0:00:02 > 0:00:04Fireman Matt Parsons has a passion
0:00:04 > 0:00:06burning deep inside him for Australia.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- Always fancied the lifestyle, outdoor living. - SIREN
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Over here, we have barbecues in the summer, but...
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and then we don't really see many people in the winter.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17But so far his wife, Jessica,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20has poured cold water all over his desires for a move.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22We love the place we live in.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24We've got great jobs.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27I love our life here - I'm happy with it.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Will a week in Melbourne see the Aussie dream spread like wildfire to
0:00:30 > 0:00:34- all the family? - Ah, this is lovely, isn't it?
0:00:34 > 0:00:35Beautiful.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Or will it finally become clear that this is not a drill,
0:00:38 > 0:00:42leaving hopes of a move all but snuffed out?
0:00:42 > 0:00:44I'm worried that we might end up not enjoying it,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47and it could go wrong pretty quickly.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Around 23 families per day migrate to Australia in search of a better
0:01:15 > 0:01:19life. And anyone who's under the age of 45 and on the skills shortage
0:01:19 > 0:01:23list could be heading down under at the front of the queue.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26But for all these families, how hard is the decision,
0:01:26 > 0:01:29and do they find what they're looking for?
0:01:29 > 0:01:33When Jessica Choux moved to England from France and married Matt
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Parsons, she thought her life would settle down in England.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40But boy, was she wrong.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43She soon discovered that her husband had always harboured a passion for
0:01:43 > 0:01:48moving to Australia, and family life hadn't dampened it.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52The couple have now decided that they need to deal with this issue
0:01:52 > 0:01:56once and for all, in a trial week that will see them check out where
0:01:56 > 0:01:59they might live, what jobs they could get,
0:01:59 > 0:02:04and whether they'd be able to afford the lifestyle Australia offers.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09At the end, they'll vote - to stay in the UK, or finally make the move.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16After a journey lasting over 23 hours and a punishing three flights,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18the Parsons arrive in Melbourne.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26And it's fair to say that the tiredness is showing for Jessica.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28The journey's been exhausting, er,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30particularly because we've got a 15-month-old,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33and Stanley's not been very well as well.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Not an experience I'm going to want to repeat on a regular basis,
0:02:36 > 0:02:37let's say!
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Matt's trying his best to put a positive spin on matters.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43I thought it was OK. I'd be quite happy to do it again,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45but only a one-way ticket next time.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Matt, you might be getting ahead of yourself!
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I have to say, I'm a little bit worried that Matt's going to be
0:02:50 > 0:02:51disappointed, potentially,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54you know, that doesn't completely crush his dreams,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56in a way.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59He's got just seven days to convince Jessica their future lies
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- in Australia.- If I can't prove to myself and to Jessica that it's a
0:03:04 > 0:03:07better move for us, then the move to Australia will be over.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11No pressure!
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Meet the Parsons family.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19They're Dad Matthew, Mum Jessica,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23and that's 15-month-old baby Stanley, I presume!
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Jessica moved from France to work in England,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27and met Matt in 2005.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Well, I guess it was almost love at first sight!
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- That's really cheesy! - THEY LAUGH
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- It's lunchtime!- The pair have been together for 13 years,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43against all the odds, you could say.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45I think Matt and I are quite an unlikely couple,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49but we complement each other, don't we?
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Yes, we work as a team, and it seems to work.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Although there was one particular thing they had differed on over the
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- years.- Matt's always had this dream about moving to Australia.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03He's gone on and on about it every,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05every week for 13 years now.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Always fancied the lifestyle, outdoor living.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11Over here, we have barbecues in the summer, but...
0:04:11 > 0:04:15and then we don't really see many people in the winter.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17I think it's hard when you're that young
0:04:17 > 0:04:20to commit to moving somewhere forever.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23But I never really thought about how serious a decision it was at the
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- time.- Here you go.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30But then life took a serious turn, and a series of tragic events
0:04:30 > 0:04:34brought any plans screeching to a dramatic halt.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38My mum passed away, my dad passed away, and recently
0:04:38 > 0:04:41my stepdad passed away.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45So, we've...we've had a very, very tough few years.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47It was absolutely heartbreaking.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52No-one should have to go through so many losses in such a short amount
0:04:52 > 0:04:53of time.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58You think it gets better after the years, but it doesn't.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05During these times of losing people,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Jessica was very, very strong.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11But, yeah, she's... She still gets upset about it now.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15We've come out much stronger, erm, you know,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17having, having gone through all this,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19sadly.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23And yet, what initially put paid to the Australian dream has also
0:05:23 > 0:05:25brought it back sharply into focus.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31In a strange way, these tragedies have made me want to do this even
0:05:31 > 0:05:33more. And I'm sure my mum,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37dad and stepdad would be proud of me to do it.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- They'd want me to go.- Now that Matt's come out of the other side,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42and I think he's realised that life is short, so,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45so he wants it more than ever.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48# Happy birthday to you. #
0:05:48 > 0:05:50CHEERING
0:05:50 > 0:05:54And a recent addition to their family has only made Matt more determined.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59The reason I want to move to Australia now is because of work-life balance.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I'm working every day, most nights,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05and I don't get to see Stanley or Jessica for up to
0:06:05 > 0:06:07two days some weeks.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10He wants to give Stanley
0:06:10 > 0:06:14a better life, with a better
0:06:14 > 0:06:18family life, better weather, more of an outdoorsy lifestyle,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and I think he thinks Australia will give him that.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Matt, however, is aware that Jessica has potentially more to lose.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Jessica's parents are still alive.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34They still see Stanley very, quite often, you know, once a month.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39We're happy with our life, we love the place we live in.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41We've got great jobs, erm,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and we're going from strength to strength with our careers.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48So, we've actually got quite a lot to lose - and that's my main thing,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51it's just, can we replicate that in Australia?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I love our life here, I'm happy with it.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Right, we're almost ready. - One thing's for sure -
0:06:58 > 0:07:00they're almost certainly not on the same page.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05If Matt said tomorrow that he was quite happy to stay in England and
0:07:05 > 0:07:09drop the Australian dream, then I would be quite happy!
