0:00:02 > 0:00:07Welcome to Wanted Down Under, the show that catapults a British family
0:00:07 > 0:00:10right across to the other side of the world,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13to help them make the biggest decision of their life -
0:00:13 > 0:00:18whether to stay in the UK or to move to Australia.
0:00:18 > 0:00:23Wayne Foster is thinking of moving his family to the other side of the world.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28My main hope and dream is to give them a good start in life,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31that's really driving our decision to go.
0:00:31 > 0:00:32But wife, Lois is torn
0:00:32 > 0:00:36because 14-year-old daughter, Amy refuses to come.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39It's so painful,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43but I have three young children who I have to think of in this.
0:00:43 > 0:00:49And, as the week progresses, Lois finds the decision impossible to bear.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51The thing is, I'm really fearful.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58But my hopes are phenomenal, my hopes are so exciting
0:00:58 > 0:01:05and so my hopes for my boys and for Amy are what drives me, definitely.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34There's recently been a 20% increase in families seeking jobs in Australia.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39With its warm climate and promise of work, it's a very attractive option.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41If you're on the skilled occupation list,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45you and your family could obtain a visa and try for a better life down under.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48But, is the grass always greener?
0:01:50 > 0:01:54We've given another British family the opportunity to spend a week
0:01:54 > 0:01:58down under to see if it's all they dreamt it would be.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03After that, they'll have to make a decision one way or the other,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07to stay in the UK or to move to Australia.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Today, we start with a wedding.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16After four years together, Lois and Wayne have recently tied the knot
0:02:16 > 0:02:19surrounded by their family and friends.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21But they're about to leave all they know and love
0:02:21 > 0:02:24to try out what life could be like in Australia.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31On a normal day, our newly weds live in Derby, with Amy,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Lois's daughter from a previous relationship.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Lois and Wayne have three sons, Isaac who's three-years-old,
0:02:37 > 0:02:39and year-old twins, Jackson and Elliott.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Or, is that Elliott and Jackson?
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Wayne recently took voluntary redundancy from his job
0:02:46 > 0:02:50as a security manager for a national retail chain,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and thinks the time is right for a brand new experience.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58My main hope and dream in terms of going to Australia with the boys,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01is to give them a good start in life.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05I'm hoping the Australian culture is a bit more steady paced,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09a bit more family orientated, because that's important to us.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11That's really driving our decision to go.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16But Lois has a massive dilemma.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Amy, at the moment, cos she is 14,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22doesn't want to come to Australia for various reasons.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24I think, when you're 14,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28your friends are very, very important to you, your schooling.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32But it's difficult as a family to make that decision to allow her
0:03:32 > 0:03:35the freedom of choice to not come if she wants to.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40It's difficult to know you're going to leave your daughter behind,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43but I've come to the decision I love her enough to let her go.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48Yes, not a day goes past that I don't sit and think,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50what if she doesn't come?
0:03:50 > 0:03:53I have good days and bad days where I think, she must come.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55But I can't force her to come.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58As a trial run,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Amy is already staying part-time at the home of a family friend.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06And is sure that a move down under isn't for her.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I don't want to go to Australia because it's too far away.
0:04:09 > 0:04:15I'm close with all my friends and I have a nice life in Derby.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17If they want to go, they can go,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19I don't want to stop them because of me.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23But, I will miss Isaac and the twins.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26It would be a very difficult decision for Lois to leave Amy
0:04:26 > 0:04:29in the care of a family friend, if the Fosters make the move.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35Lois would also have to give up her job as a senior nurse practitioner in a local GP practice.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40She's worked hard to build up her career and is loathe to take a backward step.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43One of the reasons for us going to Australia is to find a job
0:04:43 > 0:04:45like I do now that pays as much as I'd have now.
0:04:45 > 0:04:51So, if there's not the job that pays as well as I'm anticipating, then that is a dilemma.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Husband, Wayne also has other concerns.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00I believe it's a multicultural society over there, so I'd hope the boys fitted in,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04but again, once they get to school age, if they didn't fit in and didn't settle,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08that would drive our decision maybe not to stay in Australia.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Wayne's parents have passed away, but Lois, who is close to her mum and dad
0:05:13 > 0:05:17found telling them about their plans for Australia particularly difficult.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I think initially, it was devastation and I think it still is,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24trying to get their head around the fact that their grandchildren
0:05:24 > 0:05:27are such a young age, they may potentially miss so much.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Wayne thinks that Australia will be best for his boys,
0:05:34 > 0:05:39but can Lois leave her daughter and family behind for a new life down under?
0:05:39 > 0:05:41There's so much at stake,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44the Fosters have a huge amount to consider over the coming week.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52For their week down under,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56we're sending the Fosters to Perth, capital of Western Australia.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Situated between the Bush and the Western Seaboard,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Perth has a relatively small commercial centre.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Busy during the day with office workers, shoppers and diners.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12This area is surrounded by city suburbs, offering a mixture of apartment and town house living.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15The suburbs spread out North and South along the coast.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19The further you go, the more you can get for your property pound.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25We've found three different lifestyles for our family.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31Each one offering a brand new way of life for them to try on their budget.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34But, which one will be the most suitable?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39The various city suburbs that surround central Perth
0:06:39 > 0:06:42would afford the Fosters a wealth of property options,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44from traditional family villas
0:06:44 > 0:06:47to high rise apartments with views over the Swan River.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51The city is well connected by the Cat, a free inner-city bus service,
0:06:51 > 0:06:56handy for making the most of all the cosmopolitan delights on offer.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00But inner-city living can come with a hefty price-tag
0:07:00 > 0:07:03with high-spec, two-bedroom houses like this one
0:07:03 > 0:07:05costing in excess of £500,000.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12However, potential work options would be nearby at the city-based hospitals,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16where Lois could earn up to £30,000 a year.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20So, very different from their life in the UK.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22But what about the second option?
