Newton Family Wanted Down Under

Seeing her daughter Emily deal with cerebral palsy

has inspired Nicola to be brave about her dream of living down under.

Every day when I wake up, it's the first thing I think of.

When I go to bed at night, it's the last thing I think of.

But husband Mark knows the road ahead could be a difficult one.

Not to be given that opportunity because your daughter has a disability,

it's hard to take.

A trial week in Perth sees the Newton family experience

the lifestyle that could transform their daughter's life.

But will they even be able to afford to turn the dream into a reality?

All my qualifications don't count for anything.

-Right.

-At all.

Its warm climate, and national passion for leisure and sport,

and one of the highest rates of pool ownership in the world,

characterise Australia's love affair with the outdoors -

a culture that has proven irresistible to over 30,000 Brits

who make the move there every year.

The Newton family has reached a stage in their lives

where they need to decide where their long-term future lies.

For Mum Nicola, it is the romance of Australia.

Dad Mark, however, is a lot more cautious.

Across one week, they'll get to see the sort of life that could lead

and afford if they relocated down under,

before voting on whether to make the move.

Will the Newtons throw caution to the warm Perth wind?

To get from the UK to Perth has taken the Newtons over 20 hours in the air.

Let's hope the long flight hasn't put them off.

I were dreading it. This time - fantastic.

They played games, watched videos and slept.

Well, that's a great start.

In fact, if anyone's feeling the strain it's Mum.

I'm looking forward to it.

Very apprehensive at what the week will bring,

but obviously day by day we'll get to find out

more and more information about hopefully living in Perth.

And the children, what are they looking forward to?

To see the kangaroos.

-Kangaroos.

-Yeah, the kookaburras and the kangaroos.

Dad, however, has slightly more than the wildlife on his mind.

We'll just have to see the work balance and see what it's like to

work and actually to live out here.

Hopefully the week ahead can fulfil everyone's expectations.

Meet the Newton family.

They are Dad Mark, Mum Nicola, and

twins Emily and Harrison, aged nine.

They live in Bradford, West Yorkshire,

where on a daily basis they are proving opposites attract.

-Chalk and cheese, definitely.

-I'm more reserved. She's...

It just seems to work at the moment.

Don't know how long for.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Thanks(!)

The idea of travelling has always been an itch Nicola wanted to scratch.

With me, repping abroad,

I've always been interested in long-haul destinations,

and because I've got a great aunt and uncle over there

and they've come over quite a bit,

I've always taken a shine to Australia,

Perth in particular, where they are.

Falling in love with Mark, however, put pay to those dreams.

Within the year we first met, she was pregnant...

That, that was planned.

Was it?

And then we found out it were twins, so...

-Yeah.

-It was just, everything got put back on a back burner.

But it soon became clear that something wasn't quite right

when daughter Emily's development was slower than her brother's.

She has cerebral palsy. But it's a mild form of it.

We didn't know about Emily's disability or anything

until she were nearly a year old, but she didn't hit her milestones

and Harrison was doing.

So...and she was twin one. She was the first one out.

They all would say, "Twin one's normally the perfect child.

"It's twin two." But...

Harrison is the cheeky one.

Emily, she's lovely.

But, yeah, she seems to have got all the problems, but she's lovely.

-Wouldn't change her.

-No, I wouldn't.

However, now that Emily is making great progress,

the experience of the last few years has resurrected a long-held dream for Nicola,

and Australia is back on the agenda.

You always want more in life, don't you?

You always want what you don't have.

My life is good at the moment.

I work part-time, my husband's full-time.

But he is working more and more hours,

and sometimes the kids don't see him that much,

especially if he's getting home at eight or nine o'clock at night.

And it seems she might have got the children on side, too.

We could get a swimming pool.

And we could go to different schools and that.

I would like to live in Australia and in England.

-BOTH:

-UK!

LAUGHTER

Daddy, however, is more cautious about moving his family across the world.

A lot of the times, Nicola don't realise...

She thinks everything's straightforward, but...

..with the Australian system and how they are to

people being a burden on their society, I think it's hard.

If you love it and then all of a sudden because of Emily and that,

we can't stay, it's going to be heart-wrenching to come back here,

even for the kids.

Not that Nicola is totally ignoring the practicalities altogether, of course.

My main worry is the schooling for Emily.

Whether there is a school that meets our needs.

