0:00:02 > 0:00:07If generations of your family had seduced you with tales of a life
0:00:07 > 0:00:11down under, you might be tempted to follow in their footsteps.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16But would the promise of Australia and all it offers be enough
0:00:16 > 0:00:19to pull you away from loved ones you may never see again?
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Keith Hanson is passionate about moving down under.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28My life in Australia, it looks like a couple of kids,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32a nice house somewhere, and the odd koala in the tree!
0:00:32 > 0:00:34There's a swimming pool. Yes!
0:00:34 > 0:00:36But wife Mary is not sure.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40I do feel I would be letting my dad down if I moved to Australia.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44So, will a week in the country secure Keith the future he wants?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46When are we moving in, then, Mary?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Or leave Mary convinced there's no place like home?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53I've got 24 hours now to make the biggest decision of my life.
0:01:15 > 0:01:16For over two centuries,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20people have been arriving on Australia's shores to explore some
0:01:20 > 0:01:23of the world's most distinct natural landscape.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Over 28 million hectares of the country
0:01:25 > 0:01:27is designated as national park land,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32offering the lure of wide-open spaces and fresh air
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and spectacular scenery to the thousands of British people
0:01:35 > 0:01:39who dream of calling it their home.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44Captivated by family tales of adventure and romance in a land down under,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Keith and Mary Hanson dream of creating their own reality
0:01:47 > 0:01:49in Australia.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52But starting a new life on the other side of the world
0:01:52 > 0:01:54may be easier said than done
0:01:54 > 0:01:58as Mary is struggling with the prospect of leaving behind
0:01:58 > 0:02:00her beloved father.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Will a week sampling the country be enough to secure Keith the future he
0:02:04 > 0:02:09now craves and convince Mary it's time to go on an adventure
0:02:09 > 0:02:11all of their own?
0:02:13 > 0:02:17The couple spent almost 23 hours in the sky travelling from London
0:02:17 > 0:02:18to Melbourne.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20With stop-overs and delays,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23the flight hasn't been straightforward.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27We had to land and refuel and then take off again and then land again
0:02:27 > 0:02:30and we couldn't land in Dubai and then we were sent to, is it Oman?
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Yes.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35At the end of the day, we made it, which is good.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38The journey has given Mary time to reflect on how far they've come.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42I've been thinking about whether my dad would be able to come over
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and how difficult the flight would be for him to do.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51And they both had time to focus on the importance of the next seven days.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56This week could be a life-changing week for us because it will influence
0:02:56 > 0:02:59the rest of our lives and where we're going to settle and hopefully
0:02:59 > 0:03:00bring up a family.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03So, everything is riding on it, really.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08I feel it's my passion to be here and obviously I have got to try and
0:03:08 > 0:03:09convince Mary to be here.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13So I'm hoping this week I'll get the opportunity to get Mary on board.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Meet the Hansons,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Mary and Keith, from the town of Belbroughton near Birmingham.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Living with their chickens and two cats,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30the pair like nothing more than being outside.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33We love just being outside in fresh air.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36We like nature. I love going walking when we get the opportunity.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Everything about the couple just seems to add up.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Between us, we just kind of... two plus two equals four.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- We work well as a team.- We do.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50We do, yeah. The Hanson team.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55I'm just going to put the chorizo in the oven.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Life's good in the UK.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59I've done some tapas food for everybody.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03But Keith thinks it could be even better by moving to Australia,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07an idea first triggered by tales of the land down under
0:04:07 > 0:04:09from Mary's extended family.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12My aunt went on a boat as a £10 Pom,
0:04:12 > 0:04:17but my uncle did a slightly more adventurous trip and he went over
0:04:17 > 0:04:21by motorbike and it always just made me fascinated with wanting to go
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and see the world and almost recreate the journey that he did.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- But by plane. - But by plane, not by motorbike.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Their stories have helped Keith conjure up a vivid picture of what
0:04:32 > 0:04:34life could be like there for him and Mary.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Life in Australia looks like a couple of kids, a nice house
0:04:40 > 0:04:44somewhere out in the countryside and the odd koala in the tree.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48A nice lifestyle of us picking our own sort of vegetables that we grow.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49Some nice plums.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Keith talks about Australia constantly.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Every day he's bringing up a story or something he's read
0:04:57 > 0:04:59or something he's heard.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02I try to bring in different angles and different ways
0:05:02 > 0:05:05to convince you that it's the right thing to do.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- Make me pay attention. - That's it, yeah.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12Mary loves the idea, but the decision to cut ties with home
0:05:12 > 0:05:15is proving easier said than done.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- Here is your coffee. - Oh, wonderful.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18There you go. I brought a couple of biscuits.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Since losing her mother to cancer,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23she's been helping to care for her father.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28My dad has Parkinson's disease and at the moment it is controlled by
0:05:28 > 0:05:31medication, but he will gradually get worse with time.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37You got three hens - the guy on the TV last night, he got 9,000.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39We do care for him, basically.
