in our head, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I think it's better than anything I had in my head.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11It definitely has that wow factor we talked about, doesn't it?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Yeah, bags full.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16And the kitchen is giving Chris food for thought.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18Do you think you could cook a dinner in here?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Yeah, without a doubt.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23This house is everything Melissa dreamed of, and more.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26When I've been imagining, you know,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28open-plan, me cooking in the kitchen,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31you playing with Quinn, this is the exact thing...
0:20:31 > 0:20:33This is the dream kitchen.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36And the dining room leaves them almost speechless.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- I don't know what to say. - What an amazing dining room.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I don't think I've ever seen one like it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46And the view. Just...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's a good view.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51But will the outdoor space continue the dream?
0:20:51 > 0:20:52I can really see us out here.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- Yeah, this is... - Yeah, it's really nice.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56..perfect.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58It's just got everything, hasn't it?
0:20:58 > 0:20:59- Yeah.- Jacuzzi, pool.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- A little grass area up there, as well.- For Quinn to play.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06And Chris is finally starting to sound
0:21:06 > 0:21:09like a move could be on the cards.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I think there's no doubting this would be the right move,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- if we could afford it.- Yeah. - It's not missing anything, is it?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16No, nothing.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19There's nothing else I can think of that it needs.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- It needs us living in it. - Apart from that.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Before they pack their bags,
0:21:24 > 0:21:28they'll need to see how much the dream property costs.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31I'd say it's about £450,000.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33I mean, I hope the fact that it's perhaps a bit further out,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36that maybe that would help the price a little bit,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- but I still think it's going to be way over budget.- Yeah.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Time to find out.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48That's £98,000 over their budget, but...
0:21:50 > 0:21:51OK. I'm quite shocked by that.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Less than I thought. - A lot less than I thought.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Yeah.- Obviously, it's still way out of our budget,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00but maybe we can find something in the middle.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04House-hunting has given the guests plenty to ponder.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Although property one was under budget,
0:22:06 > 0:22:10the layout and room sizes left both Chris and Melissa disappointed.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14The second property also came in under budget,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18but didn't have the modern feel or pool they longed for.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20The final house was a dream come true,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24it's just the price tag that proved a potential nightmare.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28So when it comes to Australian property,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30how will the couple cast their vote?
0:22:43 > 0:22:44- Australia.- UK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I'm really surprised you voted UK.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51I think I was just trying to be realistic, really.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55I think based on the first two, I'd have gone UK,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57but I think because the third one just gave me a bit of hope
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- that there would be something in between...- Yeah.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02..it was enough just to swing it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04It has been a bit confusing today.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06What I've dreamed of and what I've imagined
0:23:06 > 0:23:08might not be actually real if we did live here,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10if we can't afford it.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25While Chris looks like he's now warming to the idea of living down under,
0:23:25 > 0:23:29the price of Perth properties is cooling Melissa's hopes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Finding the right jobs in Australia will be essential
0:23:32 > 0:23:34if her dream is to get back on track.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Back in the UK, Melissa is a nurse
0:23:39 > 0:23:42in an accident and emergency department.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45I really do enjoy all the work that I do here.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You know, I love meeting all the different patients and helping them.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53But with Chris working days and Melissa working nights,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55it's tough on their family life.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Most weeks, I work 12-and-a-half-hour night shifts,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02and it's a juggling act for me and Chris to be able to cope,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06looking after Quinn and actually getting enough sleep ourselves.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10In the UK, Chris has worked as a car salesman since he was 20 years old,
0:24:10 > 0:24:15and he has some major concerns about starting over down under.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19When I'm selling cars, I rely heavily on my personality,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22and I do worry whether that is transferable to Australia.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25And having done some research,
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Melissa has clear ideas about what she wants from a career in Oz.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I would hope to take home the same amount of money...