You know, or would she go into a mainstream with a bit of help.

We don't know. That's one thing we've tried to look into,

and we haven't really had anything back off it.

When all is said and done, however, Nicola remains a mum on a mission.

You've got to grab life with both hands, I think.

And we don't seem to have been doing that.

We just seem to be letting stuff just drift by, just plodding along.

And when we go, it'll either open the door or close the door,

and if it's closed, then it's closed.

-I've got to accept it.

-My life would be a nightmare.

For the trial week in Australia, the Newtons will be staying in Rockingham,

a city half an hour south of Perth and well-known for its fabulous climate.

Their temporary home is in the popular family suburb of Warnbro,

five miles south of Rockingham city centre.

There's a pool!

CHILDREN SHOUT

And after a long journey, they are ready for a bit of rest and relaxation.

-Oh, I love Perth.

-Swimming pool!

Not to mention a brew.

Yeah, it's nice.

Don't think we'll be able to afford it, though.

Have to wait and see.

While the twins chill out,

Nicola and Mark contemplate what will be a massive week for the family.

Still concerned, but hopefully this week we'll find out about the work

situation and visas and see what happens and take it from there.

Yeah. It's like a jigsaw puzzle, isn't it?

Yeah. Pieces just need putting together.

Somehow, some way.

Fingers crossed, it all works out for us.

Yeah. Well, legs, toes, everything's crossed.

Oh, my Lordy. I got a cuppa!

Last one.

Back in the UK, the Newton family live in a three-bedroom detached

bungalow, which helps Emily get around easier.

But has proved a big hit with the family, too.

We've just adapted to a bungalow life.

I love it. It's no steps, it's...

-I do love it.

-I can't quite think of living in a house with stairs now.

-No.

-We've adapted to it, really good, haven't we?

-Yeah.

It's fair to say it's been a labour of love.

Spent the time over winter just doing the house, putting the kitchen in.

Bathroom. Everything I've done myself. So...

You've never done anything... You've never done anything like that before, have you?

-No.

-You've done really well. I'm proud of you.

The couple have a budget of £250,000.

So what would they hope to get for their money down under?

I just love the bungalow.

-Yeah.

-Just the type of houses, open-plan.

I think it's perfect for Emily, just to run about, walk about.

There's no steps to have to worry about her.

A bigger kitchen/diner.

We've got a small kitchen here.

I mean, Nicola don't cook.

I do all the cooking and that.

Obviously everybody wants it close to the beach...

-To the beach.

-Close to...parks.

Shops and everything.

But my number one would be a pool.

But both are aware of the risks.

If it doesn't work, then we could have lost everything in England,

obviously if we sell up, we would come home with nothing.

It is a massive gamble.

Which I'm willing to take.

But when it comes down to it, would I go?

There's no two ways about it.

If I said, "Right, I've got you a ticket,"

your bags would be packed and you would be gone.

-Yeah.

-There is a lot to think about.

There is a lot to think about.

To find out what they could get for their money in the Rockingham area,

we'll show them three properties.

After they've seen each house, we'll reveal how much it costs.

The search begins in Hillman, a well-established suburb of Rockingham.

What will the Newtons make of this five-bedroom family home?

First impressions, as they pull up outside, are good.

It's very modern.

-Cool!

-It's nice.

Shall we go have a look inside, then?

-CHILDREN:

-Yes!

-Come on, then.

Through the front door and it is a traditional feel inside.

-What do you think?

-Cool.

-It's a nice little living area.

-Yeah, it is.

More of an older house, but it's lovely.

The open-dining feel is something that pleasantly surprises everyone.

I like the way that it's split-level.

Into the main bedroom now, and this place is really impressing.

-Oh, wow.

-Oh, wow!

Look at the size of that for a master bedroom.

-Look, an en-suite.

-Wow!

Although Mark has just put his finger on the first niggle.

Some of the rooms just feel dark, don't feel enough light.

Next up, a room they don't have back home.

Oh, great. A separate utility room.

-Wow!

-Something what you'll never use cos you don't clean.

If I came to Australia, I'd clean.

Ah, bribery, I don't know.

The family bathroom is the next space to be inspected,

and it's got Mark scratching his head.

I still can't get over the bath's right low down there below ground level.

But how comfortable is it?

Look at that. Looks like a coffin.

LAUGHTER

If the family really want to splash about, though, well,

never mind the bath.