0:05:39 > 0:05:45We have to help him with all different kinds of just household tasks.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49The thought of leaving him is devastating for Mary.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53If I went to Australia I would be leaving a massive gap in Dad's life.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55They have got their own lives to lead as well.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I don't know if I could reconcile with myself if something happened
0:06:00 > 0:06:02to Dad while I was out there.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07I'm not that strong a person to be able to handle that, I don't think.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09I put a bit of chocolate on it for you.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Mary's dad is equally upset at the prospect of his daughter moving
0:06:14 > 0:06:15so far from home.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But he would never stand in her way.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I don't want to make them feel as though they've got to...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Got to look after me.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- I'm all right. - I know you are.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Don't spoil me parting!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37It's a difficult situation,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40but having already secured an Australian visa,
0:06:40 > 0:06:45Keith is desperate to pursue the life he wants before it's too late.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47Being 42, my age is against me.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51I think that would become a problem if I left it another three or four
0:06:51 > 0:06:53years to go. So...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57And I really like the idea of the dream and everything the country
0:06:57 > 0:07:00could give us in terms of lifestyle and possibly starting a family.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04But if Mary can't be convinced moving to the country she's heard
0:07:04 > 0:07:07so much about is a realistic option for her,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10the Australian dream Keith's now taken ownership of
0:07:10 > 0:07:12could fail to take flight.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17I worry that it's a nice idea for a holiday,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20but could I actually live out there knowing what I'd be leaving behind?
0:07:20 > 0:07:21I don't know if I could.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31To see if Australia is somewhere they could both call home,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Mary and Keith are spending their trial week in Melbourne,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36capital of Victoria.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39They're staying in Ferny Creek,
0:07:39 > 0:07:43a southeastern suburb in the Yarrow ranges.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45This is so beautiful.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46It's such an amazing place.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49Their base is this modern house
0:07:49 > 0:07:52situated on the border of a state forest.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Whilst only an hour's drive from central Melbourne,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city
0:07:58 > 0:08:02and offers the kind of scenery agricultural expert Mary will love.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- The setting! - Wow, that is so beautiful.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Look at the view down here. - Fantastic.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- With the sun. - Yeah, and over there.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18So far, they're wildly impressed with their introduction to Aussie living.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20This is an absolutely beautiful house.
0:08:20 > 0:08:21Yeah, I'm sold.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Taking in more of the view presents Keith with an ideal opportunity.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29No, Mary, I think you might be convinced.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- Yeah, something like this. - Something similar to this might...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Might convince me, yes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35I'll keep trying.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Mary is not promising anything,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but it doesn't stop Keith making himself at home.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Yeah, I'm being very nosey, actually.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44I'll be back in a minute!
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Joking aside, Keith appreciates the dilemma facing his wife.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The expectations need to be filled and only then, on that basis,
0:08:55 > 0:08:59I think can you only really make a decision on your dad as well.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02He's definitely going to be a leading factor
0:09:02 > 0:09:03in our decision-making this week
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and I reckon we will be thinking about him quite a bit.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Back in the UK,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17the Hansons live in Mary's childhood home in the village of Belbroughton
0:09:17 > 0:09:19in the West Midlands.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23This place was originally built by Mary's dad who converted it from
0:09:23 > 0:09:28an old dairy and the cows had vacated before Mary was here.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31So there's quite a lot of history attached with this house.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I've got a lot of good memories here. We're very lucky to be here.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Yeah.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37With such strong emotional ties,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40any house in Australia will have a lot to live up to.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41It's got to be something special.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Yeah, with a bit of land.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45I would like a swimming pool.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52With a budget of around £800,000, that could be possible.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55So is there anything else on the wish-list?
0:09:55 > 0:09:58We really like some of the colonial-style properties with sort of verandas.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Anything with features. - Yeah, the features.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Today, we'll show the couple three properties.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07Two based on budget
0:10:07 > 0:10:11and a third which we think could be their dream home.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Only after viewing each one will they find out its value.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17You never know, we might get lucky with one of these properties.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- We might even get somewhere with a swimming pool.- Yeah.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21Getting the day under way,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Mary and Keith head 11 miles from their rental house
0:10:24 > 0:10:26to the suburb of Harkaway.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Surrounded by bushland, the location promises tranquillity,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32but with lots of local amenities,
0:10:32 > 0:10:39it also offers the perfect blend of rural retreat and city living.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I really, really like it. Look at the view of the hills and the trees.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- It's gorgeous. - Yeah, the scenery is really nice.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Will this three-bedroom Victorian farmhouse be just what they're after?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- It looks nice, doesn't it? - Oh, yeah, it is really, really nice.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Inside, the period features will hopefully impress.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Oh, wow. Oh, I like this.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Oh, wow! Look at the ceiling height. This is...
0:11:01 > 0:11:03And the tiles.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Check out the stained glass.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07That's beautiful. Look at the archway.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Full of character, the style is proving a hit.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- It's definitely our cup of tea... - Yeah.- ..as the English would say.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17But it could take time to get used to the layout.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Oh, there is a surprise. It's a bedroom. That's interesting.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- You don't expect that, do you? - No.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27A main bedroom located at the front of the property isn't what they're
0:11:27 > 0:11:30used to, but they're not put off.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35Well, that's a lovely Victorian fireplace and some built-in storage.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Wow!