0:07:09 > 0:07:12But, for me, I could...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14I could just go tomorrow.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19Oh, dear. So, is there anything that will persuade Jessica?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21If we were to move to Australia,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24it would have to be for something better than what we've got here,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26on all fronts. Hello!
0:07:28 > 0:07:31We have to have all the boxes ticked, you know, wouldn't we,
0:07:31 > 0:07:36for most boxes ticked, I would have to move for all the boxes ticked,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- and EXTRA boxes ticked! - SHE LAUGHS
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- It's not very nice weather today, is it?- Yeah.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I've no idea which way it's going to go.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47I might get down there and think it's amazing.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Which gives Matt some hope.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53But he's also well aware that this trip could also bring the end to his
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- dream.- At the end of the week,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57if Jessica's decision isn't to move to Australia,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01then my dream will be over -
0:08:01 > 0:08:03which, which would be devastating for me.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07But I've got to stick with Jessica, she's the mother of my child,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09so wherever she is, that's where I will be.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Home for the week is the historic seaport of Williamstown.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25When the family arrive at their rental accommodation,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28there's only one thing on Matt's mind.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30I can't wait to have a cup of tea.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Oh, it's so lovely!
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Yours, Stanley, in here...
0:08:42 > 0:08:43And when the brew is made,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47it's a chance for the couple to look forward to the week ahead.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I'm really looking forward to this week.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51I've wanted it for ages, and I think, you know,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53this week's going to be good.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57Jessica, however, wants to remind Matt of the ground rules.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Things would have to be, you know,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01a major improvement from what we've got at home.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- It's the same for me, though.- Yeah. - Well, that's that sorted.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- I think.- We'll see. You don't know because you've never seen it,
0:09:08 > 0:09:09you've never experienced it.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- No, but I've got a good feeling. - SHE LAUGHS
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Back in the UK, the Parsons live in Harpenden, in Hertfordshire,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24in a small but perfectly formed pad, which, it's fair to say, was a
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- labour of love.- We've literally done everything in the flat -
0:09:28 > 0:09:31new flooring, new bathroom, new kitchen.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, when I was eight months pregnant,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39I was doing grouting, and we had family come over to help us paint
0:09:39 > 0:09:43walls, and lots of blood, sweat and tears have gone into it.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Good boy!
0:09:45 > 0:09:49With a growing family, however, it's time to upscale,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52and they're looking for their ideal home in Australia.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56My dream home in Australia would be a three or four-bed house...
0:09:56 > 0:10:01With enough space for us to, you know, eventually have two children.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Ten, 15-minute bike ride to the beach.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Without needing too much work,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08because I'm not sure I'd want to start again with a one-year-old.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15The Parsons have a budget of £525,000 to spend down under.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18To find out what kind of home their money could get them in Melbourne,
0:10:18 > 0:10:23we'll show them three properties - two based on budget, and a third
0:10:23 > 0:10:25which could be their dream home.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Only after they've seen each one will they find out its value.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Their search begins in the heart of the Sanctuary Lakes estate -
0:10:32 > 0:10:36a new development 25 minutes from the centre of Melbourne.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41It boasts shops, amenities and a range of leisure facilities on-site.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43As Matt and Jessica pull up to the outside,
0:10:43 > 0:10:48it's fair to say they're impressed, and a little intimidated.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51It just looks out of our budget, doesn't it?
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Yeah, it looks, er... It's really impressive.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Can't wait to see what's inside.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59Inside, well, they're almost lost for words.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01LAUGHTER
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- I really like this.- It feels really open, and...
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- Yeah.- I really like it.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08I can imagine myself, you know, on the sofa with Stanley, and, you
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- know, playing.- Well, at least Jessica is starting to imagine her life here.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Although she's going to have to start thinking bigger.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20- That is big.- Really big. This is like the dream kitchen, isn't it?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22You can just see everything from here, can't you?