0:24:32 > 0:24:36..but for less shifts, or maybe not such unsociable hours,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39and I definitely wouldn't want to change the type of nursing that I do,
0:24:39 > 0:24:43cos I enjoy being in sort of emergency care departments.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48While Quinn stays with a childminder,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51the couple explore job opportunities in Perth.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55First up, we've arrange for Melissa to visit Joondalup Health Campus.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58It's crucial that things go well today
0:24:58 > 0:25:02if Melissa's dream of living down under is to be kept alive.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04If they haven't got the jobs here,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07and for the hours and money that I want,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09then we will not be able to do it, and, you know,
0:25:09 > 0:25:10the dream will be over.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14After a quick tour with nurse Donna McGrouther,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Melissa meets Director Of Clinical Services Ben Irish,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20and she has some important questions for him.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25So, are my skills as a nurse in the UK definitely transferable to Australia?
0:25:25 > 0:25:26Absolutely, they are.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29The nurse training from the UK is recognised in Australia.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31You would just have to register yourself
0:25:31 > 0:25:33with the appropriate authorities.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Great news, but are there any jobs in Perth?
0:25:36 > 0:25:39There are lots of hospitals within the city who are on the lookout
0:25:39 > 0:25:40for good, experienced,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43well-qualified nurses such as yourself.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45It all sounds positive for Melissa.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Meanwhile, across town, we've arranged for Chris to meet up
0:25:48 > 0:25:52with sales manager Ryan Haggerty at a car dealership in Perth.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- How are you doing?- All right, thanks. Nice to meet you.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59First up, would Chris's skills be transferable to Australia?
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Absolutely. I believe your experience certainly would transfer over to Australia.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04There's a couple of things required.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06You do need to do a salesperson's license.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Sounds good so far,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12but Chris still has concerns about securing a job in the local market.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I don't believe you'd have too much trouble finding work.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I must admit, I wish I got CVs like that more often.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23I'd be happy to take a call from you, if you needed.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24OK, cool. Thank you.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Well, that's put Chris's mind at ease.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Back at the hospital,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Melissa's mind is on the working hours she'd need to do here.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35We're very flexible with our shifts,
0:26:35 > 0:26:37particularly in the emergency department.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Certainly for working families,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41there's a number of flexible shifts that we offer.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- That's great.- We've also got an on-site childcare centre.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Yeah, that sounds brilliant.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50So Melissa can finally achieve the family time she's been craving.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53The big question is now how much would she earn?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57The basic rate salary is £42,000 a year.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Wow, that's sort of double what I earn in the UK,
0:27:00 > 0:27:01so that's brilliant.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06That's a whopping £19,000 more than Melissa brings home in the UK,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08and for less hours.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Back at the car dealership,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Chris is enquiring about his potential working week.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15The hours aren't necessarily easy.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17You do have the Sundays as a rest day,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and Saturday afternoon we finish early as well,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21so it's about 65 hours per week.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23Right. Right.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25So, not a huge difference to his hours.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Chris really needs his earnings to increase
0:27:28 > 0:27:30if he's to be tempted to make the move.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33It's very much commission geared over here,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35but I believe you'd be looking at
0:27:35 > 0:27:38probably a minimum of £40,000 annually.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41That's an increase of almost £20,000 a year,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45and with more time to spend with the family at weekends,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48it looks like Chris might be sold on a life down under.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51When they meet up to compare notes,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Melissa can't wait to tell Chris what she's discovered.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The good news is that I'd start at £42,000.
0:27:58 > 0:27:5942! That's good, isn't it?
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- Yeah.- That's a lot better than what you are on in the UK, isn't it?
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- Yeah.- You seem a lot happier.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- I could tell by your face. - Yeah, I really liked the hospital,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09and I could really imagine myself working there.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- Yeah.- How did your day go?
0:28:11 > 0:28:13It was good. Really positive.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17He seemed to think I'd probably earn at least £40,000.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19It sounds like I could be at home for most of the weekend.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21That's brilliant.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25But have they been impressed enough to leave their UK jobs behind?
0:28:37 > 0:28:39BOTH: Australia!