0:11:36 > 0:11:38The living room pleases.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Crikey, look at the size of it! That's beautiful. A nice mirror.
0:11:41 > 0:11:42Oh, it's a fantastic room, isn't it?
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Yeah, this is, like, really impressive.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45With things going well,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49it's an opportune moment for Keith to ask about the future.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51When are we moving in, then, Mary?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53He could be getting ahead of himself
0:11:53 > 0:11:56because Mary's not sold on the kitchen.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It's a little bit small, perhaps.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Yeah, a little island.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Needs modernising.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06The dated decor is not to their taste.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Maybe the outdoors area will turn things around.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Really, really nice. Yeah, a bonus getting a summer house.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15It is a good addition, isn't it?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18I reckon this would be quite nice in the winter. Nice and snug.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- And the summer, obviously! - Oh, yeah, but it's just a nice place to come out in the garden
0:12:21 > 0:12:25when it's a little bit cooler and have a nice glass of wine.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26Yeah, it would be really nice.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29With over an acre of land and more to see outside,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32this house could be the one to sell his dream move.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Look. There's a swimming pool! - That's amazing.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Yes, definitely, this is the kind of property that we'd want to buy.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- We've got a barbecue area. - It's tempting.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43This is amazing and the weather as well.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Character as well. Victorian style.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48The ball is very much in Mary's court.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50This is the outdoor lifestyle!
0:12:50 > 0:12:53But she's not serving up the answer Keith wants just yet.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Back inside, they're wondering if with £800,000,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04they could afford to a call a house like this home.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05How much do you think it's worth?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Probably 880 or something like that. - Yeah, I'm going to go a bit lower.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12I'd say it's high, but there is still a bit of work to do on it,
0:13:12 > 0:13:16so possibly 825, around that sort of level.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Time to find out if they're right.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Go on. Go on. Let's have a look.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Oh, wow! £790,000.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27Wow!
0:13:27 > 0:13:30That's £10,000 under budget.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- I can't believe that.- I was closer than you to the price.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Yeah, for what you get, it's amazing.- Yeah.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38The price of the house has been a pleasant surprise
0:13:38 > 0:13:42and there are still two more properties left to view.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45The next is in the eastern suburb of Olinda.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Do you think you could live round here? Somewhere like this?
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I could definitely live round somewhere like this.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54It's around 30 miles from the city centre and right in the middle of
0:13:54 > 0:13:57the bushy and scenic Dandenong Ranges.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59With cafes, shops and schools,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03it's a desirable place for couples and young families.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Look at the school. Isn't that lovely? Lovely building.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Yeah, it looks like a really nice community.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Will this modern six-bedroom home promising panoramic views
0:14:12 > 0:14:13win them over?
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yeah, I like it. - It's different.- Yeah.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- I do like it.- Not something we'd have thought about, really.- No.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Let's go and have a little look.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Oh, look at the water.- Yeah. - Lovely!
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Wow, look at the hallway.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Oh, that's nice. - Wow! What an amazing view.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- Yeah.- That is...
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Oh, that's incredible. - That's breathtaking.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36You must be able to see for absolutely miles.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's a big thumbs-up so far,
0:14:39 > 0:14:43but how will the sleek minimalist kitchen living area fare?
0:14:43 > 0:14:44A bit different. It's contemporary.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Can you see yourself in this kind of...
0:14:46 > 0:14:50I can see myself definitely cooking something on that big range cooker.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I'm not too sure how I feel about the...
0:14:53 > 0:14:55the contemporariness of it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57It's a different style of house to what we're used to.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- We'll keep an open mind.- Yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03Keith's staying positive, but Mary's unsure.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Perhaps the master bedroom will change her mind.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Imagine waking up in the morning to that view.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Yeah.- And going out and having yourself a nice cup of coffee.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- It's lovely.- Yeah.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15The house has certainly been designed
0:15:15 > 0:15:17to make the most of the surrounding landscape
0:15:17 > 0:15:20and it's not just the decked balcony on offer.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- It's a walk-in wardrobe. - Oh, that would be so useful.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26You'd definitely fit all your clothes in here.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I don't know where I'd be putting my stuff.
0:15:28 > 0:15:29I'm not that bad.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33And there's something else that might fit the bill for Mary downstairs.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Oh, look at this.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Oh, that's good. - Oh, there you go, Mary.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- I like that.- Perfect. It's a gym.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- I will be in here all the time. - Yeah? I wouldn't use it myself.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45I'm happy to have a burger instead.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Well, how about some popcorn, Keith?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Be great to get your friends round, wouldn't it?- Yeah, brilliant.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Come round, watch a movie, have a beer, do a barbecue, that kind of thing.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56An added cinema room would be a bonus,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00but the couple seem more interested in viewing the landscape.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- People would be amazed at that, wouldn't they?- Yeah.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05You wouldn't get people in off the balcony.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07No, you wouldn't get them to leave your house, really.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11But it's just not enough to sway Mary.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14It's a beautiful house, it really is,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16but it's not somewhere I could see myself living.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18And Keith agrees.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19It's not for them.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22We want something with a bit of character and a bit of history.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26If you could take maybe the first house and give it that view,
0:16:26 > 0:16:27that would be great.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31But perhaps the price will give them more to think about.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36I would actually think this is probably out of our budget.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38I'd say 850 maybe.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Yeah.- Maybe more.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- I'm thinking higher than that, to be honest.- Shall we look, then?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Are you ready?- Yeah, go on. - Sure?- Go on.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Let's have a look, then.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Whoa!