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Yeah. For Stanley to play while I cook, for example.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Yeah.- It's so open-plan, but it's really lovely.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30It's almost too perfect,
0:11:30 > 0:11:35and a quick look outside brings the first downside of the property.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I think I would want a bit more grass.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41It's not the most child-friendly. I'm just keeping Stanley in mind,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44you know, if he fell over that, he could hurt himself.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Right, we need to get back to being positive.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49So, upstairs for a look at the main bedroom.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- That is amazing.- Big, big area.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yeah.- So, would a bedroom like this convince you to move?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58It would definitely sway me towards moving here, yeah.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00And how about the en suite?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Oh, wow!
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I'm speechless, it's huge again! - LAUGHTER
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Our bathroom at home is...a quarter of the size?
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- About half the size?- Oh, yeah, yeah, it is.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- I'd be really happy with this. - Modern.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- Yeah. Yeah.- I really like it.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Well, that's Mum and Dad sorted.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21What about Stanley's room?
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Aww, that is so lovely, isn't it?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Really nice, yeah.- Oh, Stanley would love this.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Yeah.- Or, you know, if we decided to have another baby,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- this would work really well as well. - Mmm. Yeah.- Another baby?!
0:12:32 > 0:12:34This IS getting serious!
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Well, we're going to need to see the family bathroom, then.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Yeah, it's lovely. You know, perfect for Stanley and family,
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- if we've got family visiting.- Yeah. - The sort of stuff that we would, we would have at home.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48So, yeah, I really like it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51It's been a blockbuster start to their property day,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53and Jessica is suitably impressed.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55So, what do you think?
0:12:55 > 0:12:59I...am really, really shocked, actually, because
0:12:59 > 0:13:03I wasn't expecting anything on this scale.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05It's just got everything you need.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10But can they afford a place like this on their £525,000 budget?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13So, I think this house is over our budget...
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- by quite a bit.- Mm-hmm.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I'd say £700,000?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Well, it's not as close to the centre of Melbourne, so maybe...
0:13:21 > 0:13:25600,000 is a bit of a wild guess, but it sounds about right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Go on, then, turn it over.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Oh, I'm nervous.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Ah!- Wow!
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- It's under budget! £515,000. - I can't believe that!
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Can't imagine what our budget would get, you know,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46going from a little two-bedroom flat to, to this.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- So, could be doable, yeah?- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51And to think, their day has only just begun.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Property two is situated in the Altona North suburb of the city,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and as well as the usual shops and amenities,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02is located close to primary schools and the beach.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Unlike the first house, this is a single-storey affair,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08but that's not putting Jessica off.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13I really like this, because it's got character and it's really lovely.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Good start. Let's get inside.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20I really like it. Quite open.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- Not very big, is it?- It's bigger than our lounge in England.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Yeah. Yeah. I think if we had family over,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27you'd be on top of each other here.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Hold on, Matt - aren't you meant to be persuading Jessica?!
0:14:31 > 0:14:34And unfortunately the kitchen doesn't wow either.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37The biggest priority for us is to have open-plan living,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39cos that's what we've been used to having at home,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and I think once you've had it, it's hard to go back, isn't it?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Yeah.- It just looks dated.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Oh, dear. It's lacking what the first property had.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49The main bedroom next.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Master bedroom, nice and big. - Yeah, nice, spacious.- Yeah.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I love the fact that it's got, um, shutters.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Yeah.- Which you really wanted at home, actually.- I wanted shutters, yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- But then I got told I wasn't allowed them. - SHE LAUGHS
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It doesn't work in our flat, to have shutters,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07but here it looks beautiful. It feels...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- Like something's missing? - Yeah, it feels like it needs more.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Like an en suite? I'd like an en suite, I think.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- Yeah. Maybe, yeah.- Mmm.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Well, Stanley may be with a childminder,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21but you feel even he wouldn't be convinced.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- It's smaller than Stanley's bedroom at home.- Yeah.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27This would be a downgrade for Stanley, wouldn't it?
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Yeah, a little bit, yeah.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Every room we went in in the first house, you had the wow factor,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- didn't you? I haven't got the same feeling here.- Yeah.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And there's not enough room for family, either.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- A nice area.- Yep.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- Nice.- Playroom, or would it be a spare room?
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Yep. You know, we'd need some... a bigger guest bedroom.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Yeah.- We just need a bit more space,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52because in this house we'd just be on top of each other all the time,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- when we had people staying over... - Yeah.- ..and that just...it just wouldn't work.- No.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59I get the feeling this house is running out of chances.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Can a quick look outside offer a last-minute reprieve?
0:16:02 > 0:16:05This is really lovely. I love the fact that it's got sort of a covered
0:16:05 > 0:16:07area, but it's really bright.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11And you can tell that it's, it's lived in by family.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13It's nice, it is nice.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Yeah, I think it would be lovely for us, with Stanley.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Yeah, more child-friendly, isn't it, the outside area.- Yeah, yeah.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23It's got a lemon tree!
