0:00:02 > 0:00:05Emigrating to the other side of the world
0:00:05 > 0:00:07can split families down the middle.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11So if you've always wanted to live in Australia
0:00:11 > 0:00:17but your family doesn't share your dream, would you go without them?
0:00:18 > 0:00:22'Helen's dreamed of moving down under since she was 18.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25'Now she might have that chance.'
0:00:25 > 0:00:29I think Australia is where my restless soul's been.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32I can't see why I would want to leave here.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37'Her teenage daughter, Steph, isn't so sure.'
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I'm still 50/50 on whether to go.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44But perhaps I'm being a bit pampering to my mum there.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Where really I'm 75% sure I want to stay in England.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54'If Steph can't be convinced, Helen will have to sacrifice her dreams
0:00:54 > 0:00:57'or leave her daughter behind.'
0:00:57 > 0:01:02It's just really hard to think she wouldn't be part of this.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04She's such a big part of the family.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07So I don't know.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09I'd miss her. I'd miss her terribly.
0:01:11 > 0:01:17'If Helen wants to live her dream, it's a sacrifice she might have to make.'
0:01:39 > 0:01:42MUSIC: "Starry Eyed" by Ellie Goulding
0:01:44 > 0:01:49'With its 50,000 kilometres of coastline and sunny climate,
0:01:49 > 0:01:53'Australia has long been a favourite destination
0:01:53 > 0:01:56'of Brits dreaming of a new life abroad.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01'But when around 10,000 return home each year with their dreams in ruins
0:02:01 > 0:02:06'sometimes a life down under isn't all it's cracked up to be.'
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Helen wants her family to share her Australian adventure.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15But if daughter Steph decides her life is in the UK,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Helen's heart could be broken in two.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23We're giving them one week to try out life down under.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28At the end of it, they'll make the hardest decision of their lives.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35'Tim Booth and wife Helen live in a four-bedroom semi-detached house
0:02:35 > 0:02:39'in the village of Ewloe, near Chester,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41'along with two-year-old Ben
0:02:41 > 0:02:44'and Helen's daughter Steph, who's 17.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49'Since she was a teenager, Helen's dreamed of moving down under.'
0:02:49 > 0:02:52I'm the instigator, the one who's always harped on,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55"Really, we should go to Australia
0:02:55 > 0:02:58"and experience the lifestyle."
0:02:58 > 0:03:02We are an an outdoors, adventurous family, and what it has to offer
0:03:02 > 0:03:05ticks all the boxes for us.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10We could all go out as a family and live the dream.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12'The time has never been right,
0:03:12 > 0:03:17'but with Tim made redundant from his job as a town planner
0:03:17 > 0:03:21'they've started to think about their future in a different way.'
0:03:21 > 0:03:24The whole development industry was affected.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28It meant working around the country at different jobs.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31I happened to get one in Essex.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33It meant moving down there.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39For nine months, I've been living in a caravan just outside Clacton.
0:03:39 > 0:03:46'This time away from Helen and the children brought home to Tim what really matters.'
0:03:46 > 0:03:48You rationalise what's important.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Working long-term or being close to the family,
0:03:52 > 0:03:58seek a better life and have more quality time with each other.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01'Teenage Steph doesn't share her mother's dream
0:04:01 > 0:04:06'and wants to stay in the UK and go to university with her friends.'
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I kind of see it as THEIR adventure.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12I want my own adventures now I'm older.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16'I'll have a look at universities but it might not be right for me.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19'I just want to be able to go and explore'
0:04:19 > 0:04:21and then say how I feel.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26But at the moment, I'd probably say England's pretty cosy.
0:04:27 > 0:04:33'Helen might be faced with tearing her family apart.'
0:04:33 > 0:04:36I'm really pulled. I don't know. I don't know.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41If I could go and it was just my decision, I'd go.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Definitely. Without a doubt.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45'I do feel pressure.'
0:04:45 > 0:04:49If I didn't go... I'm not sure they would.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54And then that would make me feel really guilty.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56'That would seem selfish of me.'
0:04:56 > 0:05:00'Yeah, I...don't think I'd...'