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Oh, wow!- Wow!
0:16:52 > 0:16:54790,000.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Once again, that's £10,000 under budget.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59That's a lot less than I thought it would be.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Do you think that changes any opinions, or do you feel...?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I could live in a house like this,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06but possibly not for a long period of time.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09So despite being affordable,
0:17:09 > 0:17:14it's not somewhere they see themselves settling.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17For something to convince me to move to Australia,
0:17:17 > 0:17:20it's got to be something better house-wise than we've got now, really.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26To view the final property of the day, the couple head to Upway,
0:17:26 > 0:17:28a rural suburb bordering a state forest
0:17:28 > 0:17:31around 20 miles east of central Melbourne.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Close to rail networks, it's a popular area for commuters.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I thought we were finished getting to the top of this hill.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41We seem to be getting higher and higher. I don't know where we're going!
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Crikey, this is steep. I hope it doesn't snow up here.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50What will the couple make of this four-bedroom designer home?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It's a...
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- It certainly looks interesting, doesn't it? - Wow! Listen to the birds.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Oh, this is lovely.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59The house has kerb appeal,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but will they be singing its praises inside?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Lovely entrance hall. Look at the size. Really high ceilings.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Nice colour scheme, too.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Very big and open.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Bigger than I thought it was going to be anyway.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15The modern open-planned living area proves popular.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16It's an unusual design.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- I can see that we could use the space.- Oh, yeah, definitely.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21You've got your different areas.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- I do like the bar stools as well. - Yeah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Even with its contemporary finish,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27things are looking good in this house.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30This is what you call a master room, isn't it?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32This is really, really cool.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33- Wow.- It's massive.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Wow, yeah. High ceilings as well.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36And the en-suite.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- I like it.- Really, really cool.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Might want to put a door on it, though...
0:18:41 > 0:18:46Not unless you don't mind seeing somebody using the bathroom!
0:18:46 > 0:18:47It's a fair point.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Downstairs, they're blown away by the view.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51Oh, wow, look at this.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- Wow!- That is...
0:18:53 > 0:18:56We're not in Australia, we're in the Holywood Hills.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58It looks like Los Angeles in the background.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00You can see all the skyscrapers.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Let's stick to the Australian dream for now, Keith!
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Definitely have a drink here and see the view and watch the world go by.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Mary is not allowing herself to get carried away.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13This is going to be over our budget without question.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16But Keith, on the other hand, isn't holding back.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19What would work wonders here... a swimming pool.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- Ah, yeah.- A nice, big, long swimming pool.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Inside Mary admits she is surprised the house has won her over.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30I thought it might be a bit too modern for what I like, but actually...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- It is a mixture of styles and it just works.- I... Yeah.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35How much do you think it might be?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Possibly even one million plus.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41I'm thinking probably a minimum...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- 950.- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Let's see what the price is.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Here we go. Let's have a look.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Go on, then.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Wow! - £950,000.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59That's £150,000 over budget.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- That's better than I thought it was going to be.- Wow.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- That's amazing. - Hang on! Did I just say £950,000?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06You did get that right.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Even if it is something we couldn't necessarily have now,
0:20:09 > 0:20:13maybe in the future perhaps and that's actually really encouraging.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Despite being over budget,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20Keith and Mary's property search down under has ended on a real high.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Full of character, the first house suited the couple down to a T
0:20:24 > 0:20:27and discovering it was affordable was a real bonus.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Property two was under budget,
0:20:31 > 0:20:32but a tad too modern for Mary
0:20:32 > 0:20:36and even the spectacular view wasn't enough to sway her.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41But despite the contemporary finish, and being over budget,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45the couple were utterly charmed by property three.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46So when it comes to the vote,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50has Mary seen enough to choose houses in Australia
0:20:50 > 0:20:52over her beloved home in the UK?