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Houses in the outer suburbs offer more value for money
0:07:27 > 0:07:29and plenty of space.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Relaxed leisure opportunities abound,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36but finding time to enjoy them as a family might be an issue,
0:07:36 > 0:07:42as Lois could face a commute of around an hour into the city for work.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45In the more established district of Melville,
0:07:45 > 0:07:49smart three-bedroom properties such as this cost £400,000.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53But, travel further out to the newer suburbs
0:07:53 > 0:07:57and you can pick up three-bed, new builds for 200,000.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02That all looks very inviting, but what about the third option?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Life on the coast would be a world away
0:08:06 > 0:08:08from what the Fosters are used to.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11With lots of fun activities on hand for a growing family
0:08:11 > 0:08:15and the city-based hospitals only a 50 minute drive away for Lois,
0:08:15 > 0:08:20there would be plenty of opportunities for quality family time.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26A luxurious home like this modern five-bedroom house cost £380,000,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30but it does come with its own home-style cinema.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36However, four-bedroom properties are available from £230,000.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42So, three very different possibilities for our family to try.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Which one did we decide would suit them best?
0:08:45 > 0:08:51With a manageable commute to the city centre, and an array of generously sized homes,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55we thought a life by the sea would be the best choice for the Fosters.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57We've lined up a job for Lois...
0:08:57 > 0:09:04I'm looking for something very similar, but I'm worried am not going to find the same role here.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06..and a selection of different housing options...
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- Oh, yeah.- It's fantastic.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12..and set up a taste of Australian life.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14But they have a tough week ahead of them,
0:09:14 > 0:09:19as they face what could be the biggest decision of their lives.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The Fosters are heading off for a week to sample life down under.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34Wayne and Lois want to find out if Australia will provide a better environment
0:09:34 > 0:09:38for their boys to grow up in and hope that Amy will be persuaded to join them.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43But will Perth live up to their expectations?
0:09:43 > 0:09:47After a 10,000 mile journey and 18 hours in the air
0:09:47 > 0:09:50with three young children, how are they feeling?
0:09:51 > 0:09:52I just want a cup of tea!
0:09:52 > 0:09:56I'm not as tired as I thought I would be, which is good.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58I'm still pretty fresh.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03It's difficult eating when you've got three children, trying to juggle children on your knee
0:10:03 > 0:10:07and who's going to eat and who's reaching for what food.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11That's the only thing, you have to work out who's going to eat and who's not.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13The Fosters are in for a surprise when they see
0:10:13 > 0:10:16what's waiting outside for them.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Wayne hasn't packed for this kind of weather.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I didn't really expect this.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24I've packed a coat, because I thought there would be rain.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28I just need to dig it out of the suitcase a little bit earlier than I thought.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29That's the spirit, Lois!
0:10:34 > 0:10:36At least the journey's almost over.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41The Fosters are staying in a four-bedroom family house in Seville Grove,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45it's a southern suburb only a 25 minute drive from the beach
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and 30 minutes from Lois's potential work.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51It's fantastic.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56The spacious lounge at the front of the house is opposite the first bedroom.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- It's a nice size.- Is it the master bedroom?- It must be.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- Oh, it's en suite.- It's weird not having a door, but it's good.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07There's a door on the toilet.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- That's the main thing.- Good enough.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Wayne's still not sure.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Maybe he'll be more impressed with the open-plan living area?
0:11:16 > 0:11:22This is great, very similar to what I was saying about the American houses
0:11:22 > 0:11:27where it is just a very large, open space, bungalow-type scenario.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Very good, really good. - It'll fit all our furniture in.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33Yeah, easily. We'll probably have to buy some more furniture.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35What's through here?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Behind the living room is the rest of the house.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40This will be Isaac's room, I think.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43It's a decent size.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Similar to what he's got back home.
0:11:45 > 0:11:52Wardrobe again - or maybe call it a den of some sort. It's good.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55There are two more double bedrooms and a laundry room.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58What's this?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Wayne thinks it's too good to be true.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04This is your room, you know it's going to be small outdoors.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- I'm wrong.- You could fit a pool in here, it's massive.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10This is lovely.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- This is great.- It's so private as well, not overlooked.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17If we could get a garden this big, it would be fantastic.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Good fencing. Very secure.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Can't escape, can you?
0:12:22 > 0:12:28This child friendly, family house would cost around £240,000 to buy
0:12:28 > 0:12:33and is ideally located for exploring all that Perth has to offer.
0:12:33 > 0:12:40I think it's going to be a really nice week, with this amount of space. A really good base.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44It would worry me we wouldn't initially be able to afford somewhere this big,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47but I suppose it's what you aim for, isn't it?
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Lois and Wayne have a lot to consider in the week ahead.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Fortunately, not something that Isaac has to worry about,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56who's fallen asleep standing up.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Back in the UK, Lois and Wayne live in a four-bedroom house in Derby
0:13:04 > 0:13:10which they bought in 2004 for just under £140,000.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14They've recently extended the property, adding a new kitchen and family room,
0:13:14 > 0:13:19which Lois loves, so any property in Perth will have a lot to live up to.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23In Australia they have a budget of around £235,000,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27to find a spacious, family home and as they prepare to head off
0:13:27 > 0:13:31to the first property, Lois is already thinking about
0:13:31 > 0:13:34how to make this work for the whole family.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36We're looking primarily for a four-bed,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40so that if Amy changes her mind and comes out,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42we've got an extra bedroom waiting.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Let's hope our properties fit the bill.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48We've found three suitable homes for sale.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51The first is located in Port Kennedy
0:13:51 > 0:13:55and there's only a golf course between this property and the beach.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It's a 45 minute drive from Lois's work,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01but being further south it offers value for money,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05as this four-bedroom property is on the market for £245,000,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08so, at a push they should be able to afford it.
0:14:09 > 0:14:15The spacious hall opens out onto the first reception room.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16A bit smaller than I thought.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22We'd get the settees in here along the walls, wouldn't you?
0:14:22 > 0:14:27And they've got the fire for when it gets a little bit chilly.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30So, mixed reactions there.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33What will make of the next reception area?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36This is more like it, it's a bit bigger isn't it?
0:14:36 > 0:14:38This is probably the living room.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41I think it's the living room, I don't know.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44That's the first formal, this is probably a second formal space.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47While they get their heads around the layout,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50our childminder, Rachel, is on hand to keep an eye on the children
0:14:50 > 0:14:53while Lois and Wayne take a look at the rest of the house.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Next door is a spacious kitchen and dining area which is sure to impress.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- Wow!- Very nice.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05It's lovely isn't it? It feels very low, though,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08if you notice, the ceilings feel quite low.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11But does the kitchen stand up to further inspection?