There is a pool. That is what we wanted, isn't it?

It is bigger than what you think, this house.

It has got a lot of potential.

I like this house. I really want to buy this house.

-I like it.

-EMILY: Yeah.

-It is perfect, isn't it, Em?

-Oh, yeah.

-Outside space.

It's clear this house has surprised and charmed everyone.

It looks small from the outside, but when you get in, it's like a maze, isn't it?

Time to see if they could afford it, and by the sounds of it, they really want to.

I think for an older type of house I am really surprised.

I think the bedrooms are a little bit small for the kids,

but the outdoor space just makes up for it.

-Do you think it's below our budget?

-Above budget or below?

EMILY: I think it's above.

I'm hoping it's below, and then there's big room for improvement.

I'm turning over.

Oh, it's bang on budget, £250,000.

A bit disappointed, cos that is the budget we had, and it's 250 then.

-We won't have much...

-Don't really have room for improvements.

But at least it's not over budget.

With the twins feeling the pace,

Mark and Nicola leave them with the childminder and travel on alone to property two.

It's in the Port Kennedy area, a beach-side suburb which also

boasts a golf course and is around 40 miles south of Perth.

As they pull up to the front drive, it's clear this four-bedroom home

has more immediate kerb appeal than the last property.

Oh, it's a lot nicer than the other house.

It looks a lot beautiful... More modern.

I like the... that it's got a very quiet cul-de-sac

and the park's literally just round the corner, isn't it?

-Shall we go have a look in?

-Yeah.

Inside, the wow factor continues.

Oh, wow. Look at this!

Again, all open-plan.

-I like this.

-I like it. It's got a good feel to it.

And there's just one thing that's dividing them at the moment.

What do you think about the brickwork?

I don't like. The old house had that as well, the other house.

-Don't you?

-No.

-I like it.

Into the main bedroom.

-Oh, wow.

-It's smaller but newer than the last room.

What I like about it is it's really quirky.

It's not just a, you know, box - standard square.

You're dancing there - big fish, little fish.

And what about where the twins will sleep?

Oh. This would be Emily's room, wouldn't it?

I think the bedroom space for the kids,

you're not going to get a single...

-No.

-Bigger than a single, but I don't think you're going to get doubles.

-Yeah.

Oh, yeah. This is the fourth bedroom, a spare bedroom.

This will be Harrison's room.

We'll keep the small one for... You will always have a junk room.

You have too much rubbish.

What a cheek!

And talking of cheeks - the bathroom.

But it seems to be missing one small feature.

-This is nice.

-There's no toilet. Where's the toilet?

-Oh, look. It's there.

-Huh?

Eh?

-In with the utility.

-Eh?

No, I want my toilet in my bathroom.

Outside, meanwhile, is as impressive as the inside.

Fantastic space area.

And again, with that all-important pool.

-This is beautiful.

-Barbecue there.

Yeah. You've got your grass.

I didn't think we would have grass, thought it would be smaller.

Harrison would be able to play football over there.

Yeah, this is brilliant.

This house is really giving them both food for thought.

It's so quiet. You don't hear people.

All you hear is animals and birds.

This has been a big hit with the Newtons,

but can they afford it on their £250,000 budget?

Moment of truth.

What do you think, then? I really like the house.

I think it's amazing.

I think it's more compact.

I think the outdoor space is a lot better,

but I think this is way over our budget.

-So, see how much it is, then?

-Yeah.

-All right.

-Are you ready?

One, two, three...

No way!

It's same as the other. Oh, my goodness.

I'm shaking.

What do you think?

I'm gobsmacked.

Can we have it?

-It is amazing.

-I don't know what to say.

Oh, can't believe it.

I think they've just put that there. I think its way over our budget.

Bang on budget, much better than the last house.

-I want to sign for this.

-I...

Everything is against us. That's the problem.

-You have to make it work.

-Oh.

-I would love to live in a house like this.

-Oh.

-But...

I'm always... I don't think it will happen.

Is it possible the final property could top this one?

It's located in Waikiki, a popular area

only a couple of miles from the beach and an hour's drive from Perth.

This four-bedroom modern house is bound to impress.

-It's nice.

-It's very swish.

It is very swish, but it don't look big, again.

From the outside. I think this will be right modern.

-Yeah.

-This will be right up my street.

And inside, things get even better.

Good grief, this is massive.

Wow. This is beautiful.