0:20:52 > 0:20:55After a long day of property hunting, it's now time to vote.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04BOTH: Australia.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Yeah! Give me a hug.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Some of the properties I've seen have just blown me away.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16They're amazing.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- I'm glad you made your choice. - I thought you would.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34A first vote for Australia from Mary means Keith's dream is moving
0:21:34 > 0:21:36in the right direction.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39But to afford the lifestyle he's been selling,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42they need to secure employment with good salaries.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Back in the UK, Mary has spent the past five years
0:21:49 > 0:21:53working as a postdoctoral researcher at a university.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57I work in plant pathology so I look at crop diseases
0:21:57 > 0:22:00and ways of detecting and diagnosing crop disease.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04She's passionate about her field of work.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06If I couldn't find a similar job in Australia,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I'm not sure I'd want to move there, to be honest.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11It is very important to me.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14But while she enjoys a decent work-life balance,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17things are completely different for Keith.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Running his own graphic design business from home,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23he's often working around the clock to meet deadlines.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28My hours can be anything from 40 to 60 hours.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31When the work is here, I can't turn it down which means I have to work
0:22:31 > 0:22:34on a late evening or on the weekends.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Keith's hoping doing the same job in Australia will allow him to have
0:22:38 > 0:22:41more quality time with Mary.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44The lifestyle appears different out there and I would hope that we would
0:22:44 > 0:22:48be able to spend a little bit more time together evening and weekends.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51With high expectations,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55the couple head out to explore work opportunities in Melbourne.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59And Mary knows exactly what she needs to hear today.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03If I'm going to consider - seriously consider - moving to Australia,
0:23:03 > 0:23:04then I'd need my job to provide me
0:23:04 > 0:23:07at least £35,000
0:23:07 > 0:23:09and 37 hours a week working.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14We've arranged for her to meet with expat professor Roger Cousins
0:23:14 > 0:23:16at the University of Melbourne.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- Hello, Mary, how are you?- Hi.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- I'm Roger Cousins.- Nice to meet you. - Welcome to the...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25After a tour of the department, Mary gets down to business.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Is a British PhD like I've got
0:23:27 > 0:23:30something that would be transferable to Australia?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Yeah, it is internationally recognised.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36With your qualifications you would
0:23:36 > 0:23:39go into a postdoctoral research fellow position.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41It's good news,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44but Mary's still worried about job security down under.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48In the UK, I'm lucky enough to have a permanent job.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Would the equivalent exist in Australia at my level?
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Not as a permanent position.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58You would have to get a few years under your belt
0:23:58 > 0:24:02and probably expect to have to have those short-term positions
0:24:02 > 0:24:06before you then would be competitive for a permanent job.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Realising permanent jobs in academia can be rare
0:24:10 > 0:24:13highlights for Mary the fortunate position she's in at home
0:24:13 > 0:24:15and could make uprooting very difficult.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Meanwhile, we've arranged for Keith to visit a design agency in
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Collingwood outside the city centre, where he's catching up with
0:24:25 > 0:24:26creative director Richie Meldrum.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Thank you very much. - Come this way.- Thank you.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32To begin, Keith's hoping to get feedback on his CV.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- There's definitely areas that are an attribute to you as a designer... - Yeah.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40..and I think there's some areas where you could benefit
0:24:40 > 0:24:41from skilling up in.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- There is a lot of digital design and website design...- Yeah.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46..opportunities for designers here,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and I think that's probably maybe an area where you could
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- look to kind of strengthen yourself, you know?- Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54With a largely print background,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Keith would need more experience in digital design,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59but he's not put off.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03It's definitely something I'm personally interested in
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and it is something I'm actually in the process of doing myself.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Planning to continue working for himself down under, too,
0:25:11 > 0:25:12Keith's keen to hear how he might
0:25:12 > 0:25:16slot into the freelance market in Australia.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Your print background and your print production knowledge means,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23if we get a project that's got that specialist skill requirement,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26then there'd probably be a fit there.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Freelance working is an option,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31but might be limited to print work to begin with.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34In the UK, I earn 30,000-35,000 per year,
0:25:34 > 0:25:39and I just wondered what kind of money or wages I could earn here.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Working as a freelancer,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43obviously, I think that there's the chance
0:25:43 > 0:25:45to earn slightly more than that -
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- kind of £45,000-£50,000... - Oh, OK.- ..a year salary.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51If you work solidly throughout the year, that is, and take on...
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Seven days a week, yeah? - ..a lot of clients.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54Um, maybe not seven days a week,
0:25:54 > 0:25:58but certainly, you know, like taking on a lot of work.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Keith could be earning more than he does back home,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02but it sounds like his work-life balance
0:26:02 > 0:26:05might not improve as much as he'd hoped.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08The morning has given him much to think about.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Back at university, Mary's discussing her work hours.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Normally, it's 37 hours a week,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19but it depends on what's happening at the time
0:26:19 > 0:26:24and whether you have to go on field work, or that sort of thing.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26So it tends to be very flexible.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- Maybe the odd long day if you've got an experiment going?- Yes.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30SHE LAUGHS
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Similar hours to back home is good news.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35So what could Mary expect to earn?
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Somewhere in the region of £40,000-42,000 a year.- Wow.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44An increase of £7,000 on her current annual salary
0:26:44 > 0:26:47is more than she was hoping for.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Do you think I would be able to get a position at the university,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51or in Australia generally?
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Yes, without a doubt,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55but it may take some time,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59and you may have to be fairly patient.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02She might not be guaranteed work straightaway,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04but the prospects are promising.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08When the couple reunite, they're keen to reflect on
0:27:08 > 0:27:10what they've heard.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I don't feel that my career would particularly progress
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- here any better than it would in the UK.- OK.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18There's absolutely no difference for what I do for my job.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21I probably feel similar because,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24although the salary is more,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27I would have to give up my permanent contract.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- But then again, that is kind of what you expect within...- Yeah.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33..science and within academia.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Could they both be sitting on the fence
0:27:35 > 0:27:40when it comes to the vote between work in Australia and the UK?