0:15:11 > 0:15:13I think it's workable, it's good.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16But it's difficult when you've got the kitchen at home,
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- you compare every kitchen thereafter to the kitchen at home.- Same toaster.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22It is, isn't it?
0:15:22 > 0:15:25It doesn't live up to Lois's UK kitchen,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28even if they do have matching toasters.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30How will the rest of the house fare?
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Behind the living area there's a light and bright double bedroom
0:15:34 > 0:15:37next to a single, currently being used as a study
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and another double bedroom. But, are they big enough?
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It is much smaller than back home,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46that's what's going through my head, it's smaller.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Would you give up the master bedroom so the boys could have a bigger bedroom?
0:15:50 > 0:15:52YOU can consider that!
0:15:52 > 0:15:53I did with Amy!
0:15:53 > 0:15:58You have to, though, realistically, to make the space workable.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00It's a lovely, lovely house.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- But we do need a fourth bedroom, I think don't we?- Yes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Well, it's a good job there is one then.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08At the front of the house is the solution to their problem,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11a master bedroom that Lois and Wayne didn't spot earlier.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Ah! There is a 4th room.- Yay!
0:16:15 > 0:16:20That's much better, it puts the house on a different plane completely.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Definitely.- Definitely. - Now we're talking.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27His and hers sinks, very nice.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30This is good. Look at the size!
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- You could lay down in that shower. - I know.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Maybe later, Lois.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37It's time to check out the garden first.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41With its al fresco dining area and hot tub, there's plenty of space
0:16:41 > 0:16:45for both children and adults to unwind in.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50What do they make of the £245,000 asking price?
0:16:50 > 0:16:54For the size you get, I think it's quite competitive really, isn't it?
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- No, it's quite good value for money. - Mmm-hmm.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01While they mull that one over, it's on to the second property.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Also in Port Kennedy, just round the corner from the first house,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08this five-bedroom, two-bathroom property
0:17:08 > 0:17:10is on the market for £255,000.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13A little above the Foster's budget,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15but with some negotiation on the asking price,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17they should be able to afford it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23The hallway leads onto the first bedroom.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Bedroom number one.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It looks a lot smaller, doesn't it?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32You can tell, it needs some decorating.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36You can tell, just in this room, there is a bit of TLC needed.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39They might prefer the next bedroom.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40- This is nice.- It's a massive room.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43I do like this space and I do love the windows.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Come on, Isaac.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48Things are looking up and it only gets better,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51next door is the home cinema.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52This is an unusual use of space.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57Makes you think is this room is surplus to requirements? So they've made it into a cinema.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I do think you don't use your front room for your front room
0:18:00 > 0:18:03in these places, I think there is a lot of outdoor living.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Isaac tries out the facilities.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Whoops-a-daisy, Isaac! Those seats need a PG rating.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17While child minder, Rachel takes over, Lois and Wayne have a quick look around.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23At the back of the house is a spacious, open-plan dining, kitchen and living area.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31It's a good workable space, but it's a bit strange for me having the cooker in the corner!
0:18:31 > 0:18:34I'm thinking, outdoor, outdoor.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Following on from here are two more children's bedrooms,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41both good sizes for the twins and Isaac.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42It's smaller than I imagined.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46This is what, bedroom four?
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Does it feel these two bedrooms are far away from the front two or not?
0:18:50 > 0:18:51Miles away.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- I'm saying bedroom number four, there's two in the front isn't there?- Yeah.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57This is four. This is the fourth bedroom,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59with the two at the front and the two at the back.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06That's interesting, this house has got five bedrooms, so Isaac could have one room,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10Amy could have another, the twins could share and then they could go separate.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14That puts a different slant on it with it being five doesn't it?
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- No, I'm quite impressed with that. - Shall we go and have a look outside? - Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Gosh, look at the barbecue!
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- That's why I'm thinking... - ..the cooker's too small.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31That's why I'm thinking the cooker is so small.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34It looks like it's all geared up towards outdoor entertaining.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- And there's a pool, shall we go and have a look?- Yeah, yeah.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44It's massive.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46I'm not big on pools, though, me.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51I just look at it and think it's lovely, I just think it's a shame,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54the waste of space in the garden, because you wouldn't use this
0:19:54 > 0:19:57as much as you'd use the outdoor with your wellies and a rain mac.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Wellies and a rain mac?! You're in Australia now, Lois.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03It's lovely but would you fill it in?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Mm, probably.- I don't want a pool.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08So, no pool for the Fosters then.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12What about the £255,000 price tag?
0:20:12 > 0:20:14What do you think? Would you, could you live here?
0:20:14 > 0:20:18I like the fact that it surprised me with the five bedrooms. Really, really, really liked that.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I like the point of view where you've got rooms on one side, rooms on another.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26You've got that privacy in between, so parents can be parents, kids can be kids.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31And you've got this meeting area in the middle which is the kitchen-come-diner.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33I like the movie room that could be then quite a big living room.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I don't know if I'd pay that kind of price for it, to be honest,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40but put an offer in a bit lower than that. I think we could make it work for us.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45The property seems to have given them a lot to think about.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47But there's still more to see.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Option three is located in the suburb of Baldivis,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53north of Port Kennedy and closer to Lois's work,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55which would be a 30-minute drive.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Being slightly more inland with the beach 10 minutes away,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04this five-bedroom property offers more value for money.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09On the market for £240,000, the Fosters should be able to afford it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13The first room, it's the lounge.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16It's not a bad size.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20It's a good size but it's an awkward shape.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22There's like six walls in here.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Isn't there?- You've got a fair bit of painting to do.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I'm not going to get two beds that shape
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- because I just don't think they get used a lot.- No.- I really don't.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35As Wayne and Lois continued to look around, the childminder lends a hand with the kids.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Next door is the master bedroom.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42I thought there'd have been a bigger window. No, it's good.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43But the en suite goes down well.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45This is a big en suite, isn't it?
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It's fantastic. The whirlpool bath.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51That's the biggest bath we've seen while we've been here, to be honest.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- His and her sinks again, like you've always wanted.- Yes.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- It's good.- Yeah, It's nice.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Next is an office, which could be converted into a child's bedroom.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07But it's the living area behind this that's sure to make an impression.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Oh, this is lovely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Oh, yeah.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13This open-plan stuff, it's fantastic, really is.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- It's just the size, isn't it? Just the size.- I know, I know.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20But this for me, it just makes the front room seem like
0:22:20 > 0:22:23a bit of a nonentity and I do mean that in all the houses.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Once you've got this, you just don't use the other space.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- I love it in here.- It's fantastic. - And the kitchen.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- It's lovely.- It is, isn't it?