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- That's so lovely! - SHE LAUGHS
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Well, good to finish on a positive!
0:16:28 > 0:16:31But on the whole?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33So, what did you think?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I like the outside.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Yeah.- But disappointed when we came in.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42We can make improvements to it, there's lots of potential.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Erm, but again, it's a lot of work, therefore a lot of money to spend.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Yeah.- So, what about the price?
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- I think this house is worth £525,000.- Mm-hmm.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Because we're close to the city, close to the beach.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01I think this house would be roughly £550,000.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04They've got £525,000 to spend.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Come on, then. Let's...turn it over.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Ah!- Oh! That's really good.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18I'm quite excited to know that, you know,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I could get the type of property that I really love...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Mmm.- ..and make some improvements.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26It does excite me, because we know that we can upgrade from what we've
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- got in the UK, if we move to Australia.- Mm-hmm.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The final property the pair is viewing is what could be their dream
0:17:37 > 0:17:41property. Situated just 20 minutes south of Melbourne,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Spinnaker Rise is waterfront indulgence with everything the city
0:17:45 > 0:17:47has to offer right at the doorstep -
0:17:47 > 0:17:50sport, leisure, beach, the markets...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Oh, and the view. Pretty stunning!
0:17:54 > 0:17:57This place looks, well, impressive.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I think this is the style I would go for.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01If this is in our budget, I'll be very surprised.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Inside is as big as it looks on the outside.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Wow!- Well, it's spacious!
0:18:08 > 0:18:12And it's...well, it's bigger than our lounge, isn't it, at home?
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Yeah, it's modern.- Yeah, very nice.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17And if you don't want to relax in this sitting room, well,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19there's a spare just a short walk away.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- This can be my one! - LAUGHTER
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Because it's got a bigger TV!
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- We need another one for Stanley! - LAUGHTER
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Well, there might be one in the next room.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Well, almost! Not another sitting room, but a very
0:18:34 > 0:18:38big open-plan kitchen area that leaves Jessica in stitches!
0:18:38 > 0:18:41This is the open-plan area.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Wow, it's quite big, isn't it? - LAUGHTER
0:18:44 > 0:18:47My God, I just can't believe it!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Better believe it, Jessica!
0:18:50 > 0:18:52I almost feel like it would be almost too big.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55But I'm sure we could find a way around that.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58I'm sure you would, Jessica!
0:18:58 > 0:19:00The pair go off to inspect the main bedroom,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03and let's hope they don't get lost in there.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- It's ridiculous. - LAUGHTER
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- Wow, it's stunning.- It's just like being in a hotel.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- This is the dream bedroom.- Yeah.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12I mean, I couldn't imagine anything better than this.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- Definitely, yeah.- The en suite, meanwhile, is also super-sized.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Wow! Yeah, his and hers sinks.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Yeah.- And a small shower.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25I was going to say double, but actually it's not even double, it's
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- like, quadruple shower!- Yeah.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32And you'd never get stuck in this walk-in wardrobe!
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Wow! This is my dream!
0:19:37 > 0:19:39You'd need to buy some new clothes to be able to fill this up.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Or you just have this one here, and then you can have the rest.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- Yeah, I'll have the rest! - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Having people to visit is crucial for the Parsons.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51The difficulty in this house, however, will be getting them to
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- leave!- It's a lovely bedroom.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- This would be, what, for family and stuff?- Yeah.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Cos it's got a nice balcony... - Yeah, it's got a lovely view.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00..if they want to come and relax.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- Yeah.- And can they relax here themselves?
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Outside offers the perfect space for Stanley to play, too.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Very nice barbecue area.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Yeah.- Lovely view.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Just, again, it just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- For Stanley, growing up, you know, by the water.- Yeah.- You've got
0:20:17 > 0:20:20ducks, and, well, it's very calming and...
0:20:20 > 0:20:23A lot of children wouldn't have that opportunity, would they, to...?
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- Yeah. - It's taken their breath away.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28But what would it cost?
0:20:33 > 0:20:37This exceeds my dreams, I think, for living in Australia.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I wasn't expecting something this big.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I don't even know if we can afford something this big.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46I think this house is worth... £650,000.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Erm, I'm going to say £700,000.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Their budget is £525,000.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57You ready?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Oh!- Oh!
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- Ouch!- Yeah.- For me, that's just unattainable, basically.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Yeah, it's a bit disappointing,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10but I expected it to be over our budget anyway, so...
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Yeah, I didn't expect it to be quite that much, though.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Yeah, I know.- What a shame.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Well, it was nice to look around, wasn't it?
