0:00:02 > 0:00:05If a failed move abroad had led to years of struggling to rebuild
0:00:05 > 0:00:09your life in the UK, but you still weren't happy,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13would you feel brave enough to pack up again and follow your heart
0:00:13 > 0:00:15to the other side of the world?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20A trip down under in 2004 saw Deborah and Gethin Howells
0:00:20 > 0:00:22smitten with Australia.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24The moment we landed, we just loved it, didn't we?
0:00:24 > 0:00:2812 years on, Gethin's convinced it's where their future lies.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32I'm the one who would simply pack the bags tomorrow and jump on a plane.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36However, an unsuccessful move to the Middle East has left Deborah nervous
0:00:36 > 0:00:39about relocating for a second time.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42We really were at rock bottom as a family when we came back.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45A trial week down under could see her swayed.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49If I knew that we could afford this, then I would be really happy.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53But if the whole family don't agree, Gethin's dream could bite the dust.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Even though Australia's an amazing place,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00basically everything's scary and amazing at the same time.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Drawn by the promise of over 10,500 beaches,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29an average of nine hours of sunshine every day
0:01:29 > 0:01:32and the outdoor lifestyle that comes with it,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36it's easy to understand why over 34,000 UK residents
0:01:36 > 0:01:39move to Australia every year.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41But a life down under isn't just about sea and sun,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and almost half return home.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49When Deborah and Gethin Howells went on honeymoon to Australia in 2004,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51they fell hook, line and sinker
0:01:51 > 0:01:53for the outdoor lifestyle,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and they've dreamt of emigrating there ever since.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00But now, with two children and a failed international move
0:02:00 > 0:02:04under their belt, can they up sticks for a second time
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and relocate to the other side of the world?
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Ahead of them lies a week to see if the country lives up to expectations
0:02:11 > 0:02:15and if it's really worth giving up everything they have at home
0:02:15 > 0:02:17to start a new life down under.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22The Howells' journey to Australia takes them almost 9,000 miles
0:02:22 > 0:02:23from home,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25and, as they touch down in Perth,
0:02:25 > 0:02:28they're already feeling the distance.
0:02:30 > 0:02:31It's a long day,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and it feels like more than one day that we've actually been up in the air.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38It does make me realise how long it is away from home.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Time spent in the air has given Lewis food for thought.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45My nans might find it quite tough on the flight here,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47so I find it quite...
0:02:48 > 0:02:50..really emotional.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Gethin's thrilled to be back down under,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55but he's under no illusion about what lies ahead.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59Kind of a mix of excitement, nerves, obviously.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01This week is the perfect opportunity to show Deb
0:03:01 > 0:03:04that this is the right thing for us a family.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07If it is, then great, we're going to go forward.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11If not, then I don't know if Australia would be the place for us.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15This week could basically change the rest of our lives.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17The family set off on a journey
0:03:17 > 0:03:21which could decide on which side of the world their future lies.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24Meet the Howells.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30Dad Gethin, mum Deborah, Lewis, who's ten, and Poppy, aged five.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- I am beating you.- No, you're not!
0:03:33 > 0:03:35They live in Caerphilly in South Wales,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38but Deborah and Gethin have dreamed of moving to Australia
0:03:38 > 0:03:41ever since honeymooning there back in 2004.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Well, from the moment we landed, we just loved it, didn't we?
0:03:44 > 0:03:48It just seemed to fit everything we like to do.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50The open spaces, um...
0:03:50 > 0:03:54going to a park and seeing people playing sport...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Smitten with the warm climate and outdoor lifestyle,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59they returned to the UK,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02convinced they'd one day make the country their home.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03There was no doubt about it.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05That's where we saw our future being together.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10First, the couple focused on starting a family.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12But when Lewis was born in 2007,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16it wasn't long before Australia was back on the agenda.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Thoughts of emigrating were put on hold, though,
0:04:18 > 0:04:22when Deborah and Gethin's fathers passed away within a week of each other
0:04:22 > 0:04:2418 months later.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Both our mums were on their own,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30and then we felt that having that wrench again of them losing
0:04:30 > 0:04:34somebody else was too much for them to bear.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39The family stayed put, and Poppy was born in 2011.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42But the yearning for the climate and outdoor lifestyle they'd fallen for
0:04:42 > 0:04:44in Australia never went away,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48and when the couple were offered teaching jobs in Dubai a year later,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51it seemed like the perfect solution.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53It's not as far away, so if something happened,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55it wouldn't take a day to get home.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59It was a little bit of an easier sell to family and friends.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02With everyone's blessing,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04they packed up their lives in the UK
0:05:04 > 0:05:07and looked forward to a new life in the sunshine,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10and to begin with, it was everything they wanted.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Lifestyle-wise, fantastic.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15We had that little glimpse of
0:05:15 > 0:05:19what living in a hot climate could do for our family.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24But unknown to Mum and Dad, Lewis was struggling to cope with
0:05:24 > 0:05:27the language and cultural differences.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29It was exciting, but...