0:05:00 > 0:05:04I don't know whether I'd settle without Steph there.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12I hope, whatever decisions we make, they don't influence each other
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and people make the wrong decisions.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Their week in Australia could be the end of Helen's long-held dream
0:05:23 > 0:05:27or the start of the family's biggest adventure.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30So where in Australia shall we send them?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36'They could try Melbourne, the capital of Victoria,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39'one of Australia's fastest growing cities.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43'Town planner Tim should have plenty of work opportunities.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47'A growing population means a strong housing market.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50'With the average house price £305,000,
0:05:50 > 0:05:54'the Booths may struggle to find a home they like.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00'Maybe Brisbane would suit them better, the cultural capital of Queensland.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04'With three universities, there's plenty of choice for Steph.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07'House prices in the city are on the rise.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11'Tim and Helen may prefer the more affordable Redlands area,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14'with a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'They could try Perth in Western Australia.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23'It's another boom area, so would offer work options for Tim.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27'Although average house prices at £300,000 are lower than other cities
0:06:27 > 0:06:31'the cost of living can be expensive.'
0:06:32 > 0:06:35So, three great choices there.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41We decided to send the Booth family east of Brisbane, to the Redlands area.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45'It has good job prospects for Tim,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48'is a short commute to universities in Brisbane,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51'and the Queensland coast is minutes away.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56'Redlands could be perfect, but only if they find the right home...'
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Oh, no. We couldn't live with this.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02'..the finances are affordable...'
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- So we're actually making a saving? - No. That's a minus.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12'..and the emotional cost isn't too high a price to pay.'
0:07:12 > 0:07:16We miss you lots and lots, and we'll see you when we get back.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21That was heartbreaking. It's making me reconsider my decision.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25My dream wouldn't be anything without my children being happy,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28or my family being happy.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30That comes first.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39'Everything's at stake, as they head into the unknown.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44'Crossing three continents and a distance of nearly 11,000 miles,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48'the Booths touch down in Brisbane airport after 21 hours in the air,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50'jet-lagged but hopeful.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:54It was OK. We were looked after. Ben was OK.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Feeling a bit tired now.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58The flight wasn't too bad.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03I was trying to get used to the jet-lag, pinning my eyes open!
0:08:03 > 0:08:07Ben behaved himself so we did all right.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Have you come for an adventure?- Yes. - Everything's an adventure with Ben.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16'Their whole future rests on this "adventure".
0:08:16 > 0:08:23'If Steph doesn't feel Australia is for her, Helen will have a heartbreaking choice -
0:08:23 > 0:08:27'to follow her home or leave her behind in the UK.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30'But who knows where the road could take them?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41'The family is staying in this brand new townhouse in Redlands.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44'It's open-plan with three bedrooms,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48'which Ben is keen to try out straight away.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53'With so much riding on the week, it's vital they feel at home.'
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- What do you think? - Yeah. It's all right.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58It's nice and roomy.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- It's nice. It's all brand new. - It's clean-looking and fresh.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06'But for Helen, the enormity of the choice ahead
0:09:06 > 0:09:11'and the emotional struggle is never far from her mind.'
0:09:11 > 0:09:15The biggest thing for me to come to Australia is -
0:09:15 > 0:09:19without putting pressure on Steph - is her decision,
0:09:19 > 0:09:24and whether she's going to stay at home or come to university here.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28I think she's tending to go for university at home.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30For me, that's the key factor.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34If they're not as good, they don't live up to expectations,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36it's a no-go completely.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40At some point, she's got to fly the nest.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43And, you know...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47..I really don't know. I don't know.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53'With only one week here, the Booths will need to find answers sooner than they think.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03'The Booths live in a beautiful four-bedroom semi-detached house
0:10:03 > 0:10:06'at the end of a leafy country lane.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09'They bought it nine years ago for £110,000
0:10:09 > 0:10:14'and have spent 70,000 on renovations to make it their own.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:20There's no doubt the Booths will want to find the right home
0:10:20 > 0:10:23to make this heart-wrenching move seem worthwhile.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28But finding that dream house will depend on where they choose to live
0:10:28 > 0:10:32and, ultimately, how much they have to spend.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35'For their budget,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38'they probably won't get a property they like on the coast.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42'This house has the style they're after,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44'but is on the market for £500,000.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49'If they move inland, they will get more for their money.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56'This takes us to the country suburbs of Redlands.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01'This five-bedroom house is a good example of homes in the area.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06'It comes with a large garden, but also a longer commute for Tim.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'On the market for £455,000, it would be a stretch for them
0:11:10 > 0:11:15'at least to start with, when Helen isn't working.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20'Perhaps the city area of Redlands would be the best for the Booths.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24'It gives easy access to nurseries, and Tim could walk to work.