0:21:18 > 0:21:22A day's house-hunting has given the Parsons a real idea of what they can
0:21:22 > 0:21:25and can't afford on their budget.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Property one got things off to a cracking start.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33It was big, bright and surprisingly within budget.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35House number two flattered to deceive,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and although they liked its quirky character, ultimately
0:21:38 > 0:21:42it was too small and needed a lot of work done.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Property three was sensational, with massive rooms,
0:21:46 > 0:21:50a lakeside backyard and, yes, three sitting rooms!
0:21:50 > 0:21:53But it also came with a huge price tag.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55So, when it comes to property in Melbourne,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59will the family vote for the UK or down under?
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Based on the three properties we've seen today, our vote goes to...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Australia!- Australia!
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- So, why did you pick Australia? - We saw two houses today which were,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21you know, under budget, and they were,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24you know, so much nicer than what we had expected anyway,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- so...- The first property was amazing, still, wasn't it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Yeah, yeah. The second one I absolutely, you know, really liked
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- as well.- Yeah. Yeah, well, I'm glad you picked Australia...- Yeah.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- ..which makes me happy. - SHE LAUGHS
0:22:42 > 0:22:44It's a great start for Matt,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47and it looks like Jessica is definitely coming round to his way
0:22:47 > 0:22:48of thinking.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51But they'll only be able to move into any of these houses if
0:22:51 > 0:22:53they can secure the right jobs.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56FIRE ALARM
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Back in the UK, Matt works as a firefighter.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It's not so much a job as a vocation.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I'm on Blue Watch, and it is my dream job.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07We get on really well, we do a lot of things together.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11You know, we socialise together. It's like a little family, really.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13I spend more time with them than what I do at home.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Unfortunately, over the last few years, he's had to take on extra
0:23:17 > 0:23:21work on top of his firefighting to supplement the family income. SIREN
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- What number house is it?- 20, mate.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It has become very difficult at home,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27because I'm working every day that I'm off,
0:23:27 > 0:23:31and I'm hoping in Australia it will give me more time to be with
0:23:31 > 0:23:34the family, so I will literally just do one job,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37I won't have to worry about going to...going from one job to the other.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Jessica, meanwhile, is in HR for a leading biscuit firm,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43and life is sweet.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47I've been here, erm, almost from the beginning of my HR career,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51and I've grown into a HR advisor, and I've learnt a lot.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- I think that one.- Yeah, so...
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Seeing her position in the company grow makes giving it up difficult,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59to say the least.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I've been promoted, and career-wise I'm doing really well at the moment.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07I would feel very disappointed if I couldn't get something similar, erm,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09to what I've got here, in Australia.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12But it's not only Jessica who has lines in the sand
0:24:12 > 0:24:14when it comes to jobs.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18I'm not willing to leave the Fire Service and go to Australia and not
0:24:18 > 0:24:22be a firefighter. So I'm really hoping that I can get
0:24:22 > 0:24:23in the Fire Service over there.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30To check out job opportunities down under,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33we've arranged for Jessica to visit one of the city's premier insurance
0:24:33 > 0:24:38firms to explore her options about getting into HR.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41She's meeting Shelley Abrams, the general manager, and right away,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44- it's good news.- If I were to move to Melbourne,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47would you say I would find a job easily as a HR advisor?
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Yes, I think your skills are absolutely transferable.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I think your background is really interesting,
0:24:53 > 0:24:54with the blend of PR and HR,
0:24:54 > 0:24:57and I imagine your communication skills are really strong, and that's
0:24:57 > 0:25:00going to be very appealing to an organisation like ours.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03So, positive news for Jessica so far.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Across town, Matt is getting ready for his interview with a visa
0:25:07 > 0:25:11specialist, and it's clear that he's very, very nervous.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17The meeting today, for me, is really important.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- How are you? Thanks for coming. - Yeah, nice to meet you.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22If this doesn't go well, then the whole move to Australia will be off.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27Time to face the music, with immigration officer Michael Walker.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32The reason I'm here today is because I need some information about
0:25:32 > 0:25:34transferring from the UK Fire Service
0:25:34 > 0:25:36to the Australian Fire Service.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I understand that your ambition is to work as a firefighter,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42but you may be aware if you've seen it online that recently our Prime
0:25:42 > 0:25:47Minister announced that he was pruning back the occupations
0:25:47 > 0:25:50available for skilled migrants to nominate for the purposes of their
0:25:50 > 0:25:52skilled migrant visa application.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56That also impacts on Australian employers who wish to sponsor
0:25:56 > 0:25:58people. So, unfortunately,
0:25:58 > 0:26:03the bad news is that firefighters have been taken off that list,
0:26:03 > 0:26:05which was previously available.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08For me, being a firefighter,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I...I'd just...I'd just have to forget it, I think.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14It's devastating news for Matt.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17But there is a Plan B.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19The fact that you're doing a plumbing qualification
0:26:19 > 0:26:21or a trade qualification in plumbing
0:26:21 > 0:26:25means that there is perhaps a potential pathway for you.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I have some clients who are doctors, who are adamant that plumbers are
0:26:28 > 0:26:31getting paid more than they are. They are in such high demand.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Then, once you have permanent residency,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36you're free to do whatever you wish.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39You're not bound to work as a plumber in Australia.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Some encouraging news, but Matt is clearly disappointed.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46It was very bad news.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50So, for me, at the minute, the Australian dream is over,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53and I'm gutted about it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56While Matt's left feeling dejected, things could not be more different
0:26:56 > 0:26:59for Jessica on the other side of town.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04If I were to get a job as a HR advisor here in Melbourne,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06what sort of salary would I expect?