0:05:29 > 0:05:32we just couldn't understand anyone there.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34When the family returned home for Christmas,
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Lewis begged Gethin and Deborah not to return.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42A lot of stuff came out about how he was really miserable, basically.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47Putting their son's happiness first, the family moved back to the UK,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50but for Mum and Dad, picking up where they'd left off
0:05:50 > 0:05:51was far from easy.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- We had...- We had no jobs.- ..no jobs to go into.- No house.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Our house was still being rented out.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00We really were at rock bottom as a family.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Now, four years on, the couple have rebuilt their lives, but for Gethin,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09a daily three-hour commute for work has left him longing
0:06:09 > 0:06:12for the quality family time they'd enjoyed in Dubai.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I don't spend enough time at home.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18We always seem to be rushed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22We always seem to be trying to grab time together.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Desperate for change,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26he's now resurrected the couple's original plan
0:06:26 > 0:06:28to emigrate down under.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31But with a failed international move already behind them,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Deborah's fearful of following the dream.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I'm the one who would simply pack the bags tomorrow
0:06:36 > 0:06:38and jump on a plane if I could.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42She's a little bit more sensible about the approach.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Gethin is very convinced that the move to Australia is going to work.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49He would just go and do it and then think about the consequences after.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53Surprisingly, Lewis is in favour of making the move,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56but Deborah's worried history could repeat itself.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00If he comes home on the first day of school and says he doesn't like it,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03then that doesn't mean we're going to jump on a plane,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05fly back to the UK, cos we can't do that.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Lewis admits he would struggle to leave his nan.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11..school council?
0:07:12 > 0:07:14They're very close to me.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I'm scared that I'll really miss them.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20And the thought of saying goodbye to her mum for a second time
0:07:20 > 0:07:23is tearing Deborah apart too.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25I know she found it really hard when we moved to Dubai.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32And I know she'd find it really difficult...
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Sorry.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38With so much at stake,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Gethin and Deborah know a trial week in Australia
0:07:41 > 0:07:44will be their best chance to find out whether the land
0:07:44 > 0:07:47they first fell for over 12 years ago
0:07:47 > 0:07:48really can become home.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53My ideal outcome is that we all go, we all think it's great,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57the visas come through very quickly and we relocate,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59but that's the ideal outcome.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01But it's... Life's never that simple.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05It's a massive risk, and we took that risk once.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Um, do we take it again?
0:08:07 > 0:08:08I really don't know.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18The Howells are spending their trial week in Perth.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Capital of Western Australia,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23it's famed for sunshine and natural beauty.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25The final leg of their journey
0:08:25 > 0:08:27takes them to the coastal suburb of Mindarie,
0:08:27 > 0:08:2920 miles north of the city.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Their temporary base is this modern four-bedroom family home.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Will it get the week off to the start Gethin's hoping for?
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Ooh!- Nice.- Very nice.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Nice living room.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43What's around here?
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Oh, my God! Look at the kitchen!
0:08:46 > 0:08:47First impressions are good.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- This is exactly what I would want if I was to move here.- Yeah.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Just what Gethin wants to hear, and it gets better.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57And look over there by the window, guys.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Oh!
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Wow! Look at that.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02Oh, my goodness me!
0:09:04 > 0:09:05Don't fall in!
0:09:05 > 0:09:07Time to test the water!
0:09:09 > 0:09:13'As an introduction to Australia for the week, this is perfect, isn't it?'
0:09:13 > 0:09:15'Yeah, I feel comfortable here.'
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Good start, then. - It's a really good start.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20But Deborah's not getting carried away just yet.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I really don't want to be coming over here
0:09:23 > 0:09:25and we don't have any jobs,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28because then we're not going to be able to afford a house like this.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31If we're going to move, it has to work properly, doesn't it? So...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33So, a positive start.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Hopefully, the rest of the week will be exactly the same.- Hopefully.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Back in the UK, home for the Howells
0:09:46 > 0:09:48is a four-bedroom detached house in Caerphilly
0:09:48 > 0:09:50in the South Wales Valleys.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51We love our house.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55We've spent a lot of time and effort making it our house,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57making it our home.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00But there are some things they'd like to change.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03This is our kitchen area.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05This is an area where we like to kind of socialise.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08However, I don't feel it's big enough.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12Ideally, we were going to have a wall put up around by here,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15and we were going to have all this knocked through here
0:10:15 > 0:10:17from the utility room to the kitchen,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20so we have a nice, one, big, long kitchen-diner.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22So, like the Australian type of open-plan living.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25And Gethin has his own plans.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Beyond that, dream world - be a pool.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31What would you like to have if we go to Australia?
0:10:31 > 0:10:36A new bedroom. A new playroom.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37- And..- A pool?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44The couple have a budget of £250,000
0:10:44 > 0:10:46to spend on a home in Australia.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50To find out what this might get them on the Perth property market,
0:10:50 > 0:10:51we'll show them three houses,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55two on budget and a third which could be their dream home.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57The search begins in Alkimos,
0:10:57 > 0:11:02a family-friendly beach suburb 26 miles north of Perth centre.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Will this four-bedroom family home
0:11:04 > 0:11:06have the space the Howells are looking for?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- I think we're going in here. - Oh, wow.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- Oh! That's nice.- Let's have a look.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- It's a lovely area.- Everything looks really new, doesn't it?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Oh, it's a long hallway!