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- Undecided.- Australia.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58So I'm voting... I have to vote undecided.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00I nearly voted undecided.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02What did you say?
0:28:02 > 0:28:06At the moment, until I've sort of completed my week,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I'm just undecided on the job front at the moment.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- Cos I thought you would vote Australia all the time...- Yeah.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14..so I am... I am surprised.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Voting with his head rather than his heart,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Keith's undecided vote for work was unexpected for Mary.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Are the tables beginning to turn,
0:28:30 > 0:28:35or will the chance to experience the laid-back Australian lifestyle
0:28:35 > 0:28:36they've heard so much about
0:28:36 > 0:28:39help keep the dream alive for both of them?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Given their love of being outdoors,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47Mary and Keith start their day at the Royal Botanic Gardens
0:28:47 > 0:28:48in the centre of Melbourne.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52As a leading plant biologist, you should be in your element here.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56But it's not just Mary who has green fingers.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Over here and over here, you've got a Dicksonia antarctica.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00Oh, yeah, the creeper.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05It's the perfect pick-me-up after Keith's disappointing day at work,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08and it's not long before he's pointing out
0:29:08 > 0:29:09the benefits of moving down under.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12It's just a shame you don't get anything like this in England, really.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- No, we don't, do we?- I know there's a few nice places in Cornwall,
0:29:15 > 0:29:16but not like this.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20A final stop to admire more tropical plants...
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Oh, look at this.- Phwoar! - It's incredible.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- That's gotta be a massive pot plant. - Yeah!
0:29:26 > 0:29:30..and then it's time for lunch at a historic boathouse overlooking
0:29:30 > 0:29:33the Yarrow River, where the couple reflect on everything
0:29:33 > 0:29:36they've experienced so far.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- Wonderful setting.- Mm.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- You could get used to the lifestyle, eating outside.- Yeah.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44It depends on your business, doesn't it?
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Because if you were having to do more hours to make that work,
0:29:48 > 0:29:51then that kind would be a bit of a downside because then we wouldn't
0:29:51 > 0:29:53necessarily get much opportunity to do this.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56We'd have to make more effort to try and come out a little bit more
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- and do a little bit more.- Or maybe if you earned a little bit less?
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Yeah. I may have to do that.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Keith appears to have turned a corner and will be more flexible
0:30:05 > 0:30:07with his ideas to keep Mary onside.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Finally, the couple soak up more of each other's company
0:30:13 > 0:30:14out on the water...
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- Are you on?- Yeah.- OK, then, I'll just untie the boat.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20..but it's not exactly a case of coasting along.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- We can make that bridge, come on. - Right, row.- We can make it.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26- Right.- Row your side.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29No...you did it wrong.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Come on, row! Am I going to have to do it all myself? Come on.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Oh, my God, I've forgotten how to row!- No!
0:30:34 > 0:30:35SHE LAUGHS
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- Yay, that's it. - That's it. We got it.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- SHE LAUGHS - Have you remembered how to row?
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- I'm going to fall in. - No, you're not. There you go.
0:30:42 > 0:30:43We've done it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Back on dry land,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Keith's more convinced than ever
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Australia is right for them both...
0:30:48 > 0:30:52Everything seems to be much more geared to
0:30:52 > 0:30:53being more relaxed.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56People just generally seem to be happier and, of course,
0:30:56 > 0:30:58you've got great weather as well, which obviously helps.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03..but the distance from home is playing on Mary's mind.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06I do feel I would be letting my dad down
0:31:06 > 0:31:09if I move to Australia. I feel like I should be there for him.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12It's a very difficult decision to make.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18'I'm trying to do this so we can both have a better life.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20'I hope that Mary's dad would understand that,'
0:31:20 > 0:31:23cos I really care about him as well, and it's...
0:31:23 > 0:31:26It's just very... It is very hard.
0:31:26 > 0:31:27With so much to consider,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Mary's struggling to find an answer.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34It would be an ideal time for us to move,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36and we're ready for a new chapter in our lives.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'But it's difficult because Dad needs us.'
0:31:40 > 0:31:41- OK, yeah.- Why not?
0:31:43 > 0:31:47I've got 24 hours now to make the biggest decision of my life, really.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51For now, the couple have to decide on the Aussie lifestyle -
0:31:51 > 0:31:54has it lived up to the stories they've heard about life down under?
0:31:54 > 0:31:57After a day of leisure activities in Australia,
0:31:57 > 0:31:58it's now time to vote.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06- BOTH:- Australia!
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Wow!
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- The weather justifies it, really, doesn't it?- Yeah, it was lovely.
0:32:14 > 0:32:15I really enjoyed today.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- It has been brilliant.- You can't vote any other way, can you?