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Someone with your type of background and experience I would expect could
0:27:10 > 0:27:14get a salary from around £45,000 to £51,000 per annum.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Wow, that's really great!
0:27:16 > 0:27:19That's, that's actually more than what I get in the UK,
0:27:19 > 0:27:21so, um, so, yeah, I'm really happy.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25It's been a tale of two very different workdays,
0:27:25 > 0:27:29which Matt and Jessica meet up to discuss at the end of the day.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- How was your day? - Yeah, it went really well.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34I went to a massive insurance company,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and got some really good news about a potential job in HR.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42And they told me that I could potentially earn £20,000 more than
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- what I earn in the UK, so... - Oh, really?
0:27:44 > 0:27:45- Yeah.- Wow, that's a lot.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48You know, I know that I can get the career that I really want.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51So, how did your day go?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Er, it's bad news. - Oh, no!- Yeah.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58- The...firefighter isn't on the list any more.- Oh, no!
0:27:58 > 0:28:01So the chances of me getting in the Fire Service are basically
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- non-existent.- Oh, really?!
0:28:03 > 0:28:05So the only option is, is to get in as a plumber.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07That is literally the only option.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09But it was very disappointing.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Yeah. Yeah, I'm disappointed for you.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15So, how will this impact the voting?
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Based on our work meetings today, our vote goes to...
0:28:33 > 0:28:34- UK!- Australia!
0:28:37 > 0:28:41I'm not surprised that you said, er, the UK.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Because I wouldn't be doing my dream job in Australia,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46that's the only reason I voted the UK.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48But having said that, there is options.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I would be mad not to vote for Australia, because I'd be
0:28:52 > 0:28:55earning, you know, £20,000 more,
0:28:55 > 0:28:57which is like an extra salary, almost.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59So, I'm glad you voted for Australia,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02cos it's one less job for me to convince you now.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I'm a bit jealous that you've got your job opportunity,
0:29:05 > 0:29:06but I'm really happy for you.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Halfway through their trial week,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19and it looks like everything has changed.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22Matt, the one always pushing the move,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25now seems to be disillusioned and dispirited,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28while Jessica, who was always sceptical,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30is now seeing its benefits.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35However, with the all-important financial reality check and messages
0:29:35 > 0:29:40from home to come, things could still turn back.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44First, though, can a day sampling the sort of lifestyle the family
0:29:44 > 0:29:48might be able to enjoy in Melbourne remind Matt there's more to his
0:29:48 > 0:29:51dream than work?
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It's a beautiful day in Williamstown, as the Parsons put
0:29:54 > 0:29:58bad news behind them and set out on a family day with Stanley.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01First up, a nice walk along the gorgeous bay.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Of course, you can only get so far with a 15-month-old baby on those
0:30:07 > 0:30:12little legs! So the family decide to swap leg power for pedal power.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14STANLEY CRIES
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Although I'm not sure Stanley is super enthusiastic.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Oh, dear! But once in the saddle, it's all smiles again!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25High-five! Yeah!
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- Stanley, shall we go?- Are you ready? - Yay!- Make sure you keep up.- Yeah.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Thanks.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36Wow!
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Look, Stanley! Oh, this is lovely, isn't it?- It's beautiful.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Bike-riding along the promenade is hugely popular in these parts, and
0:30:47 > 0:30:51it's not long before Matt and Jessica get chatting to Maddison,
0:30:51 > 0:30:53who is also out for a bit of exercise.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55So, we're thinking about moving to Melbourne,
0:30:55 > 0:30:57but I've got to try and convince Jessica, too.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01So, Melbourne, like, if you love the outdoors and love doing outdoor
0:31:01 > 0:31:04activities, I would say it's definitely the right place to come.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06You can go up, like, into the mountains and Dandenongs,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09or you can go along to the beach, or just even into the city,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12just, like, walk all day through the city as well.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Hope you end up moving here.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Yeah, thanks a lot. I think that's helped me convince her a little bit
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- more, so... - Maybe a little bit, yeah! - LAUGHTER
0:31:20 > 0:31:23It seems that Matt is slowly putting the disappointments of yesterday
0:31:23 > 0:31:27behind him, as a trip down to the beach rounds off their day.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31This is one of the reasons why I want to come to Australia,
0:31:31 > 0:31:32to have more family time.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34If everything goes to plan,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37we will have a better work-life balance in Australia.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40For Jessica, meanwhile...