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Bigger than it looks from the front, isn't it?
0:11:20 > 0:11:23It's a good start, but it doesn't last.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25It's a very small kitchen, isn't it?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27You got the open plan that we all said we were looking for.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29That bit's great, but this just feels...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- There's something missing with the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Things look up in the master bedroom.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Oh, this must be...- Oh, this is nice.- ..the master bedroom.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Yeah.- Your walk-in wardrobe. - Oh, wow. Look at that, Poppy!
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Oh, that's lovely.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47The en-suite goes down a treat too.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Oh, wow! Look at this.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- This is huge for an en-suite. Look at that big shower!- Massive.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56As a massive bedroom, this ticks all the boxes for me.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57This is beautiful.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00But not all the rooms are perfect.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04It's a nice-size room for Poppy as she is now,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07but I can see her outgrowing this very quickly.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Yeah, I think she'd outgrow it as well.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Do you like this room, Poppy, or your room at home?
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Room at home.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16And Lewis is equally underwhelmed with his.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19This would be your bedroom, then, Lewis.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- Way too small for me.- I'd feel quite claustrophobic being in here.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Would you be happy to have a bedroom like this?- No.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29The family bathroom's a tight squeeze as well.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Oh! This is really small!
0:12:31 > 0:12:32I don't like this.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37The house may have the required fourth bedroom for visitors, but...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Sharing their bathroom, that small bathroom...
0:12:40 > 0:12:42It's not doing it for you, is it?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- No, sorry.- It's not doing it for me either, really, to be fair.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Outdoors falls short of the dream too.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53It's nice. It's perfect, but these two are growing,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55and would this space be enough for us?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It's got the elements that we wanted.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00But it hasn't got the wow factor.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04And it looks like the pool's not quite the knockout they'd expected.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06I don't think it is big enough.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Can't see you doing laps in that, Lewis.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's not what I sort of imagined an Australian pool to be like.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15I think as a family home, it's missing out on quite a bit.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Yeah, definitely agree.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Would we move across the world for this house?
0:13:19 > 0:13:21There's no way I would.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Despite some pleasing elements,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26overall, this property has failed to live up to the Howells' hopes
0:13:26 > 0:13:28for an Aussie home.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32But if the asking price is under their £250,000 budget,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34would it make a difference?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Right, shall we see how much it's worth?
0:13:36 > 0:13:39I've got a horrible feeling it's going to be over our budget.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42It's a new-build, it's fairly new,
0:13:42 > 0:13:43it's...the distance away from the city.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I'm hoping it's going to bring the budget, bring the price down.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I think cos it's closer to the beach,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I think it's going to bring the house price up.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Let's have a look.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59Oh!
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Oh, my God!- 255,000.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06It's £5,000 over budget.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08I'm really disappointed with that.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10I wouldn't pay that for this.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12No, no way.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Not what I think our house is worth.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17If it was between our house
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and this house, I would stay in our house.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21Shocks me, really.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Very disappointed.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Just one house down, and Gethin's dream
0:14:26 > 0:14:30of a fresh start down under's already on shaky ground.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Perhaps property two can get the dream back on track.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35It's in Butler,
0:14:35 > 0:14:39a northern suburb with plenty of amenities for family living.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Oh, wow. - Look at that!- This area is lovely.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45It's local to the shops, the lake looks good.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50Closer to Perth, properties here CAN be more expensive.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Will this three-bedroom family home be more to their liking
0:14:53 > 0:14:54than the first?
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Oh! Oh, it's a big hallway.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59- Nice.- Nice floor.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01So far, so good.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04The master bedroom's just off the main hallway.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07It's a nice size, isn't it? It's like the size of ours back home.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Yeah.- Not really sure about this, though.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16The open-plan en-suite leads to further confusion.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18I don't know if I like it or dislike it, to be honest!
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- I don't know.- I don't think it's very private.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22It's not very private, is it?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26The Aussie-style living area seems a good fit at first.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Oh, it's big, isn't it?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31But it's not long before Deborah's doubts dawn once more.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Again, I'm not quite sure about the kitchen.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36The kitchen doesn't really sell the room at all, does it?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- No.- There's some nice bits to it,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41but I don't think it's kind of what we had in our mind as somewhere...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43No, definitely not for me.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Thumbs down for inside, then.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Perhaps outdoors can lift their spirits.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- This is nice area, isn't it? - Yes.- It's very cosy.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53First impressions seem good,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55but the property's corner location
0:15:55 > 0:15:57means it's close to a busy main road.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- TRAFFIC RUMBLES - I would imagine you'd want to spend a lot of time out here,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04and whether or not that noise would be too much...