0:22:31 > 0:22:33I know. You would get lost in there.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38To the side of this living space is the laundry area and the family bathroom.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40There are three more double bedrooms,
0:22:40 > 0:22:45which should accommodate the boys and Amy if she decided to come.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47It's another double bedroom.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- You can't believe we've got so many double beds.- It's a lot bigger, this house, isn't it?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Yes. Really big house. This one's surprised me, this has.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Here's me talking about putting another bedroom at the front!
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- When you've got these double rooms. - We've got plenty of space.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Lois And Wayne head outside. - It's good, isn't it?
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Yes, a good space again.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Your entertaining area and it's all under cover as well, which is good.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14So the weather doesn't affect it at all, does it?
0:23:14 > 0:23:18The garden's smaller than I thought it would be, the house just feels bigger inside
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- because of all the double bedrooms. - This is fine for me, really,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24because the kids can still get a decent run around.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28No, nothing wrong with the size, for some reason I just thought it would be bigger.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31But taking into account the price...
0:23:31 > 0:23:36With it being just under 460, and the cheapest one of the lot at, what is it, 240?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- I can see myself in this one.- Yes.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43I can see people coming to visit, entertaining outdoors. Very good. Really good.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46The Fosters have seen three different options.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The first house was just above their budget,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Although the kitchen didn't match up to their one back in the UK,
0:23:52 > 0:23:56they did like the large garden outside.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59They were pleased to find five bedrooms at property number two,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03but with young children, they decided they'd rather not have a pool.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07The third option was the most affordable but still had five bedrooms
0:24:07 > 0:24:10and plenty of living space and it seemed to fit their bill.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15But has it been enough to help them choose Australia over their home in the UK?
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It's time to vote on property.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20We've had a great day looking at property.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24We've seen three lovely properties and we can really see ourselves in all three.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27And our vote is...
0:24:27 > 0:24:28- Australia.- Australia.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30You surprise me.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35But can they even afford property three?
0:24:35 > 0:24:40Later, Wayne and Lois discover what their UK home is worth
0:24:40 > 0:24:45and they find out how much everyday life down under will actually cost.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53The Fosters are hoping that Australia will provide
0:24:53 > 0:24:57a good environment for their boys to grow up in.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And a major selling point is the Aussie lifestyle,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04so we've sent them out to get a taste of it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09And where better to experience that than cosmopolitan Fremantle,
0:25:09 > 0:25:13a port town to the south of Perth famous for its shops,
0:25:13 > 0:25:18a cappuccino strip, where you can watch the world go by, its yachts
0:25:18 > 0:25:24and a covered food market, a hotspot for visitors who flood into Fremantle at the weekends.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Lois and Wayne are keen to sample the produce on offer in Perth
0:25:31 > 0:25:35and head into the market to see how it compares to the UK.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39It's certainly a bit different to the usual supermarket shop back home.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45And it's not long before Lois spots Isaac's favourite food.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Look at the strawberries. Are these the big strawberries that you were on about?
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Ah, you're in luck, Isaac.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Wow-wee! You want another one?
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Local greengrocer Mark Scott takes a shine to Isaac.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00He knows a strawberry fan when he sees one.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Fresh from the farm. - Lois is impressed.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07The difference in taste is fantastic. Because these are grown locally,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11the taste is fantastic. We've noticed that, especially in the bigger ones.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Our season's full in swing now.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Yeah, this is the strawberry season.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Back home, you see, the big ones like that are forced and the flavour's not the same.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23You can really taste the difference and he's noticed
0:26:23 > 0:26:25the difference cos he just can't get enough of them.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Mark wants to introduce them to a new delicacy.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- Isaac, come on. - Now you're testing him!
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- Come on, come on.- Oh, that's a custard apple.- Mm.- Taste it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Come on, let's eat. - I'll taste it with you.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42But Isaac would rather stick to his strawberries.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- That's lovely.- Lovely. Lovely.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- They're lovely.- Come on, Isaac.- We're thinking about emigrating across.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Yes, Do yourself a favour. - Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- You won't go wrong. - Thank you. Thank you for that.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Well, Mark seems to think it's a good idea but there's plenty more
0:26:58 > 0:27:00to see and do before they have to make that decision.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Lois and Wayne are taking in all the produce,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08a lot of which is locally grown in Western Australia.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13But with Asia on Australia's doorstep, this influence can also be seen,
0:27:13 > 0:27:19with lots of wonderful and exotic-looking foods, and some foods which just have very strange names.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- That's a green pepper. - No, they're not green pepper.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27- That's what we call them.- Oh. In Australia they call this a capsicum.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30A capsicum? Back in England they're a lot smaller.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35They're very, very big here. Is it because they're grown locally?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I think it's maybe the soil and maybe the weather.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42With the price, it's a little bit more expensive than England
0:27:42 > 0:27:46but because you get more for your money, it goes just as far.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51So it looks, when I first bought them, to be more expensive. That's really good value.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55But Lois finds that not all foods compare favourably to the UK.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00In the local park, they're 1.20, I think, whereas that's 3.90.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02So that's about £2.50, isn't it?
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Something like that. So it's a very expensive ice-cream.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I'm sure Isaac thinks it's worth every penny.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15It's certainly a different way of life on display
0:28:15 > 0:28:20and Lois and Wayne head out to take in the rest of Fremantle's delights.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23There are plenty of parks and open spaces for young families
0:28:23 > 0:28:27to make the most of and Wayne, for one, is impressed
0:28:27 > 0:28:30with what he's seen and tasted so far.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- Boo!- Back home we do a lot of supermarkets and it's not as personal.