0:32:17 > 0:32:19No, no, that's it.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- This is great. I could definitely do this again.- Yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23I could see us doing it every weekend.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Oh, it's been a lovely day.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31While he hasn't got the green light yet from Mary,
0:32:31 > 0:32:32a vote for the Australian lifestyle
0:32:32 > 0:32:35has brought Keith a step closer to the dream.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39But they still need to consider the financial implications
0:32:39 > 0:32:42of relocating 10,000 miles from home.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49To fund a move, the couple would have to sell their home in the UK.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52They think it's worth around £600,000.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55We sent two estate agents round to find out if they're right.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- It is slightly sunny.- It looks quite nice, doesn't it?- Yeah, it does.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01A fantastic finish to the lounge,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03great log burner in the corner.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07The windows to the front may need replacing in the next couple of months.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Yes.- Yeah, definitely.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10A nice-sized kitchen.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- THEY LAUGH - Oh, Kavina!
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Oi, get off the table! - THEY LAUGH
0:33:15 > 0:33:17This is an impressive master bedroom.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21However, it's not ideal only having one upstairs for families.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23- Yeah.- Yeah, good point.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28Newly-built outbuilding. Some fantastic features, Velux windows,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31a log burner. A great addition to the property.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Oh, that's good.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36In the current market, I would value this property, once completed,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38at approximately £525,000.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42In its current state, I would value it at £485,000.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45In the current market, once it's completed,
0:33:45 > 0:33:48I would value this property at £550,000.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50In its current state,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52I would value it at £500,000.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55- Yeah?- It would have been nice to have it maybe a little bit higher.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59Obviously, we'd want to get the house finished first before we could sell it.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- Yeah.- I wouldn't want to sell it as it is currently...
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- No.- ..for the lower value.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05With valuations lower than expected,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07the rest of the figures will need
0:34:07 > 0:34:11to be more favourable to make cutting ties financially feasible.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- Right. Ready?- Yeah. Come on.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16We've provided a comparison of cost of living expenses
0:34:16 > 0:34:18between the UK and Australia.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21The couple start with the weekly grocery shop.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Avocados - we eat quite a few of them, don't we?- Yeah, we do.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28UK, £2.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Australia, £3.19, so they're more expensive over here.
0:34:32 > 0:34:33Oh, right. Interesting.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- The other thing is the cheese - we eat a lot of cheese.- Ah, yes,
0:34:36 > 0:34:37- we do. Too much cheese.- Yeah.
0:34:37 > 0:34:403.25 in the UK, 5.32 here.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Wow, that's a lot more expensive. OK.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46The sums show the food bill would be
0:34:46 > 0:34:48just over £18 more in Australia.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51But Keith's putting his wife's expert knowledge
0:34:51 > 0:34:53of agriculture to good use.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55There's a lot we could grow here,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57just based around the climate,
0:34:57 > 0:34:58like onions, avocados,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- so that could significantly bring down the cost.- Mm.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03And if all else fails...
0:35:03 > 0:35:05I might diet when we first come out,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07if it means I get a yes vote out of you!
0:35:07 > 0:35:09Next, it's bigger bills,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11starting with mortgage repayments.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Basing their figures on the first house they viewed,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17the couple discover they'd be paying out
0:35:17 > 0:35:19over £100 more down under.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22We don't really want to go out of our way to have a higher mortgage bill,
0:35:22 > 0:35:25but I guess we could always extend our mortgage here.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28When they realise they'd make a saving on council tax,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Keith's quick to seize the opportunity.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Wow, that's a difference of £60 a month.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38And interestingly, our council tax has just gone up in the UK as well.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- We'd actually probably save a little bit more than that. - Good saving, isn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Not that I'm trying to be biased towards Australia, of course.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46But even he finds it hard to stay positive
0:35:46 > 0:35:49when the outgoings ring in significantly more.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52£363 per month is a lot of money.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56You can only do so much dieting and fruit picking.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00The couple's potential earnings could now make or break the deal.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Mary's higher salary in Australia boils down to £600 more per month
0:36:06 > 0:36:10And although Keith was told he could earn up to £50,000 a year,
0:36:10 > 0:36:11he's come to a decision.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Yes, when I spoke to the agency,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17they did say that the average salary for my work
0:36:17 > 0:36:19would be £35,000 a year.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23If I did do freelance, obviously it would be a bit more money,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26but then I would like to cut my hours down a bit,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29so I'm going to say that I'll probably earn
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- about £35,000 per year.- Yeah.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Together, they'd bring in over £900 more each month,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37and overall, the final sums show they're...
0:36:37 > 0:36:40£567 a month better off.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43So after our outgoings in Australia...
0:36:43 > 0:36:44So we can buy more cheese,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47and we can probably double that figure if we grow our own food as well.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- SHE LAUGHS - Maybe.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Phwoar. I can...
0:36:52 > 0:36:53Sigh of relief.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Don't relax too soon, Keith,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57there's still the vote.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59So after our reality check, it's now time to vote.
0:37:08 > 0:37:09- BOTH:- Australia!