0:16:04 > 0:16:06I'd find it really hard to get used that noise.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Yeah. You want to spend your evenings and relax.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- TRAFFIC RUMBLES - Not as another one goes past!
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Not exactly what they've been hoping for.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19With little space for the children to play and a pocket-sized pool,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22the couple are once again left feeling disenchanted.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24We want our Australian dream.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- This isn't it, is it?- Outside living. This definitely isn't it.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29No, it's not for me, this one.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Lewis sums it up in a nutshell.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I think this is more for either an older couple
0:16:34 > 0:16:37or a person with no kids, really.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Do you see yourself bringing some mates back and playing?
0:16:40 > 0:16:46No, cos probably the only thing we'll be able to do is just talk.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49It's a far cry from the active, outdoorsy lifestyle
0:16:49 > 0:16:51the family crave,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53but is this house somewhere they could afford anyway
0:16:53 > 0:16:56on their £250,000 budget?
0:16:56 > 0:16:59While Poppy takes a break with a childminder,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02the rest the family prepare to find out.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I'd be very disappointed if this house was anywhere near our budget.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07How much do you think?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I think 235... 240?
0:17:10 > 0:17:15I'm hoping it's 235, but in reality,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19it's probably going to be 240 or probably above.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21OK.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Oh!
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Yes, high five.- Spot on.- Yes!
0:17:34 > 0:17:37It's £10,000 below budget.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40I'm relieved it's under budget.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Still quite shocked it's actually 240.- Very shocked.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- Yay!- I feel slightly better now.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Things are starting to look up for Gethin, but only just.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55For the final stop of the day,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59we're showing the Howells what we think could be their dream home.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01It's in Quinns Rocks,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05a coastal suburb 30 minutes' drive north of Perth centre.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07With plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10it could be the ideal location.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13Will this four-bedroom home be what the family are looking for?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Oh, very nice.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's definitely more like what we were thinking of.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22And the kitchen just seems to be part of the space
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- rather than just an added extra. - Plonked in.- Yeah.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27It's delivering so far.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31This is what I had in mind with your typical Australian house.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34It's kind of filled me with a little bit more hope.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38I can definitely tell that this is one of the houses I would like to live in.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43The master bedroom's a hit.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44It's a nice size.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Yeah.- Very tastefully decorated as well.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49There's a nice walk-in wardrobe there.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Yeah, I have to say, this house is definitely...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- It's ticking more boxes.- Tick more boxes, yeah. Most definitely.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57And the en-suite doesn't disappoint either.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58Wow, this is lovely.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Oh, a double shower!
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Save time in the mornings!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Four bedrooms means plenty of room for guests.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Oh, this is a nice room. So they use this as a study at the moment,
0:19:09 > 0:19:11so this could be used as a bedroom as well.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14A spare bedroom, for when your nans come over.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Friends.- Friends come over to stay.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18It's got a lovely view, though, hasn't it?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Look at the beautiful view it's got as well.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23And the outside area's a definite winner.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Wow.- Whoa.- That's more like it.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Oh, that's a swimming pool, isn't it?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30It looks like it's got a Jacuzzi right at the back.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Oh, my gosh, and a hot tub!
0:19:32 > 0:19:35So you've got summer and winter ticked off here, haven't you?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Got a lovely play area as well. Look at the seating area.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- Wow.- This is definitely what I think of
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- when I think of Australian outdoor living.- Yeah.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46And Lewis is keen to try out the facilities.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49This is living in Australia, definitely!
0:19:51 > 0:19:55It looks like this could be a turning point for Deborah too.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57If I knew that we could afford this,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00without going massively over our budget,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04then I would be really happy to move out here to a house like this.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05See how much it costs first!
0:20:07 > 0:20:09With everyone excited about this house,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12let's hope the price tag doesn't burst their bubble.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Their budget is £250,000.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17It's a nice house, isn't it?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Yeah.- Very nice. Best one today.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Yeah.- All down to this.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25I don't think we're going to go over our budget by much, though.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I think 300.- Yeah, I think we're far enough away from the city
0:20:28 > 0:20:29to keep it under that.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- Do you?- I think we're going to go maybe 260.- 260?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- 260, 270.- 260, 270?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41You ready for this?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46SHE GASPS
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Ooh.- Ooh.- I think I won.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53It's £42,000 over budget, but they're not put off.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Thing is, it's not too much outside our budget because it depends
0:20:57 > 0:20:59on how much our house sells for.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- And how much we potentially could earn.- And how much we could earn.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- I'm quite happy with that price. - You're happy with that price?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- So does that mean you're going to get a little job to help us out? - Yeah.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13House-hunting in Perth has been an eye-opener for the Howells.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Property one's master bedroom impressed,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19but the rest of the house left Deborah feeling oppressed
0:21:19 > 0:21:21and at a price that shocked.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25House number two failed to meet the family's expectations,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27and the noisy road was a distraction.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The third property was a real show stopper, though,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34and, even over budget, they felt it could be worth the stretch.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38So when it comes to properties down under,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41will the Howells vote home or away?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Based on the properties we've seen today,
0:21:43 > 0:21:44our vote is...