0:28:39 > 0:28:41So, why did you vote for Australia?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Well, obviously, you know,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46with the salary being so much more, and with the hours, hopefully,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49giving us more time as a family, that's exactly what we wanted.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Yeah, it sounds like we could have a better family life out here.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55It seems like your dream is back on track.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06The week's providing Chris and Melissa with plenty of food for thought.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09The move has always been about spending time together,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13so will a family day out sampling the Australian lifestyle
0:29:13 > 0:29:18increase Melissa's chances of making her dreams their reality?
0:29:20 > 0:29:22The family are spending their day at Perth Zoo,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24home to over 1,000 animals,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and just ten minutes' drive from Perth city centre.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31It's the ideal spot for families to enjoy a fun day out.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36The family meet with zookeeper Simone Thompson,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and after a quick tour, it's time to get hands-on,
0:29:39 > 0:29:42as it's feeding time for the kangaroos.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46Well, we're here with our resident western grey kangaroo, here.
0:29:46 > 0:29:47This is Nolga.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50You're more than welcome to feed her.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52She's very hungry, cos this is her breakfast.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54There we go.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Quinn is certainly having fun,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00and the kangaroos look like they're enjoying all of the attention.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04The day out has given Melissa
0:30:04 > 0:30:06a reminder of what's at stake this week,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and a chance to contemplate how much her move could mean.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Today's just been a lovely family day,
0:30:15 > 0:30:16spending time with Chris and Quinn.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21The whole point of coming to Australia
0:30:21 > 0:30:24is so we can spend more time together as a family.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26At home, we don't get to do that.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28It's been really good just to spend time together, you know.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31It just shows that there is a better life here.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Seeing Quinn's little face seeing a kangaroo for the first time,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36you know, you can't really put a price on that.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39Melissa's confident the day has opened Chris's eyes
0:30:39 > 0:30:42to the potential of her dream.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Chris has been really positive,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47and I think he has really come round to the idea of moving here.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51But with family on his mind, Chris still has mixed emotions.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54It's really easy to enjoy the life out here,
0:30:54 > 0:30:56it's really easy to enjoy the weather.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59You don't think about the family and the people you're leaving behind,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01because as soon as you start thinking about them,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03then you start doubting the whole thing.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I never really thought I'd leave Sutton Coldfield, myself.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07This is Mel's dream.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It's kind of an impossible decision, really,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12but it's one that has got to be made.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15The day has given Chris much to think about,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18so when it comes to lifestyle, will he choose home or away?
0:31:31 > 0:31:32BOTH: Australia!
0:31:33 > 0:31:35Why did you vote for Australia?
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Just a bit of a no-brainer,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40that you just can't do this sort of stuff back home in England.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Seeing how happy Quinn has been today, and how much fun she's had.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47For me, it just clarified the lifestyle
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I thought we could have here, spending days off together.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51So I think moving over here
0:31:51 > 0:31:54would definitely make our family life better.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57I'm really happy that again, you voted for Australia.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00I think you're really coming round to the idea,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03and it's definitely worked in my favour, you coming over here.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- It's all part of your plan.- Yeah.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14With the Aussie lifestyle winning Chris over,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Melissa's dream could finally be within reach.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20But for a new life down under to become a reality,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22the finances will have to add up,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26and a major factor is getting the right price for their UK home.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31The couple believe it's worth around £230,000.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33We sent two local estate agents round
0:32:33 > 0:32:35to give their professional valuations.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Nice hallway with wood laminate flooring.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44It's been decorated to a modern and neutral standard.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49OK, beautiful single bedroom, obviously.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Decorated as a little girl's room at the moment.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53It looks really nice, doesn't it?
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- I'm happy with it. - I'm pleased with that.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57A good-size, rustic-style kitchen.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01It's got a feature oven and range hob.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- ESTATE AGENT:- That's the living room. A little fireplace.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10Lovely, cosy family room.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Nice.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15In today's market, I would value this property at £210,000,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18and for a quick sale, I would value it at £190,000.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23I would put the property on the market for £180,000.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27For a quick sale, I would put it on the market for £172,000.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Yeah, that's quite disappointing, watching that, really, isn't it?