-This is you.

-I see myself behind here.

I like the kitchen.

That's where you are, in the kitchen.

The main bedroom is BIG.

Wow. It's massive.

Even a patio outside.

With a special treat just outside.

Yeah. You've even got a hot tub.

-Hot tub.

-Your own hot tub.

Oh! I feel as though I'm back home already.

And after you've had a soak, you'll need somewhere to change.

-Found something else.

-Oh, wow.

Look at this. A big walk-in wardrobe.

And en-suite.

Well, it seems perfect for Mum and Dad,

but what about the twins?

This is a nice single.

Oh, this is lovely. Harrison would love that.

-It is a big size. Another double. A double room.

-A really good size.

And there's one thing that will definitely get Emily and Harrison excited.

A cinema room.

Looks like everybody has one of these, don't they, in Australia?

And outside, well, this place has it all.

-Oh, this is a nice space, isn't it?

-It's a nice outdoor area.

There's also that all-important dream feature for Nicola.

Oh, a pool!

Wow, I didn't think you would get a pool with a new house.

It's almost the ideal home,

but will it be hugely over their £250,000 budget?

I cannot believe the space and the size of the houses that we can get for our money.

I've been really surprised with the outdoor space we can have.

That's just blown me away. What do you think it's worth?

£310,000.

I think it'll be £325,000.

-Shall we see?

-Yes.

-Are you ready?

-Yeah.

-Oh!

-302.

I'm nearer.

Actually, I'm really surprised because that's within reach, I think.

Property one was a traditional, spacious family home.

At £250,000, it was exactly on budget.

House number two had everything the couple were hoping for,

and was also on budget.

Property three was a brand-new house, with all mod cons.

At just over £300,000, it was over budget but well within reach.

So, based on everything they've seen today,

will the Newtons choose home or away?

-Australia.

-Australia.

I just think value for money for the house,

especially the outdoor, and that's what we said we wanted for the kids.

I'm very happy.

I bet you would.

Back in the UK, Mark is a refrigeration and air-conditioning engineer.

And when it comes to this job prospects, let's say he's keeping his cool.

Yeah, the air-conditioning sector in Australia is massive.

I've done loads of qualifications, doing courses on air-conditioning.

I think the trade over there will be massive, with the weather.

In his current position, Mark earns around £38,000,

but has the freedom to work as much or as little as he wants.

And could earn up to £70,000 per year.

Finding out if that can be matched in Australia is top of his trial-week agenda.

The overtime rate over here,

we can more or less work and earn what we want.

If that is transferable, can we do that in Australia?

But if I am doing loads of hours in Australia,

am I going to have the family time?

Nicola, meanwhile, works part-time as a school dinner lady and

occasional classroom assistant in Emily's school.

It provides an ideal work/life balance.

With Emily actually being a pupil here it means that I get to see her

along my working day. I get to see her at lunchtime and out in the playground,

which is really good.

It's also the ideal place for Emily.

I don't know how many special schools there are and whether they provide this support.

Obviously we've got everything here.

There's a pool.

And there's soft play, there's loads of things.

So, I don't know what there would be in Australia,

but I hope to find that out when we go.

The only problem is that it doesn't pay much.

I earn about £5,000 a year, and obviously I've got...

..I get my disability top-up as well.

If I went full-time, I think it's about 12-14,000.

And in Australia, I'd hope to earn more money.

Mark knows if the Newtons are to make the move,

then getting a visa will be essential.

We hope to meet an employer who would be able to tell us if we

would be able to get sponsored, with a disabled daughter,

and how easy or how hard it's going to be.

To find out the potential roles down under,

we've arranged for Mark to talk with Cameron,

the owner of a small air-conditioning company in Perth.

Top of the agenda - working hours and pay.

One of my concerns when I came here is actually the working hours.

Back home in summer, we're mental, just working flat out,

you're getting home late at night, starting early morning.

What's it like here?

Probably like a 60... 55 to 65-hour week,

depending on, really, how much you want to work.

-Is that in summer?

-Yeah, that's in summer.

See, back home we're doing, I'm doing 70-80 hours on call.

-Yeah.

-Even now, in winter.

Yeah, the opportunity's certainly there to be doing 80, 90-hour weeks.

What can you expect to earn over here?

Minimum 35 an hour, 40 hours a week, you're looking at 75,000 a year.

That's Australian dollars.