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Australia.- Haven't decided.- UK.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Australia, Lewis?- Yeah.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Yeah, I don't think we saw enough today to make my mind up either way.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11I agree with you.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13I think we need to look at more areas
0:22:13 > 0:22:18and more houses in order for this to go to that direction.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Which one did you like? The last one?
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Did you like the one with the hot tub?- Yeah, thought you would.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26I just know that there is a property out there for us in Australia.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I really want to move out here.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32And I don't... It's going to be quite hard to change that decision.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Where's the sun, Poppy?
0:22:47 > 0:22:49While Lewis and Poppy seem won over,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Aussie homes have left Mum and Dad sitting on the fence.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Gethin knows if they're to afford the dream home and lifestyle
0:22:55 > 0:22:59he yearns for, securing the right jobs and salaries down under
0:22:59 > 0:23:01will be key.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04Back in the UK,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06the couple are qualified physical education teachers
0:23:06 > 0:23:10and currently work with children with special needs.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13I just love being there, teaching the children.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16In fact, they give me a lot more than what I give them.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Deputy head Gethin is also passionate about his job,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22but less keen on the three-hour daily commute,
0:23:22 > 0:23:26which sees him miss out on important family milestones.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Inevitably, I miss their sports days every year.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31When Poppy says to me in the morning, "You will be there?"
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and I kind of say, "Well, no, I can't,"
0:23:33 > 0:23:35she doesn't really understand why
0:23:35 > 0:23:37I'm not going to actually be able to turn up.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Having worked his way up the career ladder,
0:23:40 > 0:23:44a move down under could lead to a step back for Gethin.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48I'm not naive to think that I could walk into a senior position
0:23:48 > 0:23:52in an Australian school when I won't actually know the system at all.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I'm probably going to go back into a class teacher job.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58But less responsibility could mean less money.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01So it's crucial the couple find good jobs in Australia
0:24:01 > 0:24:03to make the move affordable.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Finding herself unemployed after Dubai
0:24:06 > 0:24:09is still a painful memory for Deborah.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12It does scare me about being back in that position again
0:24:12 > 0:24:15of not having a job. It worries me massively.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20Today, we're giving Gethin and Deborah the chance to find out
0:24:20 > 0:24:23what opportunities could exist for them in Perth.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27We've arranged for them to spend time at Ashdale Secondary College.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30First up, Deborah meets with Jamie Long,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32head of PE and deputy principal.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- Hello, Jamie. Nice to meet you.- Hi there. How are you?- Good, thank you.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Why don't you come through and have a look around?- Great. Thanks very much.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42This is a Year Eight phys ed class, doing some basketball.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43Quite a large gymnasium.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46We can divide it in half and have two classes running.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52After a quick tour of the facilities,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Deborah is keen to get down to business.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Jamie, are there lots of opportunities for PE teachers in Perth?
0:24:58 > 0:25:00It is reasonably competitive at the moment,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02but I think someone with your experience,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05there will be numerous opportunities for employment here in Perth.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06Sounds encouraging.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Meanwhile, Gethin's meeting up with Vanessa May,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12head of learning support and pastoral care at the school.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- Nice to meet you.- Hi, Gethin. Really nice to meet you.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16Come this way.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19So these are the learning departments through here.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Ashdale boasts a special programme designed to support students
0:25:23 > 0:25:25within the autism spectrum disorder.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Vanessa takes Gethin along to observe a class in action.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Today, we are just looking with the boys about what disclosure
0:25:31 > 0:25:35could look like. So, disclosing their disability in the workplace
0:25:35 > 0:25:36to an employer.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40I told my employer or my boss that I had autism
0:25:40 > 0:25:45just after I had gotten the job to allow her to know that, you know,
0:25:45 > 0:25:50I might need a few extra... things and advice.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I can honestly say what you've just done is very, very difficult,
0:25:52 > 0:25:54and you've made it look really easy.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56I do appreciate you giving me your time today.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58This is really good. Thank you.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59Gethin's impressed.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02So, with his skills and background in special needs,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05could there be a place for him in a school like this?
0:26:05 > 0:26:09It's an area that the government is certainly putting some more funding
0:26:09 > 0:26:11into, so I think definitely there's a need.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14That's just what Gethin was hoping to hear,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16and a move back to the classroom
0:26:16 > 0:26:18could mean more time with the family.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20What's the normal working day for teachers?
0:26:20 > 0:26:23We have an 8.45-3.10 day.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Obviously, the demands of teaching are always more than that.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31But the weather and the lifestyle in Perth,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33leaves plenty of time for a nice work-life balance.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Sounds ideal.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Meanwhile, Deborah's got more questions for Jamie.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40If I was to move over here,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44I wouldn't have my support of my mum and mother-in-law looking after
0:26:44 > 0:26:45the children for childcare.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47What support would you have in Australia for that?
0:26:47 > 0:26:50We allocate leave particularly for parents
0:26:50 > 0:26:52who need to support their children,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54and that's called carers' leave.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56There's definitely mechanisms there to assist.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- OK, so it's really supportive, then? - Very.- Brilliant.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01That's one concern put to rest.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04What about the all-important question of salary?