0:33:30 > 0:33:32It's disappointing to hear valuations like that.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35You know, I really hoped that they would agree with what we thought.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37If they were to be correct then, you know,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- it wouldn't give us the money that we needed here.- No.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43With the estimations lower than hoped for,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46the couple now need to calculate
0:33:46 > 0:33:48if they really could afford to live in Australia.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52While Quinn is looked after,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55we've provided Chris and Melissa with a cost-of-living comparison,
0:33:55 > 0:33:57starting with the weekly food bill.
0:33:57 > 0:34:03So, milk is £4.45 in the UK and £5.78 here,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06so that's £1.33 difference.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It's quite a bit more, isn't it, for milk, isn't it?
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Yeah, and we do get through quite a bit of milk, don't we?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Nappies, that sort of stands out.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19£3.39 in the UK.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21And £6.36 here.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- Almost double, isn't it? - £2.97, yeah.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28It generally seems that everything's a bit more expensive here.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Although, if you look at whole chicken for my roast chicken dinner,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36£2.99 in the UK, £3 in Australia.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- There we go.- 1p more.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- That's still more.- I'll pay that.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43So that is Chris happy, anyway.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45But when they do their sums,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48they discover their food bill will be higher than the UK.
0:34:48 > 0:34:54£50.62 worse off per week.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58That is quite a big dent on your outgoings really, isn't it?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01You know, talking £200 a month more.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05For the same. And you always moan that I don't buy enough food anyway.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Next, a look at the bigger monthly bills,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13basing their mortgage repayment on the second property they viewed.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Our mortgage at home is 764.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20And here, it would be 956.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25OK, so that would be £192 worse off.
0:35:25 > 0:35:31Council tax, we pay £94 at home, and it would only be £63 here.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33OK, that's good.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36So we'd be £31 better off.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39But it's not long before the figures start to turn again.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Gas, so, we pay £54 at home,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46and we'd pay £258 here.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- That is a massive difference, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54So, that is £204 worse off.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55That is a lot.
0:35:57 > 0:36:03So, per month in Australia, we would be £793 worse off.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Can their earnings bring better news?
0:36:07 > 0:36:12Their joint income would be £5,425 per month.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15So that means in Australia,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19we would take home an extra £2,075 per month.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23That's a healthy potential increase in their monthly income.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27So how much better off does that leave them overall?
0:36:27 > 0:36:34We would be £1,282 better off in Australia...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- ..per month.- That's a lot of money, isn't it?
0:36:38 > 0:36:42And with the surplus cash, the possibilities are endless.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44So, with that money,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47we could seriously consider stretching the budget on the house.
0:36:47 > 0:36:53£1,200 is, you know, it's almost another income, isn't it?
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Yeah. It's not just a dream, is it, now?
0:36:55 > 0:36:58It is actually a sensible, logical choice.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02No prizes for guessing which way this vote will go.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Our vote goes to...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17BOTH: Australia!
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Today was definitely the easiest vote so far.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23- Yeah.- We could buy that dream house, and still be loads better off.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24- Yeah.- You know.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Everything we hoped we could have here, basically, we can.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31So, yeah, it couldn't have gone any better.
0:37:31 > 0:37:32Yay!
0:37:37 > 0:37:39With the positive financial news,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42it looks like Melissa's mission to move is firmly on track,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45but there's one more obstacle to overcome.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Chris has made it clear he'd struggle
0:37:49 > 0:37:52with putting so much distance between him and his family.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54While Quinn takes a nap,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58the couple sit down to watch messages from home.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- Hi, Mel.- Hi, Mel and Chris. - Hi, Chris.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- Hello!- Hi!- Hope you're having a good time. We're all missing you.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07Hi, Chris. Hi, Mel.