0:31:40 > 0:31:43well, she continues to warm to the idea of moving.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47It's been really great with the beach, the sunshine,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49spending lots of time together as a family.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Maybe one day you can go out there and swim.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Matt is now officially torn.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56I've got a couple of decisions, big decisions, to make -
0:31:56 > 0:32:02whether I stay in the UK in a career that I love, or come to Australia,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05for Stanley and my family, for a much better lifestyle.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10And Matt's work dilemma is getting to Jessica, too.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13He loves being a fireman, and if he doesn't get that here,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I'm worried that we might end up not enjoying it,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and it could go wrong pretty quickly.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Are you enjoying Australia so far?
0:32:21 > 0:32:26So, will the family vote for lifestyle in the UK or Australia?
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Based on our great day out today, our vote goes to...
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- Australia!- Australia!
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- Are you surprised?- No! - LAUGHTER
0:32:44 > 0:32:47It's been a great day, hasn't it? And it's sort of reignited my dream
0:32:47 > 0:32:49to come to Australia after yesterday.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52We've done some cycling, we've been on the beach, and, you know,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55all these things we don't get a chance to do in England.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I'm glad you picked Australia.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Now we just need to decide about jobs and stuff.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04Yesterday you were really disappointed, but I'm not surprised,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08and I'm very happy that your dream is back on track.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Well, Jessica seems to be coming round to Matt's Australian dream,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23but it remains to be seen whether it's possible financially.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Getting the right price for their home in the UK could be a good start.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31The couple think it's worth £350,000.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- Nice front door. - JESSICA GIGGLES
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Will two local estate agents agree?
0:33:36 > 0:33:39Got a nice, open-plan, refitted kitchen
0:33:39 > 0:33:42with white, high-gloss units,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46wooden top. Living room, we've got a nice wood burner
0:33:46 > 0:33:48with the brickwork exposed,
0:33:48 > 0:33:54and I quite like the logs that stack down the side here.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- That was my...- That was your idea. - It was, yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Nice, bright room. Good storage.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Neutral colours. Good for first-time buyers.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- It looks like I'm in Stanley's bedroom. - LAUGHTER
0:34:06 > 0:34:07Gas central heating.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09A good-sized second room.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11OK, main bathroom.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14Nicely presented, clean, white suite.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- Mmm. Thanks.- Bath with power shower over. Very nice indeed.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24In today's market, I would value this flat at £365,000.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29And for a quick sale, I would put it on the market at £360,000.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Absolutely no way!
0:34:31 > 0:34:35I would value this flat at £375,000.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39For a quick sale, I'd put it on the market at £350,000.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- I don't agree with that price at all.- No.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Yeah, I would never sell that for that much.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- Yeah, that's shocked me, really. - Yeah.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50While Stanley is looked after by a childminder,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Mum and Dad prepare to tackle the price of everyday living.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57We've provided a comparison of costs in the UK and Australia,
0:34:57 > 0:35:00starting with the weekly supermarket shop.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05Right. Er, so, dishwasher tablets, clearly an essential.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Yeah, so, in the UK it's £8,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10and in Australia it's £11.97.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15- That's quite a lot.- That is quite expensive.- We'll just have to start washing up by hand.- Yeah.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- Beers - that's quite an important one, isn't it? - LAUGHTER
0:35:18 > 0:35:24- Yeah, it is.- £4.50 in the UK, and £7.12 in Australia.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26So that's £2.63 more expensive.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30- Mm-hmm.- So, what does it all add up to?
0:35:30 > 0:35:35So, in Australia, we would be £32.06 worse off each week.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- That's quite a lot.- Mmm.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- But it's not...- Yeah, I don't think it's too bad.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Unfazed, the couple move on to examine their bigger outgoings,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47basing their figures on the dream house they viewed.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52So, mortgage in the UK is £825,
0:35:52 > 0:35:57and in Australia it would be £1,592.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02We would be £767 worse off here.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05It's the price to pay, I guess, for a bigger property.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Yeah, but I don't think it would be that expensive in the UK.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Jessica could earn substantially more in Australia,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15and if Matt took that job as a plumber,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18could the Aussie salaries rescue the dream?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22So, in Australia,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25we would be earning
0:36:25 > 0:36:29£1,841 more per month
0:36:29 > 0:36:32than in the UK.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Their new salaries would make them £1,738 better off per month.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39And there's only one word for that.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Amazing.- A lot.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44I mean, that extra income would help us out.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- That's just a whole... - In the UK, we can't save, really,
0:36:47 > 0:36:51because it's all gone, hasn't it? We need to start...
0:36:51 > 0:36:53- moving.- Really?- Yeah.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I'm shocked, I am really shocked, because...
0:36:55 > 0:36:57We could do so much with that money, each month.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Well, even Stanley's impressed.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03So, which way are they going to vote?
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- It's time.- Based on our reality check today, our vote goes to...
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- Australia!- Australia!