0:27:04 > 0:27:06With your level of experience, Deb,
0:27:06 > 0:27:11you would expect to be in the vicinity of about £57,000 a year.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13That is a lot more!
0:27:14 > 0:27:15That's brilliant.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Deborah's stunned.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20That's about £20,000 more than what I earn currently at the moment,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22and that's me being at the top of my scale.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- Wow.- Yeah, wow!
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Great result!
0:27:26 > 0:27:27And Gethin?
0:27:27 > 0:27:32So, as a classroom teacher, you could expect to earn £57,000.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37Wow. That's more than I earn at home as a deputy headteacher.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41In fact, Gethin could increase his salary even more down under.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46If you were to showcase your skills through a portfolio application
0:27:46 > 0:27:49called the Level 3 Classroom Teacher System,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53that would put you up to around £64,000 a year.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56- That's... That's very good news, actually.- Yes.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Made my day.- That is our way of keeping really good people
0:27:59 > 0:28:00in the classroom.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Today's proved a positive one for the couple.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Discovering they could potentially find jobs
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and up their income significantly down under has blown them away.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15The news is amazing, and for me, you know, is a game-changer.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20There's no cut in salary to come here, which is one of my concerns.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Definitely more positive than what I was yesterday.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24It's really good news.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26It certainly is.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28This could be the easiest vote of the week!
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- Australia.- Australia.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Yay!
0:28:40 > 0:28:43It's a life-changing salary change, really, isn't it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:47It's an increase in salary without the increase in added stress
0:28:47 > 0:28:49of running the place. My dream is not to be in work
0:28:49 > 0:28:51and to be at home with the kids.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56Yeah, spend more time with us, and, well, that's something we both want.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Deborah and Gethin's return to Australia
0:29:11 > 0:29:13has been insightful so far.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Hopefully, the chance to show Lewis and Poppy the outdoor lifestyle
0:29:16 > 0:29:19they fell for almost 15 years ago
0:29:19 > 0:29:22will give them further clarity on whether or not
0:29:22 > 0:29:25they really should make the country their home.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29The Howells are visiting a sports and recreation centre
0:29:29 > 0:29:31in the northern suburb of Joondalup,
0:29:31 > 0:29:35and they're determined some wet weather won't dampen their spirits.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Wow, look at this, guys! Even on a rainy day,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39we can come here and do some activities.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- My name's Kieran.- Hi.- Pleasure to meet you. You must be Lewis.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- Yeah.- High five. There you go. And Poppy. High five.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Poppy skips to it straightaway.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Stomp like a dinosaur.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Two, three, spin!
0:29:53 > 0:29:57And it's not long before big brother Lewis shows how it's done.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Stand behind Lewis. There you go.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02So, see how Lewis is doing it? Yeah!
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Give me a high five, Pops. Woohoo!
0:30:05 > 0:30:08This is just the kind of lifestyle
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Mum and Dad want the children to have.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13It's all of the things that Deb and I know that needs to be developed
0:30:13 > 0:30:16as part of a really fun session. It's brilliant.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20To actually come here and find out there's 20-plus of those activities
0:30:20 > 0:30:22going on in the area... She really enjoyed it as well,
0:30:22 > 0:30:23which is the most important thing.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- And Lewis enjoyed helping, didn't you, Lewis?- Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:27I enjoyed helping.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- Did Poppy have fun in that session? - Yes.- Yes!
0:30:32 > 0:30:33As evening falls,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Lewis gets to tackle his favourite sport with a chance to join
0:30:36 > 0:30:39one of the local rugby teams.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Expat coach Macey gives him a warm welcome.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43We hear you like rugby. You want to join in?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45So we've got a special jumper here for you.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Go and get changed, and we'll see you on the pitch.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Lewis is passionate about rugby
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and has already researched Aussie teams for his age group.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55When they hit you, you can jump back.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Up!
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Up!
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Mum and Dad watch proudly from the sidelines.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Oh, my...!
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It makes me feel really emotional, actually, just watching him.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18It would be one of the ways that would help us settle in, that shared interest,
0:31:18 > 0:31:19and it's a great way to meet people.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22After a gruelling training session,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Lewis wants to leave something to be remembered by.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29This is a Gwent Dragons flag. This is my favourite rugby team.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Tonight's reassured Deborah and Gethin
0:31:31 > 0:31:34moving down under could be a very different experience
0:31:34 > 0:31:36from the last time they emigrated.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Him fitting in is massive, because if he's happy, he won't want to,
0:31:40 > 0:31:41you know, go back to the UK,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45and hopefully flourish with these opportunities this country's going to give him.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49It'd be really cool if I come back here and join the Joondalup club.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53They were really friendly to me, and I think I made a few friends.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- ALL:- One, two, three!
0:31:55 > 0:31:57CHEERING
0:31:57 > 0:31:59So, after an action-packed day,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02when it comes to voting for lifestyle down under,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05could it be a full house for the Howells?