-Yeah.

-I would say doing 55-hour weeks,

60-hour weeks in summer,

you'd almost be cracking 100,000, I would say.

See, that's phenomenal.

It's great news for Mark,

as that's between £45-60,000 a year he could be earning.

To get a visa, though, he'd probably need to get sponsored.

And there's good news there, too.

Opportunity for a sponsorship would definitely be there.

Especially coming into summer.

You know, companies, you're there, you're working with them...

I would say that, yeah, the opportunity would definitely be there for sponsorship.

That's good to know, and it's good to know, like you said,

it's the smaller companies what would do that, not the big companies.

As long as the sun's still shining, then, you know,

there's going to be plenty of work for fridgies.

A triple dose of good news for Mark.

Across town, Nicola is visiting a special-needs school,

to check out what might be offer for both her and daughter Emily.

This is Henry's classroom.

She's meeting Eve, a classroom assistant who has a son with autism.

How easy is it to get a job?

It's quite... If you've got the qualifications, it's...

..it's not that difficult.

What type of wage would a casual assistant be at first?

-It's a bit rubbish, actually.

-SHE LAUGHS

I think we do it for the love of it.

-Yeah.

-We don't really do it for the money.

Is it 20 an hour, 25 an hour? Something like that?

Hmm, not great news, but there is one upside.

The hours for the sort of full-time work Nicola is after are a lot better.

I finish at 3:30, so it's a six-and-a-half-hour day.

That's a lot less than the UK.

They're pretty good here.

That's cos they all want to nip off for a beer or a wine,

you see, after the hard day that they've had.

-The nice weather and everything.

-Yeah, exactly.

It's been positive news for both so far, but back on the roof,

Mark is about to get some bad news when he catches up with Craig,

an expat air-conditioning engineer from Belfast.

-The qualifications what I have back home...

-Yep.

..City & Guild, F Gas, is that transferable over here?

Erm, no. It does... It will help you in a way,

but it's not recognisable over here, so...

It's not even transferable?

So I would have to go back to college and do it all again.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Eh?!

-Unfortunately, you will, yeah.

22 years doing it back home and I've got to start again?

Yes, I said the same thing to the guys.

After a day of mixed results,

the couple meet up to discuss what they've learned.

First, Mark gives Nicola the good news.

They said basic would be about 75-80,000 Australian dollars a year.

And then your overtime, with just doing your 55-60 hours in summer,

takes it up to about 100, just over 100.

-Which is what you wanted.

-Wanted. And you can earn more.

And then comes the bad news.

All my qualifications don't count for anything.

-Right.

-At all.

-Nothing at all?

-Nothing at all. I'll have to retrain it all.

I can't believe... 22 years and it means nothing here.

-I can't believe that.

-No.

It's disappointing news for Nicola, but it hasn't deterred her.

The work sounds brilliant, but you you're going to have to get

your finger out and retrain and do it.

Well, that's told you, Mark!

Time for Nicola to tell her news now.

The wage is actually about 20-25 an hour,

which is nearly double what I earn in the UK.

So, we're never going to be rich from it, but at least I'll get,

-you know...

-You never give me any money, anyway.

-No.

So, when it comes to voting for work down under,

will they choose Perth or the UK?

-Australia.

-Undecided.

It's a no-brainer. The only problem is having to retrain and trying to

find an employer willing to sponsor you.

-Yeah, so...

-Especially with Emily.

I understand completely why you've gone undecided.

-It is undecided.

-Can you understand why I've gone...?

Yeah, cos you want to live here.

-And...

-Yeah.

-..because the job prospects are better and the money's double.

-Yeah.

After kick-starting their trial week with a great property day,

the realities of work down under have thrown a spanner in the works,

leaving the couple blowing hot and cold on the idea.

Like one of Mark's broken-down, old air conditioning units.

So will a day out experiencing the warm outdoor life,

something Nicola feels could benefit daughter Emily's health,

help get things back on track?

The Newton family head down to the promenade for a fun-filled morning.

In fact, you could say they are having a ball.

-Make a wish.

-I wish for dreams to come true.

And I wish to live in Australia.

Next, it's down to the beach,

where the whole family get the chance to relax and have fun.

It's certainly enough to work up an appetite,

so while Mark heads off to the local butchers...

The marble.

..Nicola reflects on how she feels the week is going so far.