0:28:35 > 0:28:41But you come over here and it's very much, it's all fresh, it's all open, it's not pre-packed.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45It's local, it's bigger but it's still sweet, the fruit that is.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49And the people are very much willing to interact, which is really good.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53But Wayne knows it's going to take a lot more than
0:28:53 > 0:28:57friendly locals and fresh produce to convince Lois to make the move.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59Lois has got the situation with Amy
0:28:59 > 0:29:03that she wants to resolve before she decides what she wants to do.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07We've talked about it a lot but I don't want it to feel like I'm dragging Lois here.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11It isn't that. Lois understands that my thoughts are bringing the boys here.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14She's got the same thoughts because they're her children too.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20But she has got this decision, this overbearing decision with Amy, that we've got to try and solve.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24It's a state of affairs Lois is struggling to cope with.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26My hopes for the future are,
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Amy wishes to come and join us as a family and be with us as a family.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34That's what I hope. Because we are a family.
0:29:34 > 0:29:40But it's the reality of, yes, if we come here, she's not here.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50And that's just really hard
0:29:50 > 0:29:52as a mother
0:29:52 > 0:29:54to adjust to.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58It's truly been a day of highs and lows for Lois and Wayne.
0:29:58 > 0:30:06But what have they made of their taste of lifestyle down under and how will they vote?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10And our vote is...
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- UK.- Did you?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14I know I might surprise you.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19That's just really, really, really surprised me. Why?
0:30:19 > 0:30:24I know at the moment we've got more choice in the UK as to where we go with the boys and being outdoor
0:30:24 > 0:30:29with the boys, the problem is, which we've always said, is the weather it stops us getting out and about,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32here it has been really sunny but I've not seen enough of Freemantle
0:30:32 > 0:30:35or Perth yet to say definitely the UK.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37But for now, yeah, it is the UK.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42For me it's just very similar, I could be in England on a summer's day.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51The Foster's dreams depend on whether Lois can find work down under.
0:30:51 > 0:30:57In Derby she has a successful career working as a senior nurse practitioner in a GP practice.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01She's worked hard to develop her career and this specialised role
0:31:01 > 0:31:05has responsibilities that give her a lot of job satisfaction.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11In the UK, Lois can earn up to £35,000 so to consider a move to Australia
0:31:11 > 0:31:16it's vital to find a similar position with similar pay.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Lois is up early to sample work in Perth
0:31:21 > 0:31:25and she's keen to find out what career opportunities there are.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28But she's worried that the job she's worked so hard to get
0:31:28 > 0:31:30might not even exist in Australia.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35I'm a little bit anxious that they haven't got the same equivalent here.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39That's only because speaking to people they've said that
0:31:39 > 0:31:43some nurse jobs are about 15 years behind the UK
0:31:43 > 0:31:45which does concern me a little bit.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Whilst Wayne has his hands full looking after the twins and Isaac
0:31:49 > 0:31:53Lois is visiting Glengarry Private Hospital in Duncraig
0:31:53 > 0:31:56which serves Perth's northern suburbs.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01As the main visa applicant it's vital that her day at work goes well.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04She's meeting Sally Harris, acting director of nursing
0:32:04 > 0:32:08who wastes no time in showing Lois around the wards.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10You're a very experienced nurse.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15- Thank you.- Your particular role that you're looking for is similar?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18I'm looking for something very similar
0:32:18 > 0:32:21but I'm really worried I'm not going to find the same role here.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23To be honest you probably wouldn't.
0:32:23 > 0:32:28Australia is still only developing the nurse practitioner role.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Here, probably, the role that would be nearest to that
0:32:32 > 0:32:34would be an after-hours manager position.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38So she couldn't do her UK job here.
0:32:38 > 0:32:44Back at the house Wayne's very concerned about Lois and how much her job means to her.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48We're aware that Australia aren't quite up to speed with nurse practitioners.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53I'm not 100% prepared for her to consider taking a lower position
0:32:53 > 0:32:56here and actually not being happy in that position.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59If it doesn't work for Lois then it doesn't work for me, I want her to be happy.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Meanwhile Sally has left Lois to spend some time with Rachel,
0:33:03 > 0:33:08a senior after-hours manager, the nearest equivalent
0:33:08 > 0:33:12to a nurse practitioner who's giving patient, Vera, a quick check up.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13That's good.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17So where are you from in England?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19I'm from Derby which is near Nottingham.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Oh, beautiful, do you miss it?
0:33:21 > 0:33:23I've left my daughter who's 14 at home
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and I've brought the three boys with me, so I miss her.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30But, no, I'm loving it here so far, it's really good.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32That's good, we might see you over here for keeps.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35That's what I'm here to talk to Rachel about, the job opportunities.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Good nurses are very hard to find.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40We've got a lot here, but we always need more.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Well, Vera's keen to recruit Lois
0:33:42 > 0:33:46but there's a lot to find out about the job first.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50So what hours do you then work with it being called out of hours.
0:33:50 > 0:33:56After-hours start at three in the afternoon and finishes at 9.30 at night.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Monday to Friday.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- That's not too bad.- No.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I work myself four days a week.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07I use day-care one day a week and I have a fantastic mum who can help pick up kids from school.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11I wouldn't have any family here to do the pick up after school,
0:34:11 > 0:34:15do schools have after-school clubs, is there day-care?
0:34:15 > 0:34:21Yes, if you have children that are school age then we do have after school care, that's not a problem.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24This is a typical birthing suite.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Do you mind if I ask you what your salary is in comparison to mine in the UK?
0:34:28 > 0:34:34Sure, you would probably earn about 60,000 per annum for a 30-hour week.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35Gosh. So it's not as much, is it?
0:34:35 > 0:34:39I thought it would be a little bit more than that, to be honest.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44But I think what you do is fantastic and I do love the sound of the job, it sounds amazing.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47But I think financially it wouldn't support our family.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52It's not good news. And Wayne knows the move could be in jeopardy
0:34:52 > 0:34:54if pay doesn't compare favourably.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58We've talked about what we would do to get this off the ground
0:34:58 > 0:35:01we know we'd have to achieve certain salaries,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03to afford certain living standards.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07We're just not sure whether we'd actually go that far
0:35:07 > 0:35:11to sacrifice where we've got to to really make this thing work.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Back at the hospital, Lois is taking stock of the situation.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19I think what I've found is that everybody's really, really friendly, which is fantastic.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24Unfortunately I think the salaries aren't comparable to the UK.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28My job now doesn't exist here but I can use what I do in other jobs,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32which is kind of exciting in many other ways, which is kind of
0:35:32 > 0:35:37what I've got from today, is that I can do the job here just not what I'm doing now.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41However what Wayne has discovered since he's been in Perth
0:35:41 > 0:35:43has made him reassess their position.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46To make ends meet in Australia, what we've seen even when
0:35:46 > 0:35:50we're out shopping in Fremantle, things are expensive.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53So it's difficult to say that we can make my salary,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Lois's salary work to get us where we want to go.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58As much as it pains me to say it
0:35:58 > 0:36:02would we come if we couldn't get the jobs? Probably we would not, no.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07Contemplating a future career down under has filled Lois with thoughts of home.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Every time I think of moving here
0:36:13 > 0:36:18it fills me with such excitement because potentially what there is to offer,
0:36:18 > 0:36:24but it's such a comparison with what I could leave behind with Amy.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29And it's so hard to genuinely try and be excited.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31It's too much for her to bear.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39It's such a conflict when you want to be excited. It's such a conflict.