0:11:24 > 0:11:31'This five-bedroom house has a good size garden and is ten minutes from the coast.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37'It's on the market for £365,000, so could be a good choice once Helen is working.'
0:11:37 > 0:11:42The Redlands area does have some fantastic places to live
0:11:42 > 0:11:47but, as ever, the nearer the beach you are, the pricier things get.
0:11:47 > 0:11:53To get the house they want, the Booths have to look at the more affordable suburbs.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01'Helen and Tim are spending the day house-hunting,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04'while Steph and Ben visit the park.'
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Ooooh!
0:12:07 > 0:12:12'They're starting in Victoria Point with this three-bedroom townhouse
0:12:12 > 0:12:19'on the market for £194,000, well below their 220,000 budget.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21'Helen has high expectations.'
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- The estate's quite nice. - Yeah. It is.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- It's smaller than I was expecting. - Very small.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32The kitchen's not too bad. Could do with a little bit of updating.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37I'm surprised at how small... how expensive it is for the size.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43Yeah. We wouldn't be rushing into buying it, I don't think.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46'They're clearly not impressed.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50'In the UK, their home is finished to an exceptional standard.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56'Finding a house to match with the space could be a tall order.'
0:12:56 > 0:12:59They're decent sized bedrooms.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It doesn't blow me away.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07It'd probably be better if it was all white, just feel brighter and cleaner.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11'With Helen and Tim less than excited by the inside,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14'the outside space may be more appealing.'
0:13:14 > 0:13:20- Garden's not too bad, size wise. - No. You could make it OK.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Don't mind the outdoor space.- No.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27'I'm a bit disappointed, actually, with the Australian property.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30'I'm a bit worried.'
0:13:30 > 0:13:34We really don't want to mortgage ourselves up to the hilt.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39The idea is that we live and not put all our money into a house.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44A bit worried that value for money isn't what I was expecting.
0:13:45 > 0:13:51'The strong housing market and the weak pound has made property expensive.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57'To find a house that feels like home, they'll need to spend more,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01'but they've only got Tim's salary.'
0:14:01 > 0:14:05It's a nice suburban location. Garden looks nice.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10'Property two is a three-bedroom detached house in Alexandra Hills.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14'It comes with its own pool, but is on the market for £234,000,
0:14:14 > 0:14:20'14,000 more than they had planned to spend,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'so it needs to be top-notch.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:26The room feels smaller than what I expected.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- I expected something bigger. - Kitchen's VERY dated.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Either very dated or retro.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42It feels a bit dirty and unclean.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46At least it's three bedrooms, but...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48They're not the biggest, are they?
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- 'And there's only one bathroom.' - Oh, no. We couldn't live with this.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56We'd fight for space.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58No!
0:15:01 > 0:15:05'If Tim and Helen can't find a home they like at the right price,
0:15:05 > 0:15:11'the dream will be in jeopardy - maybe the garden will win them round.'
0:15:11 > 0:15:16The whole outdoors is a real social, family and entertaining area.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18You could really enjoy this.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Plenty of space for all of us. - Yeah. I like this a lot.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Good.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29'The outside may be enough to sway their opinion of property two.'