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Based on our activities today, our vote goes to...
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Australia.- Australia.- Australia. - Four Australias!
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Yay!
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Today's really proved to me that
0:32:26 > 0:32:29everything that we enjoy doing is here,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32you know, and this is supposed to be one of the coldest, wettest days!
0:32:32 > 0:32:35I just think there's no other choice, really, that we could make.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41I can imagine us doing this every Friday or Saturday and Sunday night.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Kind of fits us, really.
0:32:51 > 0:32:52With a clean sweep for Oz,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55it looks like Gethin's dream's on track,
0:32:55 > 0:32:57but to avoid it being kicked into touch,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00the finances will have to stack up.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Getting the right price for their home in the UK
0:33:02 > 0:33:03could be a good start.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07The couple think it's worth £220,000.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Will two local estate agents agree?
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- Let's have a look at the house. - Are you ready to press "play"?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Hot conservatory.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21First-class conservatory.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Excellent way to extend your property.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- 'Looks big, doesn't it? - Yeah, it does look big.'
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- AGENT:- It's a lovely landing here.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30And it's nice and open and spacious,
0:33:30 > 0:33:34which many four-beds around the local area don't actually have.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37This is the master bedroom of the property.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41It's got an en-suite shower room, which is very, very popular.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- AGENT:- 'This is a nice room in the house.'
0:33:44 > 0:33:46My favourite room.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50And a playroom/office, so it's definitely a benefit to the property.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54In today's market, I'd value this house at £210,000.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57For a quick sale, I'd be looking at £200,000.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I would value the property in today's market
0:34:00 > 0:34:04for sale at between £180,000 and £200,000.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07'For a quick sale, £175,000.'
0:34:07 > 0:34:09That's really shocked me.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- Yeah. I'm not happy with that. - Oh, my God.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16The evaluations are bitterly disappointing.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Well, that can't be right.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- Couldn't sell it for 180. - No, there's no way.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23While Lewis and Poppy play outside,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Mum and Dad prepare to tackle the price of everyday living.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30We've provided a comparison of costs in the UK and Australia,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32starting with a weekly supermarket shop.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Raspberries. Poppy eats an absolute ton of those.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38So they're more expensive over here.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- SHE GASPS - God, that's loads more, isn't it?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Bananas.- Double, more or less, yeah.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44We like our bananas, don't we?
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- Yeah. Here we go. - Everything's a plus so far.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48All the healthy stuff's more.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Biscuits are less.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50Ooh!
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Yeah, chocolate, less.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Toilet rolls, less. Hey!
0:34:55 > 0:34:57THEY LAUGH
0:34:57 > 0:34:59So what does it all add up to?
0:34:59 > 0:35:03That comes to £102.80.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Minus £82...
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Six...
0:35:09 > 0:35:14So, we would be £20.74 worse off.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16Well, we'd just have to just shop around, I guess.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Yeah, it's not ideal, but it's not terrible, either, is it?
0:35:19 > 0:35:20No. I could live with that.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22An extra £20 a week for food down under
0:35:22 > 0:35:25doesn't seem to have fazed the couple,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27but what about the bigger outgoings?
0:35:27 > 0:35:30Basing their calculations on the dream house,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33the Howells' mortgage would more than double in Australia.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36That frightens me a bit, because I think that's massive.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Factoring in all the other household bills is not good news,
0:35:40 > 0:35:45as the couple discover they would be more than £700 a month worse off.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47That's an awful lot, isn't it?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51We're not far off nearly £1,000,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and that's without any kind of emergencies.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Both Gethin and Deborah could earn substantially more in Australia,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00but is it enough to make the sums add up?
0:36:01 > 0:36:04After tax, salary...
0:36:04 > 0:36:09we...you and I will be £2,031 better off.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12SHE LAUGHS
0:36:12 > 0:36:13I'm not joking!
0:36:14 > 0:36:18That's an impressive potential increase to their monthly income.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21So what does it mean for their overall figures?
0:36:21 > 0:36:27In Australia, we would be £1,322...and nine pence -
0:36:27 > 0:36:30which is very important - better off.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Wow. I think that deserves a big smiley face!
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Yeah.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40Wow. It just means I could be there doing more with Lewis and Poppy,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43and not be out of pocket.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45That's wonderful for me.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48I think I know which way this vote is going to go too.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Based on the sums in our reality check, our vote goes to...
0:36:58 > 0:36:59- Australia.- Australia.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01SHE LAUGHS
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- A no-brainer, really, wasn't it? - No comparison, was it?
0:37:04 > 0:37:06The other consideration for me was,
0:37:06 > 0:37:09we could actually afford to go home as well, back to the UK, to visit.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11For me, it's important the children know their roots,
0:37:11 > 0:37:13and I wouldn't want to erase that from their life.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Australia.- Australia.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16SHE LAUGHS
0:37:24 > 0:37:26With the finances firmly in the black,
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Gethin and Deborah's Australian dream may be about to become
0:37:30 > 0:37:31a reality.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35But there's still one final hurdle to overcome.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Having tried and failed to emigrate once before,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41can they face breaking the close bonds with family and friends
0:37:41 > 0:37:42all over again?