0:36:42 > 0:36:49Because I know the boys would get so much from here and I know Wayne is excited, and it's just...me.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52I want to come, I so, so want to come I want to be here...
0:36:55 > 0:36:56but as a family.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Lois is clearly battling within herself.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10The thought of leaving Amy behind and uncertain work prospects
0:37:10 > 0:37:14in Australia make the decision to leave the UK even harder.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16It's time to vote.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19My vote is ...
0:37:20 > 0:37:22I can't decide.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Love my role that I do.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Love the potential that it has here.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Like my salary,
0:37:28 > 0:37:35not sure what my salary will be, so kind of undecided. If that's allowed.
0:37:39 > 0:37:46If the Foster's want to make the move to Australia they have to be realistic about their finances.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49It's vital they take in to account what they could make
0:37:49 > 0:37:55on their UK home as well as the cost of living in Australia.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03In the UK the Fosters own a four-bedroom house in the centre of Derby
0:38:03 > 0:38:09which they bought in 2004 for just under £140,000.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12They've done a lot of work on it, including spending £40,000
0:38:12 > 0:38:19on a recent extension and they now estimate it to be worth around £170,000.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23But, what is the true value in the current climate?
0:38:23 > 0:38:27We sent two estate agents round to assess the property.
0:38:27 > 0:38:32The Fosters dreams of a life down under depend on the right valuation.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38While Rachel looks after the boys we've got a DVD
0:38:38 > 0:38:41of the estate agents' valuations for Lois and Wayne to see.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It may prove worrying.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Nice sized room, lovely bay.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Ideal for a dining room or even a family room, maybe.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Wow, what a lovely family room.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Lovely contemporary kitchen.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Big saleable factor of this property.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19It doesn't look like our house, does it? Its weird, isn't it?
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Good sized double room.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Lovely light, large en-suite.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35It's a four-bedroom, semi-detached property that has been structurally
0:39:35 > 0:39:38extended and it's added a great amount of space to the house,
0:39:38 > 0:39:43however, I feel it would be a challenge in the current market to recover the full cost of that.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45If we were looking to put the house to the market,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48in today's market we'd put it on at 155,000.
0:39:48 > 0:39:54However, if a quick sale be needed I'd look to put it on at 140,000.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57If the vendors were looking to rent the property
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I'd look again to put it on at £600 per calendar month.
0:40:00 > 0:40:05So at £30,000 less than they were hoping for
0:40:05 > 0:40:08much hinges on the opinion of the second estate agent.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12They simply won't be able to afford to move if they don't get a good price.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15At the moment in the current market conditions
0:40:15 > 0:40:19we're looking at an asking price, in the region of £140,000.
0:40:19 > 0:40:25For a quick sale somewhere in the region of 130 to £135,000.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28If the vendors were to rent the property we'd be looking at
0:40:28 > 0:40:32a figure somewhere in the region of £550 to £575 per calendar month.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It's not the news they were hoping for.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- The rent's less than what I thought. - The sale's less than what I thought.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44So I think we're in shock really on that one, to be honest.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Selling isn't going to be an option.
0:40:46 > 0:40:52The lowest valuation for a quick sale, which ideally we'd want, at 130.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Well, that wouldn't even cover the mortgage, would it?
0:40:55 > 0:40:59I'm looking for a bit more in terms of rental if we were to come out.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03Because it just means having to send the money back to cover the shortfall.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07That's a lot to cover the shortfall which goes back to everything
0:41:07 > 0:41:14we've said today about my wages reflecting what we need to function.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Hmmm. Anyway, on that note, do you want a cup of coffee?
0:41:17 > 0:41:19A shot of whisky for me.
0:41:22 > 0:41:29The reality of how much they can rent their house for has disappointed the Fosters.
0:41:29 > 0:41:36They need to take a closer look at their entire finances to see if they can afford to live down under.
0:41:36 > 0:41:41The Fosters take a few minutes to gather their thoughts.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49So can Lois and Wayne even afford to make the move down under?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52We've provided them with some detailed information
0:41:52 > 0:41:56on the day-to-day costs of living in Australia.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01The mortgage they're saying in Australia being 1400.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05Which is significantly more than at home.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Gas and electric is slightly cheaper.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12Phone, slightly more expensive, internet again more expensive.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17It's £10 versus £5, it depends what kind of deal you get I imagine.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20It's still double though, isn't it? This is interesting.
0:42:20 > 0:42:26Private health insurance for a whole family of six is £178 a month.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27That's a lot.
0:42:27 > 0:42:32I think looking about as a snap shot Australia is more expensive in terms of living costs.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36The figures have come as a massive blow.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40The life they had dreamt of in Australia could be in jeopardy.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42If we're going to do comparisons then I've got to look at the job
0:42:42 > 0:42:44and say that's the genuine same job,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48I can't look at a nurse that's on a different grade, a different job.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51There isn't the same job, that's the reality.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54I'm not going to get the same job here as I've got at home.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59- OK.- We may have to consider being more rural and not being so city centre based.
0:42:59 > 0:43:06Again once you go out of suburbs things, housing costs get cheaper.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09It's difficult because going more rural, does that then affect
0:43:09 > 0:43:12the quality of life that we talked about?
0:43:12 > 0:43:16Did we agree to raise the boys more isolated?
0:43:16 > 0:43:20No, we're not going to a farmhouse in the middle of a field...
0:43:20 > 0:43:24- HE LAUGHS - It feels like it!- You're going to a town instead of a city.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27I'm not sure I'm 100% comfortable with that.