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I am surprised by the cost of it. The property is quite small.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38The inside lets it down. The kitchen's dated. The decor's dated.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43The bathroom's really dated. So, yeah. Inside isn't great.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48I'm optimistic that the third house will come up with something better.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53'Helen is determined not to let the dream slip through her fingers.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56'She expected more for their money.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01'It's dawning on them that their budget will need to be stretched.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05'Property three is a four-bedroom detached house
0:16:05 > 0:16:09'on the market for:
0:16:09 > 0:16:14'If Helen worked, they could afford a similar home - if they like this.'
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- It's not the biggest living areas. - It's not at all. No.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- It's a bit...dark.- We've worked hard at home to open up space.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29It's almost that this is exactly what we didn't want.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32'Maybe the extra bedroom space will be a plus.'
0:16:32 > 0:16:38Yeah, I mean, for the price I would have expected...bigger!
0:16:38 > 0:16:43'Unfortunately, once again the inside seems to have left them cold.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48'But, as with many Aussie homes, outdoors is the selling point.'
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- It seems like a nice size garden. - It is.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55The best feature of the house.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Shall we have a bit more of a look? - Yeah.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08'I'm absolutely not impressed by the houses we've seen so far.'
0:17:08 > 0:17:12I think it's better than where we live.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14So in terms of location, I like it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:20But in terms of the decor and the layout, I don't like it at all.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24The garden's all right. Beyond that, doesn't do it for me.
0:17:25 > 0:17:32'Helen and Tim were so hopeful at finding the right house but have been surprised at every turn.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36'They like the outside space at each property,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39'but found the interiors small and dated.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44'If this is all they can afford, the move could be over.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46'How will they vote on property?'
0:17:46 > 0:17:49BOTH: UK.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- That doesn't mean we're not coming. - It does mean you have to compromise.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55We've got to go smaller.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- A newer property would be what we're looking for.- I'm not certain.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- I quite like the older ones with more space outside.- Oh!
0:18:04 > 0:18:07There's a debate to be had!
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Is Helen's dream already starting to slip away?
0:18:11 > 0:18:15They may need to spend more to find a home they like,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18so it's vital Tim finds decent work.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28'In the UK, Tim has worked as a town planner for 15 years.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31'His skills are in demand in much of Australia.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35'The move hinges on him getting a job to fund the lifestyle they want,
0:18:35 > 0:18:41'and Steph finding a university that lives up to her expectations.
0:18:41 > 0:18:48'We're sending them off to find out more - one about the workplace, and the other about college.'
0:18:48 > 0:18:50The job is important.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55For the first year, it'll probably be just my income,
0:18:55 > 0:19:01while Helen looks after and settles Ben into the move.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I'm looking for some reassurance from the job meeting today
0:19:05 > 0:19:10that they take on UK planners, the systems are the same, fundamentally,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12and there are opportunities there.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15'Tim joins the Land Use Planning team
0:19:15 > 0:19:20'led by Wayne Dorson, to see how things are done in Australia.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:24We're talking about planning we're doing at the moment.
0:19:24 > 0:19:30It's worthwhile to give you an overview of how we structurally operate.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34We're looking at planning at a 25-year time horizon...
0:19:34 > 0:19:39'This department is responsible for residential and business development
0:19:39 > 0:19:44'but needs to protect the environment for wildlife.'
0:19:44 > 0:19:48"To stop the decline of koala populations through advocacy,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52"protecting habitat and increasing community engagement."
0:19:52 > 0:19:57I've seen the koala fencing around the highways
0:19:57 > 0:20:01to stop them getting across.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07It's obviously a national symbol and an iconic wildlife to the city.
0:20:07 > 0:20:13We've tried to remove roadkill by looking at underpass systems
0:20:13 > 0:20:17which link up on both sides to the major corridors
0:20:17 > 0:20:19into areas of habitat.
0:20:19 > 0:20:26'While Tim gets the lowdown of similarities and differences of town planning in Australia,
0:20:26 > 0:20:31'Steph meets Dr Judith Seaboyer, lecturer in English at Queensland University,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'to find out what studying in Australia offers.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39'The fate of the entire move could be decided with this visit.'