The things that's going through my mind really is whether or not Mark

would actually be able to get a visa,

with the news that he was given yesterday about having to fully retrain.

That was a big shock.

But is that enough to put a potential move on hold?

It was a dream and now I'm here...

..does it feel like I'm living a dream?

It just feels like I'm living where I should be living.

If Mark said that he didn't want to go,

I don't think it would be a case of he didn't want to go.

It's probably because we can't come,

because of Mark's work and retraining, the money and everything,

but if he said no, just flatly no...

..it would absolutely devastate me.

Finally, it's back to base for a barbie.

Mark and Nicola get the chance to sit down with some fellow expats,

Sally and her daughter Kirstie, who also has cerebral palsy,

to discuss the impact a move down under can make on life.

My biggest fear was - "Is Kirstie going to settle?

"Are we going to get a visa to begin with?"

We didn't struggle at all with getting a visa for Kirstie.

That's one of the concerns,

because Emily is classed as different, even back home...

It's not going to be always sunny side up, you know.

You're going to have some really low points.

But then you've got to weigh it all up and go, "OK, but it's worth it."

I started my nursing in July.

I ride. I enter competitions.

And I have a jet ski and I go out on that every weekend.

My life's just great here.

I think you will have a better lifestyle out here, definitely.

So, how is Mark feeling now about the prospect of a move?

Everything in the UK, you've got to fight for.

Over here, things are accepted.

The smile on Kirstie's face,

she had a lovely smile and she was just so happy.

And that's how I want to see my daughter when she's older, just happy.

And doing what she wants to do.

I think that's the main thing in life.

But do the children need convincing?

Emily, we're going to live here.

-Yep.

-Do you like living here? Why?

-Yep.

-Because...?

-Because it's more...

Because it's more warm here.

-Because it's more hotter.

-Yeah, it's more hotter than England, isn't it?

-Yeah.

All that's left to do now is for everyone to vote.

Where will they choose?

-Australia!

-EMILY:

-Australia!

-Emily! Australia!

-Australia!

I just think today,

meeting Sally and Kirstie and just seeing what opportunities there could be

for Emily in life, I can't see that back home.

And since I've been here, I've realised it's not about us, it's about them.

-Yeah.

-I totally agree with what you've said.

We've got to give the kids the best chance.

And I'm just so happy that you like it as much as I do.

You can't fail, Dad, you need to get a visa.

-We need to live here.

-Thanks, no pressure there, then(!)

LAUGHTER

In order to buy a house in Australia,

the Newtons will have to sell their much-loved bungalow back in Bradford.

So we've asked two estate agents to visit the property to make a valuation.

-Are you ready?

-Yes.

-EMILY:

-Wow!

Look at you.

Good-size family living room.

Yeah, nice white high-gloss kitchen. Good storage options.

Nice work space area.

-MARK:

-I've never seen it so tidy.

I wish I was there now.

Excellent-size rear garden.

Yes. Nice girl's bedroom here.

Obviously flexible accommodation, could be used for anything else as well.

Nice fresh-looking bathroom, grey tiles.

Definitely in this year.

Grey is in this year?

In the current market, I would value this property at £190,000.

If a quick sale was needed, I would value the property at £180,000.

Given the current market conditions

I would put the property on the market at £200,000.

For a quick sale, I'd advise to put it on at £190,000.

That's more like it.

200 would be great.

It's roughly the ballpark what we thought.

Now it's time to figure out the finances.

I couldn't sleep all night, thinking about the figures and what were they going to be.

Oh, get the violin out.

Crisps...are dearer.

I thought they would be dearer, yep.

-£2.23, a lot dearer.

-Good grief.

We'll have to make our own.

-Crisps?

-Yeah.

-Can't do that. HP Sauce.

Good grief, that's a lot more.

-You'll have to give up your HP brown sauce.

-No chance of that, love.

Once they've totted up the weekly shop, they're not even fazed.

-Is that it?

-£10.

-Not even that.

-£9.48.

But what about the bigger living expenses?

I'm dreading this.

-So, your mortgage...

-Yep.

£778 in the UK.

No way! 725 in Australia.

For that lovely house. 725.

We're £53 better off.

-Your gas is a lot more.

-Good grief, yeah.

Comparing all the monthly costs between the UK and Oz,

the result has them both smiling.

-What do you think of that?

-We're better off in Australia.