0:43:27 > 0:43:33Obviously bringing the boys up with that kind of small town mentality, that's how it feels.
0:43:33 > 0:43:38After their harsh reality check, the Fosters future is in the balance.
0:43:38 > 0:43:42Which way will they vote?
0:43:42 > 0:43:45So we've had a bit of a reality check on whether we can make
0:43:45 > 0:43:49the transition from the UK to Australia.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52Interesting figures, interesting comparisons as well.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54So we're now ready to vote.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58- UK.- UK.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01This is looking pretty bad.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Cutting ties to friends and family in the UK
0:44:07 > 0:44:13and joining a new community is a major challenge for any family.
0:44:13 > 0:44:20If they were to emigrate to Australia the Fosters would have to be sure they could make new friends.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27So we've arranged for the family to meet up with locals Suresh and Elizabeth Rejan
0:44:27 > 0:44:31and their sons Shikela and Rahul for a picnic in the park.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37But as the Fosters arrive, the grey clouds roll in.
0:44:37 > 0:44:43We had fine weather all of the last few weeks and as you've arrived you've brought the...
0:44:43 > 0:44:46- Just the night we flew in.- No.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48It chucked it down.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54While the kids get to know each other, Suresh is keen to
0:44:54 > 0:44:58reassure Wayne about Australia's multicultural credentials.
0:44:58 > 0:45:02Some of the studies indicate that there are levels of racism
0:45:02 > 0:45:06that exist in Australia generally, and Western Australia in particular.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09Mainstream Australians are still trying to come to terms
0:45:09 > 0:45:12with how these people fit into the society, but generally,
0:45:12 > 0:45:17I'd say it's a very peaceful place, very harmonious place.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21In Western Australia, we've got some huge diversity.
0:45:21 > 0:45:27I think the figures are that we speak 235 migrant languages,
0:45:27 > 0:45:32and we speak another 215 or so Aboriginal languages.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- We only did French at school! - THEY LAUGH
0:45:36 > 0:45:41Meanwhile, Lois wants to find out where Australians go on vacation.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44So, do you tend to stay in Australia for your holidays?
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Yes. We tend to go down south a lot because Suresh
0:45:46 > 0:45:52really likes his wine, so we do a lot of the wine tours.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55For Wayne, Suresh is a mine of information.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57The numbers are changing quite markedly.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01Yes, Britain is still the highest, but India has moved into about third or fourth place.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05So, the Italians and the Greeks and so on,
0:46:05 > 0:46:11which we had huge migration from in the 40s, 50s and 60s,
0:46:11 > 0:46:14we haven't had migration from there for many years so
0:46:14 > 0:46:18the Vietnamese community is growing, the Indian community is growing.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21But Lois is thinking about the boys.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23So what are the school holidays?
0:46:23 > 0:46:28Cos in England, we have six weeks in the summer, two weeks at Easter
0:46:28 > 0:46:32and two weeks at Christmas, and then the odd week in between.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35Is it very similar here, or just completely different?
0:46:35 > 0:46:39No, very similar but I think we have more breaks than what you do.
0:46:39 > 0:46:44They usually finish up around the 17th, the week before Christmas here in December,
0:46:44 > 0:46:47and then they don't go back till the second week in February,
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- so it's about eight weeks. - So that would be your summer.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53Wayne's feeling reassured by what he's found out.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57People seem very welcoming and very willing to start conversation,
0:46:57 > 0:46:59as opposed to wait for you to kick things off.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02It all seems very good and very acceptable in terms
0:47:02 > 0:47:06of actually the way the boys would be brought up over here.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08I'm quite pleased about that.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12Unlike Wayne, Lois wasn't worried how they'd fit in.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16I think, from what I've seen, it's such a diverse country and
0:47:16 > 0:47:20some of the cities are so, you know, cosmopolitan and so culturally mixed.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23For me, I don't think it's an issue.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25Certainly the school the boys go to.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28Shakele's little boys' club, his friends,
0:47:28 > 0:47:30Mwansa is from Zambia, his family,
0:47:30 > 0:47:33his other little friend, Alex, they're Croatian
0:47:33 > 0:47:37and then he's got another one which is Malaysian-Italian mix,
0:47:37 > 0:47:41and a lot of African boys here.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45Well, the boys are having fun together and Lois isn't surprised.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47I think this morning has just confirmed the fact
0:47:47 > 0:47:50that I had no fears about us, as a family, fitting in.
0:47:50 > 0:47:55It's just been confirmed. Because I found Perth particularly
0:47:55 > 0:47:59just very multicultural, very, very, a mixture from across the globe.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04I suppose the only fear I have is when you're at school, who's going to be your best friend?
0:48:04 > 0:48:09Because when you're all older, you've got your family and friend networks set, haven't you?
0:48:09 > 0:48:13You've known each other since school and you've always known each other for years,
0:48:13 > 0:48:18so I do hope that we, as a family, can fit into somebody else's social network.
0:48:18 > 0:48:24It's been a positive morning for the Fosters, and they've certainly made some new friends.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27But, coming up, will messages from their loved ones back home
0:48:27 > 0:48:31make them reconsider their views on a life down under?
0:48:31 > 0:48:35It's just a really, erm, really tough decision.
0:48:39 > 0:48:45Before the Fosters can make their final choice, they have to consider who they'll be leaving behind.
0:48:45 > 0:48:51For Lois, it may mean leaving daughter Amy in the UK.
0:48:51 > 0:48:58To help them make the huge emotional decision that moving to the other side of the world would be,
0:48:58 > 0:49:02we've recorded a series of messages from their loved ones back home.
0:49:05 > 0:49:10While the boys are looked after, Lois and Wayne watch the DVD.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14- Hi, Lois, Wayne and Isaac. - Hi, Zac. Hi, Jackson. Hi, Elliott.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18Hi, Isaac. Hi, Mum. Hi, Wayne. Hi, twins. I hope you're having a good week.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Hi, Lois. Hello, Wayne. How you doing?
0:49:21 > 0:49:25When they first told us, we were absolutely gobsmacked and devastated.