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Why do you want to study English literature?- I want to be a writer.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46English will help with that.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50I think it's a subject I'm best at as well.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53I enjoy it the most. That's important.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57We believe strongly that anybody who wants to be a creative writer
0:20:57 > 0:21:00should do an undergraduate degree in English literature.
0:21:00 > 0:21:06More and more, you can include creative writing in your study.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09What would English literature here include?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12In the first year, you get a taste for different things.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17By the second year, you have a sense of what you really want to do.
0:21:17 > 0:21:25So you can do a course in 18th-century literature or in Shakespeare or in tragic drama.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29You have a lot of options in that way.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33I'm going to be a foreign student. What are the cost implications?
0:21:33 > 0:21:37University isn't free for Australians, but it will cost more
0:21:37 > 0:21:41until you become an Australian resident.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'The course structure seems much the same as back in the UK,
0:21:45 > 0:21:49'but with a disadvantage of £11,000 annual college fees.
0:21:49 > 0:21:56'Tim needs a job that pays enough to support the family and meet these extra costs.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00'He's talking to Eleanor Neunan about opportunities at the council.'
0:22:00 > 0:22:05I'll give you a picture as to where you might fit with the council here.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10We find in Australia the public sector don't pay top dollar,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13but they do offer a lot of flexibility.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17We have a 36.25 hour working week.
0:22:17 > 0:22:24- Some staff opt to work longer days, nine days out of a ten-day fortnight.- That's interesting.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Senior planner, what salary is that?
0:22:26 > 0:22:32In English pounds, I'd say that would be around £38,000 to £45,000.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35All right.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40'That's a potential pay cut of between £5,000 and £12,000.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45'With Helen giving up her job as a marketing consultant, that's a massive blow.'
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Tim is really the practical one.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51He's the one that has to bring his career over here.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54If he absolutely couldn't come here,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58it would provide the deciding factor for us
0:22:58 > 0:23:01on whether we could come out to Australia.
0:23:01 > 0:23:06It's not all about money. The move's about a change in lifestyle,
0:23:06 > 0:23:10not getting to retirement and not having done anything
0:23:10 > 0:23:14but lived in the same place and worked 9 till 5.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18There's clearly a balancing act between lifestyle
0:23:18 > 0:23:23and the relaxation and adventure Helen would like to see.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27'But if Steph doesn't like Aussie universities,
0:23:27 > 0:23:32'or the course proves too expensive, she'll stay in the UK.'
0:23:32 > 0:23:35The university seemed really good.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39The academic side as well as the social side of it was good.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44It's easier to say whilst I'm here, "Yes.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47"It's fine. Yeah. Australia, Australia."
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Then it's, "What about my friends? All the things I like about England?"
0:23:52 > 0:23:58'Helen's dream might not seem so attractive without her daughter.'
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Steph is, um...
0:24:01 > 0:24:06You know, we're best friends and I just love having her around.
0:24:08 > 0:24:14It's not just the independence she'll have wherever we go, and that's quite right.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18It's just really hard to think she wouldn't be part of this
0:24:18 > 0:24:22because she's such a big part of the family.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27It's a huge decision.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- VOICE BREAKING:- So I don't know.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I'd miss her terribly.
0:24:37 > 0:24:43Mum's fallen in love with it, more than she had before she'd seen it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45So, that's...good.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50I don't know. It's... I'm still undecided as to what I want to do.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Whether I want to stay in England or come here.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57That's worrying, cos she's piling on the pressure a bit.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03I don't think Mum would come - no matter what she said - without me.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07If I don't come, I'm stopping her doing what she wants to do.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11I still have to make sure the decision's right for me.
0:25:11 > 0:25:18'Whatever she decides, right now, the future of the move lies in Tim's hands.
0:25:18 > 0:25:24'Given the cost of property and the reduced salary, will he vote for work down under?'
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Based on today's job meeting,
0:25:27 > 0:25:32I really do like my job in the UK, working on the development side,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36the cut and thrust, more than working for a local authority.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42There are benefits - coming out here could aid the lifestyle move - and on that basis,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I will vote for...
0:25:49 > 0:25:50..Australia.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00'It's been a mixed week so far,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02'but things are going to get tougher.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06'When they look at the costs, Helen gets a wake-up call...'