0:38:07 > 0:38:08Hope you're having a super-duper time.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Me and Chris are very close.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13We were born 14 months apart.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16The only difference these days is I've got slightly more hair.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19He can be very annoying at times.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21He likes everything has got to be perfect.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24I think Melissa is just wonderful.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25I couldn't ask for a better sister.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Chris and Mel are really the ideal, perfect couple.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32They've got a perfect daughter,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34and they've almost got a perfect life,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36if they could just spend a bit more time together.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40When Mel first spoke to me about wanting to move to Australia...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43..my first reaction was, no.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45You can't... You can't go.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46I think it's something he needs to do.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48He's always been in Birmingham.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51He's never really left Sutton Coldfield, even.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52I think you should go for it.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55It'd be a fantastic opportunity, great experience,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58and one you should grab with both hands.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00I think I'd be heartbroken if they went, to be honest.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I'd just miss them so much.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04I just can't imagine not seeing them,
0:39:04 > 0:39:05and not seeing Quinn growing up.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07I should miss them all terrible.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Especially Melissa.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Because she's my youngest.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I'd miss them immeasurably. I would never...
0:39:18 > 0:39:20It'd never be the same.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I couldn't imagine you not being here all the time.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27It would be very difficult...
0:39:28 > 0:39:31..but, you know, you've got to do what makes you happy.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Hope you've had a lovely, lovely week.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35Can't wait for you to come home.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I know you've got a very big decision to make,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41but think carefully about it before you make your mind up.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43I won't stand in your way at all.
0:39:45 > 0:39:46Bye.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I think obviously, it's hard for them, because...
0:39:55 > 0:39:58..something would just be sort of disappearing from their lives,
0:39:58 > 0:40:00and everything else would stay the same,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02whereas for us, it's a bit exciting.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08It's just that we can't get our family balance, you know, right,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11there, but we might be able to here.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Is it worth...
0:40:13 > 0:40:15all that upset, just to make the three of us...
0:40:17 > 0:40:18have a better life together?
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- You know what I mean?- Nice to know what everyone thinks of you.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24But hard to watch.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39The decision to put nearly 9,000 miles
0:40:39 > 0:40:42between you and your loved ones is never easy.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45As Melissa and Chris prepare to choose
0:40:45 > 0:40:47between a life in Australia and the UK,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50the reality of being so far from home
0:40:50 > 0:40:52is sure to be weighing on their minds.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57When the family arrived in Perth a week ago,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Melissa had high hopes of making the country her home,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and she hasn't been disappointed.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05I've had an amazing week this week.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Australia has lived up to my expectations.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12For Chris, the week's been a real roller-coaster.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Definitely had some ups and some downs.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Your head goes from one end to the other, decision-wise.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21While Melissa's convinced a move down under would be the right one,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23if Chris falters at the final hurdle,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26she knows her dream may come to nothing.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Over here, I've seen that we can have the life that we want to have.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I really, really want to just give it a go.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37That's all I'm asking.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40We've spent all week swinging towards Australia,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42and everything seems to be in its favour.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44You watch the messages from family and friends,
0:41:44 > 0:41:48and then you start to think, "Well, actually, is it all worth it?"
0:41:48 > 0:41:51I'm still not exactly sure which way I'm going to go.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54This is the hardest decision you can ever make.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00It's time to find out where the Guest family's future lies.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Based on our week in Australia, our final vote goes to...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19BOTH: Australia!
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- Yay! Did you really say Australia? - Yeah.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- And why?- Throughout the week, everything seemed to be better,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30whether it be jobs, you know, the money we can earn,
0:42:30 > 0:42:32the place we can live in,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35the life that we could actually live, you know.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Obviously, the hardest thing is going to be leaving family behind,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41but it's not forever. You know, we are going to see everybody again.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I think for us as a family, it's the perfect time,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46with Quinn's age...
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Yeah, if we want to start fresh over here,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50I think a good time is to start it now,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52so I'm really excited, and I'm really happy that you agree with me.
0:42:58 > 0:42:59Shall we go inside?
0:42:59 > 0:43:00- It's freezing!- Come on, let's go.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09The Guests have certainly had a busy week down under,
0:43:09 > 0:43:11and wherever they go on to set up home,
0:43:11 > 0:43:15we wish Chris, Melissa and little Quinn a very happy future.