0:49:25 > 0:49:31It took us a few weeks, really, for it to sink in. Lot of tears,
0:49:31 > 0:49:35it was awful, it was an awful time.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37There was an initial sense of sorrow,
0:49:37 > 0:49:39the thought of them leaving the church.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42Of course, I then tried to think of it from their point of view,
0:49:42 > 0:49:46and I think the more I listened to them, the more I realised that
0:49:46 > 0:49:49it was quite deep in their hearts to do something pretty adventurous.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51From a selfish point of view,
0:49:51 > 0:49:54that my brother's not up the road any more.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57He's not, like, "I'll see you in 20 or 40 minutes."
0:49:57 > 0:50:00That's going to be difficult.
0:50:00 > 0:50:05If it does happen, I'm not sure how I'll feel, but I know they won't be there.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10They're just part of who we are at St Paul's,
0:50:10 > 0:50:13so it'll actually be a very big gap when they go.
0:50:13 > 0:50:18I think we'll always be thinking of them, and caring for them but we'll miss them a lot.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23I'm trying very hard
0:50:23 > 0:50:28not to talk about them, because it upsets me so much.
0:50:30 > 0:50:37My only fear for them is obviously Amy being back in England
0:50:37 > 0:50:40and for any mum, that's a really hard thing to do
0:50:40 > 0:50:45is leave one of your children back at home.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49If my mum goes to Australia, the thing I'll miss most is Isaac
0:50:49 > 0:50:53because I love Isaac, he means everything to me.
0:50:53 > 0:50:59It must be very daunting for a young teenager to suddenly uproot everything that you know.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03She hasn't got the emotional stability as an adult would have.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07Certainly with Amy, if she could maybe
0:51:07 > 0:51:11think beyond that, the initial leaving her friends...
0:51:11 > 0:51:14If she considered going,
0:51:14 > 0:51:18she might look back and think, "Yes, it was a good move to do, or try."
0:51:18 > 0:51:22I haven't really thought, "If she goes to Australia, who'll do my washing?
0:51:22 > 0:51:28I suppose I'll just have to learn. I'm too young to be independent.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34I understand you've got a lot of decisions to make,
0:51:34 > 0:51:38some really difficult decisions but I'm sure you'll make the right ones.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40We're here, no matter what.
0:51:40 > 0:51:41I love you all. Take it easy.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45I hope you make the right decision of going or not going,
0:51:45 > 0:51:49and I'll see you when you get back home, to give Isaac a big hug.
0:51:49 > 0:51:53I want you to really think hard about what you're going to do.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57Listen to your head, maybe, and listen to your heart.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02There's lots of decisions to be made and, just take your time over it
0:52:02 > 0:52:07and you'll come to the right decision, I know you will. I love you. Bye.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09Love you too.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14OK? No.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22I still think my mum thinks I shouldn't go.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25I know. I know.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27If it was just you and I, then
0:52:27 > 0:52:31I can understand everybody saying we shouldn't go.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35But we know why we're doing this and that's the thing. That's the thing.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42I don't know,
0:52:42 > 0:52:46it's just a really... A really tough decision.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49The heartfelt messages from their loved ones
0:52:49 > 0:52:53on the other side of the world have rocked both Lois and Wayne.
0:52:54 > 0:52:58When I stop and sit down...
0:53:00 > 0:53:01..I don't cope.
0:53:04 > 0:53:11And I think the opportunity that here offers the boys I think is phenomenal
0:53:11 > 0:53:16and it's like I keep thinking to myself, that has to be the drive
0:53:16 > 0:53:20because they are so, so important in all this
0:53:20 > 0:53:27and I can't let what I'm feeling cloud that.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29It doesn't work if Lois isn't happy, it doesn't.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32Because she's a centrepiece.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36I can't repair the situation with Amy so I'd just look at it
0:53:36 > 0:53:40and think either Lois is good with this or she's not. If she's not,
0:53:40 > 0:53:45I'll support her in that situation and if she wants to go back, we go back and try something different.
0:53:45 > 0:53:50That worries me for the boys, but if that's right for Lois, long-term, that's what we have to consider.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54It's whether she genuinely believes that the boys are enough.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57Whether that's enough for her to make that break.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00It doesn't make it feel great.
0:54:00 > 0:54:05It doesn't make it feel exciting like it should...
0:54:05 > 0:54:07But I know the bigger picture,
0:54:07 > 0:54:12like Michael said. My hopes and my fears, you have to balance them out.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15And the fears are really fearful.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20But my hopes are phenomenal.
0:54:20 > 0:54:26My hopes are so exciting and so passionate, my hopes for my boys,
0:54:26 > 0:54:29and for Amy are what drives me, definitely.
0:54:37 > 0:54:40It's never easy.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43There's a huge amount for the Fosters to consider.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48Their week down under has certainly been emotional and eventful.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58It started well when the Fosters discovered they could afford a five-bedroom property
0:54:58 > 0:55:02on their budget, and still have a large amount of living space.
0:55:02 > 0:55:07But Lois was disappointed to find she wouldn't be able to practise
0:55:07 > 0:55:09her specialised nursing role in Perth,
0:55:09 > 0:55:13and that the nearest equivalent job didn't pay as well.
0:55:13 > 0:55:17Their dream of a new life in Australia was dealt a further blow,
0:55:17 > 0:55:21when the valuation of their house proved much lower than expected.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25- £155,000.- That's low.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28Beyond all of this is the unresolved issue,
0:55:28 > 0:55:34whether Lois can leave her daughter Amy in the UK for a new life down under.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Could this be the biggest decision of their lives?
0:55:37 > 0:55:40Which way will they vote?
0:55:40 > 0:55:42We've had a fantastic week in Perth.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45We've looked at some amazing houses.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47We've met some really friendly people.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50We've sampled the lifestyle, and we've seen the videos from our
0:55:50 > 0:55:55family and friends and with all that in mind, we've come to our decision.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57And it is...
0:55:57 > 0:55:59- Australia.- Australia.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01I'm so glad you did.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03I thought you wouldn't!
0:56:03 > 0:56:05No, has to be.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10Even though it could come with a huge personal sacrifice, Lois
0:56:10 > 0:56:15voted for Australia in the hope that daughter Amy will change her mind.
0:56:15 > 0:56:19Let's hope it works out for the whole family.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21We wish them the best of luck.
0:56:23 > 0:56:28Join us again next time when we find out what happens when another
0:56:28 > 0:56:32British family have to decide whether they're Wanted Down Under.