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- So we're actually making a saving? - No. That's a minus.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14'..which makes her question everything.'
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Are you leaning one way or the other?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Even though I'm the one that's driven it, I'm wobbling.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26'And will the tug of loved ones back home prove too strong?'
0:26:26 > 0:26:32'That was heartbreaking, seeing her upset.'
0:26:32 > 0:26:38It's making me think maybe...this decision is too early for Steph.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42It's making me reconsider my decision.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50While it's encouraging that Tim is happy with the job opportunities,
0:26:50 > 0:26:54they both know his lower salary will mean finances are tight.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57So, to have a new life in Australia,
0:26:57 > 0:27:02it's essential they get the right price for the sale of their UK home.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05'Tim and Helen live in a four-bedroom house
0:27:05 > 0:27:11'which they have lovingly extended and believe to be worth £240,000.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15'They'll need every penny to afford a house they like in Australia.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20'We've sent two local estate agents to give us a professional opinion.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25'There are no guarantees they'll get back the £70,000 they spent on it.'
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Nice sized room. Lovely fireplace.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Ben's crayon all over it!
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Oh, what a fantastic room!
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Light, bright.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Fabulous kitchen.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46Yeah. Fabulous room and a fantastic view.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51A really nice bedroom.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56Light, bright, great attention to detail.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Nice big bathroom. Double shower.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03You can lie in the bath and enjoy the view.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Fabulous.
0:28:05 > 0:28:12We have a traditional three-bed semi-detached that's been extensively extended and modernised.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15I think it's going to appeal to a young family.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Good schools, good shops and good commuting links.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I recommend that it would be valued in the region of £235,000.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26For a quick sale, I'd suggest 220.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32I'd put this in the region of:
0:28:32 > 0:28:34To secure a quick sale,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38it may need to come around 235, 240, but with the way the market is,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41we should secure a quick sale for you.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45That's about what we were expecting.
0:28:45 > 0:28:51- When we got it previously, it was slightly higher, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56But I'd be tempted to rent out and rent over here,
0:28:56 > 0:29:00as opposed to doing a quick sale at home.
0:29:00 > 0:29:07'That's what they expected, but with Helen giving up her £28,000 job to look after Ben,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10'Tim's reduced salary might not be enough.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14'We prepared a break-down of their living costs
0:29:14 > 0:29:18'to see if they can afford the life Helen dreams of.'
0:29:18 > 0:29:21So we'd be halving our income, then.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Mortgage is similar.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Council tax is similar.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31You've not got your gas and heating, but your electricity.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Leccy is considerably more.
0:29:35 > 0:29:43So it's nearly £4,000 outgoings for the UK, but £3,362 for Australia.
0:29:43 > 0:29:50- So we're actually making a saving? - No. That's a minus.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Oh, that's what we'd be short.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54We'd be short nearly £900
0:29:54 > 0:29:59to live in the lifestyle that we've currently got.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04What none of this takes into account is Steph going to university.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07In order to do it,
0:30:07 > 0:30:13it would have to be that that first year was supported by savings
0:30:13 > 0:30:18coupled with me doing some freelance work in the evenings.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- Or...- But then...
0:30:21 > 0:30:25What lifestyle is it when I come in and you go out the door?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I can work from home, like I do at the moment.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34But to build up that client base would take some work.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Well, that's the challenge, isn't it?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Yeah. It is a big challenge.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'So, to afford the lifestyle she wants,
0:30:43 > 0:30:47'Helen would have to work evenings and weekends to make ends meet,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'which wasn't part of her plan.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:55It's a little bit scary, isn't it? There is that financial pressure.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00You mull it over in your head and you see it in black and white.
0:31:01 > 0:31:07I think it's probably a point that Helen hadn't fully appreciated.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12Tim is obviously concerned that he thinks we're going to come over here
0:31:12 > 0:31:18and we won't be able to live the lifestyle that we're really hoping.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20I think he'll be cautious.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26It'll be his one area of concern on that deciding factor, will we come over or not?