0:37:42 > 0:37:44While Poppy prefers to play,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Lewis has decided to watch a DVD of messages from home with Mum and Dad.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- How are you feeling about this, then?- Semi-excited, semi-scared.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Yeah? I'm really anxious.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I know this is the part which is going to really hit home to me.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58Lewis, shall we press "play"?
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Bore da, Geth.- Hiya, Deb.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- How you doing, Lew?- Hi.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Hi, Deb, Geth and the kids.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- Hi, all.- Hi. Hope you're having a lovely time.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Hi. Have you had a good week? Missing you already.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Debs is a very strong character.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21She definitely rules the roost in the house,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24but Geth worships the ground she worked on.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25They're best of friends.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29The Howellses are very outgoing, very adventurous.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Geth and Deb are very athletic.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Was! I was.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Lewis, obviously, outdoors, likes his sport.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41So I think Australia will be great for him.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43And Poppy, she's a really girlie girl.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46She's just like a little fairy, dancing all the time.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48She's amazing, really.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I knew it was something that was always in the pipeline,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54something that I remember her talking about a long time ago.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58I was in the car with him, and it just come out.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00And I couldn't believe it. I thought they were joking.
0:39:00 > 0:39:07Part of me is hoping that they won't settle there, but then
0:39:07 > 0:39:10the other part is thinking, "Well, it is a better life for them,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13"and I'm going to miss them."
0:39:13 > 0:39:16And I'll wave them off, and I'll have a smile on my face.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19But inside, your heart, it'll be breaking. But...
0:39:21 > 0:39:23After seeing them like now every day...
0:39:25 > 0:39:28..and I won't be able to see them every day, will I?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34But I would never, ever stop them going.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39At the end of the day, it's your life, and you got to go for it.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41If you choose to stay in Australia...
0:39:43 > 0:39:46..then you've got our 100% support.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48We'll be here whenever you need us.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I'm sure whichever way you go,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53it will be the best for you and your kids and for your future,
0:39:53 > 0:39:55so good luck.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58If you decide to make a new life in Australia, go for it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01We'll come and visit and, just remember, no regrets.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Whatever decision, I will be there to give you my blessing.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12I will miss you, but love you all.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Are you OK?
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- Well done, Lewis.- Well done.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21That was hard watching that, wasn't it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24That's hard, and it's only a couple of days ago we saw them,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26and it won't be long we'll see them again, but...
0:40:26 > 0:40:28LEWIS SOBS
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- It's a tough watch, isn't it?- It's a tough watch, a very tough watch.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It's nice to hear that everyone thinks we've got to do
0:40:35 > 0:40:39what's right for us, but it doesn't make it any easier, does it?
0:40:39 > 0:40:40Hm?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Watching messages from loved ones is never easy,
0:40:50 > 0:40:54but with that all-important final vote on the horizon,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57the Howells are running out of time to make a decision about where
0:40:57 > 0:41:00their future really lies.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Will they opt to pack up and move down under
0:41:03 > 0:41:06or decide there's no place like home?
0:41:07 > 0:41:11The trial week has reinforced Gethin's vision of a life
0:41:11 > 0:41:12down under.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14It's kind of really hammered home
0:41:14 > 0:41:16that this is something I'd like us to do as a family.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19It's reopened Deborah's eyes to the kind of future
0:41:19 > 0:41:21they could enjoy in Australia.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24There's no doubt about it, this is a dream lifestyle.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Lewis agrees.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31Basically, so far, Perth has been just an amazing place for me.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34But leaving loved ones behind has him torn.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38If you think about it, we're so far away from them,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41um, and I really miss them.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45He's been so positive all week, so seeing him, I was very shocked,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47and it does worry me again, then, thinking,
0:41:47 > 0:41:49"Well, will he be able to handle it?"
0:41:50 > 0:41:52As the final vote approaches,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56where the family's future lies is far from certain.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59I still don't really know what I'm going to decide
0:41:59 > 0:42:00on the flag turn yet.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Even though Australia's an amazing place,
0:42:03 > 0:42:08basically everything's scary and amazing at the same time.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10It's time to vote.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15Based on our experiences this week, our final decision goes to...
0:42:31 > 0:42:32- ALL:- Australia!
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- Wow!- I can just see this is where
0:42:35 > 0:42:37our family are going to be really happy.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40It's great that we've all voted the same way.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I know I'm going to really miss my family and friends.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47But I really do feel that this dream is worth fighting for.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Throughout the week, I've been voting Australia because I knew
0:42:50 > 0:42:52that this would be the right place for us.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- So let's do it.- Go, Team Howells! - Woohoo!
0:43:02 > 0:43:07It's been an eventful week down under for Gethin, Deborah,
0:43:07 > 0:43:08Lewis and Poppy.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Whatever the future holds for the family,
0:43:11 > 0:43:15we wish them all health, wealth and lots of happiness.