727. I'm amazed.

I know the sun is shining again,

but I think somebody's looking down on us.

And smiling.

So, after the unexpected news they'll be better off in Oz,

it's no mystery which way they'll vote.

-Australia.

-Australia.

There's a long way to go yet,

but it is looking more positive than when we first came.

So far, Nicola and Mark have discovered the work,

lifestyle and financial opportunities Perth has to offer.

But the dream could still stall as the couple sit down together

to confront the reality of leaving loved ones.

Hi, everyone.

Hi, Mark, Nicola. Hope you're all OK.

She's kind, thoughtful

a marvellous mum.

But there's only one Nicola.

That is for sure.

Mark's a very good father and a very good provider.

He works really hard and long hours.

I've told him I won't be able to go and see him.

I have too many health problems to fly and that...

But I still wish him all the best because they've got their life to live.

I'm coming to 't end of mine, now, so they've still got to live theirs.

Nicola and Mark think that they're going to have more family time...

-You won't have.

-And time together as a family to do things.

I don't think they will.

No-one likes to see them go, really,

but, as I say, we don't want to stand in their way,

if they really like it...

I just feel as though it would be goodbye, you know.

That's, that's the hard part, really.

I just keep thinking, like his dad said, it's their life.

And we've always brought our kids up to say, do what YOU want to do,

don't think of us, sort of thing.

I do that.

Just think about it really, really seriously.

Because the grass isn't always greener.

It will work out, if you do get there, I know it will.

But even for the odd reasons and it doesn't, love...

..you've still done it.

You've still lived that little bit of a dream,

which it has been for you.

I don't know whatever we'd do, as you know, Nicola...

Let's hope they don't go.

If you did go...

..to live there, but we wouldn't stand in your way, anyway...

..we'll miss you greatly.

Anyway, have a wonderful time, all of you,

and we'll look forward to hearing all about it.

Bye. Bye.

You said you wouldn't cry.

Are you all right?

Just difficult.

It's never easy.

You knew that.

Nobody's told THEM what to do.

They've lived their life and done exactly what they want.

Now we should be able to do the same.

Won't it just make us feel so guilty?

At the end of the day, it's for the kids.

At the start of their trial week,

Nicola's mission was to convince husband Mark that moving to Australia

would be the final piece in the jigsaw of their family life.

He, however, needed to be convinced that the practicalities match the

ambition. Now as they approach the final vote,

is Nicola's dream about to hot up or be put on ice?

What would you do?

It's time for the Newtons to pack up and get ready to make the journey

back home. For Nicola, it's all lived up to expectations.

I think Australia has been even better than I thought I could ever imagine.

For Mark, meanwhile, it's been a real voyage of discovery.

I think, this week, my mind's pickled - a lot of information.

When I came, I always thought it were going to be extremely hard and

all negative, and so far, it's completely opposite.

It's just completely thrown me.

And Nicola, I think, thinks it's all done and dusted,

but it's nowhere near.

And there's still a lot of heart searching to go on.

Nicola, however, does have her own doubts.

My head's probably all over the place from seeing friends and family messages,

but I've got to look to our and our children's future

and try and do what's actually best for them.

And both know that ultimately, it's not about them,

it's about their children.

I just think Nicola's dream has now sunk into me

as not Nicola's dream but our kids' future.

The only question - is it too late?

If we actually did do it in a few years,

and spend more time with my grandma and my family,

my mum, then obviously we might have missed the boat.

Because our age isn't on our side.

But they have to realise now that we need to get a move on.

After years of dreaming, it all comes down to this final vote.

After everything that we've seen in Australia, our vote goes to...

I'm pretty good at this.

ALL: Australia!

I've... Since I've got here, my mind's... I've changed.

It's unbelievable. I mean,

at the beginning it's going to be hard

-and I'll work all the hours God sends to make it work.

-Oh.

I don't really want to live in England,

cos I really want to live here cos I really want it to be sunny.

I just want to give an opportunity to my mum and dad to live here. It's very hot here.

Words can't express how I feel right now.

It's been a long week.

Let's just hope, when we get home, we can put plans into action.

-EMILY:

-Yeah!

THEY LAUGH

If a move is to happen in reality, of course,

it will still need jobs, visas and living arrangements to be sorted,

but for now, the Newtons have decided unanimously

that their future lies in Australia.

Whatever happens next,

the very best of luck to them and we'll be following with interest.