0:31:26 > 0:31:32'After the huge shock of discovering they'd be £900 a month worse off,
0:31:32 > 0:31:36'Helen seems undeterred, but Tim's not so sure.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40'How will they vote on the cost of living?'
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- UK.- Australia.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46I can't believe you're voting Australia!
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- I don't believe you voted the UK! - It's far too high.
0:31:50 > 0:31:57- We could go round the world. - You don't think it's achievable? - No.- Well, I do. I disagree.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Helen seems determined to hold on to her dream.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11Their move has always been more about the opportunity for adventure
0:32:11 > 0:32:13than just money.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Does a new life in Australia really hold that promise?
0:32:20 > 0:32:24'The Booths have all fallen in love with the outdoors,
0:32:24 > 0:32:28'but the finances have raised a big question.
0:32:28 > 0:32:35'If they do decide to move, they'll be gambling everything on the dream of Australia.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41'They need to know that, even with less money, it can deliver the life they want.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45'Luke Wallace - a town planner - and Susan invited them for coffee
0:32:45 > 0:32:50'to chat about the realities of life in Australia.'
0:32:50 > 0:32:54What I'm hoping to improve is the family outdoors life,
0:32:54 > 0:32:59just giving the family an opportunity to have that adventure,
0:32:59 > 0:33:04that lifestyle where you can do all the things you can't do in the UK
0:33:04 > 0:33:06because of the weather.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11I would say that we have a very active outdoors lifestyle.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15The cost of housing has gone up a lot in the last ten years.
0:33:15 > 0:33:22For example, our house that's an average sort of home, three-bedroom, is worth about 550,000.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28< Our interest-only repayments are nearly 50% of Luke's take-home wage.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31It doesn't leave you a lot of money.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34We've never really taken a family holiday
0:33:34 > 0:33:37since we've had kids and I haven't been working.
0:33:37 > 0:33:43But, in saying that, there's a lot to do that costs you nothing.
0:33:43 > 0:33:49'If Helen and Tim move without properly considering their finances,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53'there's a possibility they won't afford the lifestyle they want
0:33:53 > 0:33:58'and this could force them to return to the UK with nothing.'
0:33:58 > 0:34:04You haven't had a chance yet, I guess, for a serious talk about "Will we or won't we?"
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Are you leaning one way or another?
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Even though I'm the one that's driven it,
0:34:10 > 0:34:16I'm wobbling a little bit on what that decision would be.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21Because it's asking Steph and Tim to come along to Australia
0:34:21 > 0:34:25and change their way of living back home.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30There's a decision about how we do it, whether it's a full migration
0:34:30 > 0:34:35or sampling it for a few years and then make the decision. >
0:34:35 > 0:34:39The problem with that is if I decide to come to university here,
0:34:39 > 0:34:44then I'm signing up to a three or four year contract to stay.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Whereas, if Mum and Tim decide it's all right for a year or so,
0:34:48 > 0:34:53then want to move back to England, then I'm stuck out here.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57I think it's even a bigger decision for me to make than those guys.
0:34:57 > 0:35:03If you get abandoned out here, Steph, you can always live with us!
0:35:03 > 0:35:07'Even if they can get their sums to work, it's a huge decision.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13'Now even Helen is unsure whether her dream is right for her family.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16'If the Booths move to the other side of the world,'
0:35:16 > 0:35:23they'll have to cope with the huge emotional upheaval of leaving loved ones behind.
0:35:23 > 0:35:29'We've prepared a DVD of messages from friends and family back home.'
0:35:29 > 0:35:34BOTH: Hello, Helen and Tim, Steph and Ben.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Tim is very loyal, a good friend.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Tim's got quite a strong personality.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45And, er...he's quite a clever chap!
0:35:45 > 0:35:48And he's a nice fella.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51We rib him for being a northerner and us from Essex.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56He takes that all in his stride and he can give it back as well.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59When Tim and Helen got married, Stephie made a speech.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04It was so good, people still talk about it now.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10Part of it was, "My mum, she has a temper. It must be her red hair.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14"But if you've got a problem, she'll always be there."