0:37:17 > 0:37:23It's like we've got one extra income, and we'd have, you know,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27so many more opportunities here, erm, with that extra money.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Everything's going towards us moving now, so I'm
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- getting a bit excited! - LAUGHTER
0:37:36 > 0:37:39With the finances firmly in the black,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42is Matt's Australian dream becoming a reality?
0:37:42 > 0:37:45There's still one final hurdle to overcome, though,
0:37:45 > 0:37:51as the couple sit down to watch messages from loved ones back home.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- Hello!- Hi!- Hi, Matt.- Hi, Matt.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Hope you're having a great time.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Matt and Jessica are actually perfect together.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03Great family unit, hard-working, and they do everything for Stanley.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- One thing I will say, Mum and Dad would be proud of them.- Oh, God.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10When I first found out, I was really happy for them.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13The only thing is, it's just like, it's me and my brother now,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16so that's a bit of a sad thing, like, splitting up.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19But I love it, cos I'll be out there on holiday every year.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23It would really break my heart, but I would be so happy for them,
0:38:23 > 0:38:27really so happy, because they've always wanted that,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- and I would make sure that I go there as many times as I can. - LAUGHTER
0:38:31 > 0:38:36Not seeing Stanley growing up, erm, is going to be hard for all of us.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40Just go where your heart feels.
0:38:40 > 0:38:47I'll just figure a way out, er, to be close to you in thought.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49You are very well-travelled,
0:38:49 > 0:38:53and I think you could adapt to living to Australia very well.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56But you also must remember where we are.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59All the family love you so much,
0:38:59 > 0:39:03but we will all support you in whatever decision you make.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07As far as you are happy, we will be happy with you.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10You will stay next to our heart, that's what I can tell you.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Having seen that video,
0:39:13 > 0:39:17I think I will miss people more than what I actually thought I would.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Yeah, it's just sad, isn't it? Seeing them all, and...
0:39:20 > 0:39:25well, knowing how far away they would be, but also, how we'd be...
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- ..erm, you know, making them really sad by going, so...- Yeah.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41At the start of the week, Matt Parsons wanted to convince his wife
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Jessica that moving to Australia
0:39:43 > 0:39:46was in the best interest of their family.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49But a trial week that has seen lots of twists,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52turns and revelations makes guessing
0:39:52 > 0:39:55how they'll vote near impossible.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Now it's time to see if they'll choose home or away.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03What would YOU do?
0:40:03 > 0:40:04As they prepare to depart,
0:40:04 > 0:40:09the Parsons are reflecting on a week that might just change their lives.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13For Jessica, it's put a lot of her practical fears to rest.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16When I first arrived in Australia a few days ago,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19I was pretty much decided, I thought,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22"There's no way I'm going to come and live here."
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Erm, but this week has really shown me that, actually,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28life in Australia could be a lot better.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Matt, however, so sure at the beginning,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32is more confused than ever.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35After the lifestyle, I was back to 100%.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38And now, after the family and friends, I'm back to,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- don't know what I want to do. - Emotionally, however,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44there are still a lot of questions to be answered.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46We grew up with lots of family around us, Matt and I,
0:40:46 > 0:40:48and I want Stanley to have the same thing,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and my parents absolutely adore having their grandson,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55and you know, for them it's what drives them,
0:40:55 > 0:40:57and they just have so much love for him,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00so I think it would really break their hearts if they didn't see him
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- grow up.- Then, of course,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06there's the one issue that could leave Matt feeling deflated.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10This week has really answered quite a lot of my questions,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12but it's raised many more.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I'm not 100% sure that Matt will be happy if he can't get in
0:41:16 > 0:41:18the Fire Service.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21The thought of leaving isn't a nice thought,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24but my life doesn't revolve around the Fire Service.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26My life is for Jessica and Stanley.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29It's such a hard decision to make.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32My mind is all over the place at the minute.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Stanley, I'm going to come the other way!
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Well, you can't hide forever.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- The final vote has arrived.- Boo! - STANLEY GIGGLES
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Based on our fantastic week in Melbourne, our final vote goes to...
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Australia!- Undecided!
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- What? - LAUGHTER
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Really?
0:42:08 > 0:42:13I do feel like, erm, I'm not too far away from voting Australia,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16because I do know that we can get our family over here,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19and I think I'd probably get my head around it,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21but I'm just worried about your, your work.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Well, don't worry about my work,
0:42:24 > 0:42:26because I think my work will be fine.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30- Yeah.- It will be tough, but I think we will have a better life in
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- Australia.- Yeah. I'm not saying no to Australia. I'm saying that
0:42:35 > 0:42:39there's a few bits we need to iron out before I say yes.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Maybe in the future, one day we can move here.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43Yeah, maybe.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54In the end, while the Parsons haven't voted decisively for a move
0:42:54 > 0:42:59down under, it looks like it's moving in Matt's direction.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04I suspect, though, it'll take a few more conversations and even tears,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06before they come to an ultimate decision.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Whatever move they make next,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12we'll be following their progress with interest, and of course
0:43:12 > 0:43:15wishing them the best of luck.