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Why have you chosen Australia? Not that I'm...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16I'm not complaining.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I voted for Australia because, obviously, you would have
0:37:18 > 0:37:22the potential to earn the same amount of money,
0:37:22 > 0:37:23or even slightly more,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26but you'd also be able to maybe work less hours.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- Thank you. - THEY LAUGH
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- Very happy now.- Good.- Very happy.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38The finances may have gone in Keith's favour,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41but he knows the real issue has still to be addressed.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45As they sit down to watch messages from home,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Mary's fears about leaving her dad
0:37:47 > 0:37:49could put them back to square one.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53I guess we've had our say and now we need to listen to them, don't we?
0:37:53 > 0:37:55So you ready, if we, um...?
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- Yeah, go on.- OK.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- BOTH:- Hi, Keith. Hi, Mary.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Hi, Keith and Mary. - Hello, Keith. Hello, Mary.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Hi, it's Delia, your sister, here, and your dad.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06- Aw.- Aw.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Keith's a lovely lad.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I'm glad to be his stepdad
0:38:10 > 0:38:11and I love him.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15He's kind and thoughtful.
0:38:15 > 0:38:16Talks a lot.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21Sometimes I have a job to get a word in, but other than that, he's lovely.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23You couldn't wish for a better son, really.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Mary is very generous, very helpful.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29She can also be very stubborn.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Very opinionated at times.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33- But I do love her. - SHE LAUGHS
0:38:34 > 0:38:38I think we have inspired Keith and Mary
0:38:38 > 0:38:41to go and look at the other half of the world.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42You have, Brian.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46It'd be lovely if they just stayed here and lived on my doorstep,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49but I realise that's not a...
0:38:49 > 0:38:50That's not a reality.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51Aw.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58If Mary moves to Australia, I think she will keep worrying about Dad.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01She's always been the caring one of the family.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05She's been the one who worries about how everybody's doing.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Make the decision for yourselves
0:39:09 > 0:39:12and as long as it's one where you're
0:39:12 > 0:39:14both going to be really happy...
0:39:15 > 0:39:20I trust that you'll be able to make your final decision.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Personally, I hope you stay.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24Don't worry about Dad and I -
0:39:24 > 0:39:26we'll be fine whatever you decide.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- It's hard to see actually how ill Dad...- Actually looks.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43It's still very difficult to see him like that and think I would be
0:39:43 > 0:39:46leaving him and not seeing him nearly as frequently,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- if, you know, rarely, really... - Yeah.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- ..if we did move here, so...- Yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Yeah, I know it's difficult.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04Mary's biggest concern has always been the prospect
0:40:04 > 0:40:05of leaving her father.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Now, forced to confront the reality
0:40:08 > 0:40:11of being on the other side of the world from him
0:40:11 > 0:40:13when she knows he needs her most,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17will the Australian adventures her and Keith have imagined
0:40:17 > 0:40:19remain nothing more than a dream?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24It's been an emotional end to their week down under.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26And despite his initial enthusiasm,
0:40:26 > 0:40:31Keith's starting to question whether they can make the move.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32I generally feel a bit down.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Feeling a little bit, um...
0:40:36 > 0:40:37uncertain about everything.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Emotions are all over the place, to be honest.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I think Keith is probably feeling a bit more conflicted now,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48having watched the friends and family videos,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51seeing my dad and his family. And I think it might have impacted
0:40:51 > 0:40:53on him more than he thought it would.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Mary's dad has always been a stumbling block for her,
0:40:58 > 0:41:02but the reality of leaving him has hit home with Keith, too.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Watching the friends and family video was very difficult.
0:41:05 > 0:41:10But I was quite taken aback by how Mary's dad looked
0:41:10 > 0:41:13and it made me really...
0:41:13 > 0:41:16realise how he feels.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22For Mary, no matter which way she votes, someone will be heartbroken.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26I do feel that I could be letting either Dad or Keith down by
0:41:26 > 0:41:29my final vote, so that does make it really hard.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Where the couple will settle comes down to just one decision.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Will they choose home or away?
0:41:54 > 0:41:55- BOTH:- Australia!
0:41:57 > 0:41:58You've chosen Australia?
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Yeah, but there is a proviso.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- Hang on, some sort of a what? - Proviso.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06We don't have to move immediately.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10We can take our time to think about it and make sure that
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Dad's care is fully sorted out,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- and that we can be there for him for as long as possible.- Yeah.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17I feel that the week's been really good
0:42:17 > 0:42:19and that the country has really convinced you...
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- Yeah.- ..about how good our quality of life could be out here.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24And... Yeah. I'm getting all choked up.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29But whatever happens with your dad,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I can promise you I won't let him down, and I won't let you down.
0:42:32 > 0:42:33Yeah, we won't let him down.
0:42:35 > 0:42:36So, thank you.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I found a paper, so shall we start looking for some properties?
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- What? No...- Hang on a minute...
0:42:55 > 0:42:58The chance to explore Australia for themselves
0:42:58 > 0:43:03has fuelled the couple's appetite for making the country their home.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06But determined to do the best for Mary's dad,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10it could be some time before they're on the move.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Whatever the next stage of their journey is, we wish them health,
0:43:13 > 0:43:17happiness, and many enjoyable adventures of their own.