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Steph's a really bubbly girl.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21She's got loads of friends.
0:36:21 > 0:36:28- < She's really easy to get on with. She's a good friend, isn't she?- Yes.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Everybody loves Stephie. She's got such a lovely personality.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35She's had it since she was a baby.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38She's such a placid person, and knowing.
0:36:38 > 0:36:44< She's a really caring person. And Ben is such a cutie.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48But I think he's got a bit of his mum's little temper!
0:36:48 > 0:36:52LAUGHTER < But he is a little love.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56When they first mooted about going to Australia,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I said I didn't want to talk about it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03I didn't want to even consider it.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06< We don't want them to go.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09She needs to get it out of her system,
0:37:09 > 0:37:14to see what it's all about, but I think she'll do well down there.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19With Helen and Tim, when there is trouble in the family,
0:37:19 > 0:37:21they are the first to come down.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- VOICE BREAKING:- They're the first to come down to help.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29I think Helen will find that hard, whatever.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32I'd just miss them all, I really would.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36The thought of them being thousands of miles away...
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Oh!
0:37:39 > 0:37:42< She'd be really missed if she went.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It would be noticeable she wasn't there.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I think the reason why she wouldn't go is because of uni.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53< Friends will be another reason why she wouldn't go.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- Make sure that you sort everything. - Know that we're here.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00< And if you need anything, you can ask us.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03< We miss you lots and lots...
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- STEPH SOBS < ..Bye!- Bye!
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- We'll be behind you no matter what. - We'll always be here.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20- Make the right decision. Come home. - And talk to us about it. Yeah.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25I don't know if we'd go to the airport because...
0:38:25 > 0:38:28er...I think that would be a bit too much.
0:38:28 > 0:38:33But I think I'd like to go up there a few days beforehand.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38To see them before they did leave, like. You know?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41I got to get a hankie.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49'That was heartbreaking, seeing Steph upset.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:52You just...
0:38:52 > 0:38:55You try and shelter them from everything,
0:38:55 > 0:39:00and you feel that you're almost inflicting something on them.
0:39:00 > 0:39:05'It's making me think maybe this decision is too early for Steph,'
0:39:05 > 0:39:09to be putting her through emotional turmoil.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13She should be just living without any pressures at this age.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Her reaction then really made me think that.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24It was just I got upset because the things they were saying were nice.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30When you see them, it's like, "They're the people I'll be leaving behind."
0:39:30 > 0:39:37It's just whether this adventure would be worth losing all that.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40It's making me reconsider my decision.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42My dream but, you know...
0:39:43 > 0:39:50My dream wouldn't be anything without my children being happy or my family being happy.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55That comes first and she was just so distressed so...
0:39:59 > 0:40:04'It's always tough hearing messages from loved ones.'
0:40:04 > 0:40:09How will the Booths balance the emotional tug of leaving friends and family
0:40:09 > 0:40:13with the opportunities Australia can offer?
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Helen's dream rests on their decision.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23'It's been a challenging week for the Booths.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26'They couldn't find a property they liked.'
0:40:26 > 0:40:30I'm not impressed by the houses that we've seen so far.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35- In terms of decor and layout, don't like it at all. - Doesn't really do it for me.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40'Steph was pleasantly surprised about the university options.'
0:40:40 > 0:40:45I haven't come across that in any of the English universities.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50'With Tim's reduced salary and Helen not working, money would be tight.'
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- We'd be short nearly £900...- Yeah.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57..to live in the lifestyle that we've currently got.
0:40:57 > 0:41:03'Tim isn't convinced they can afford to live Helen's Australian dream.'
0:41:03 > 0:41:07It's a little bit scary, isn't it?
0:41:07 > 0:41:14Every Australian doesn't think it's a wonderful lifestyle when they're doing the day-to-day drudgery.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16'Seeing her daughter's distress,
0:41:16 > 0:41:21'Helen's now questioning her own decision.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:25'That was heartbreaking, seeing her upset.'
0:41:25 > 0:41:31It's making me think maybe this decision is too early for Steph,
0:41:31 > 0:41:35to be putting that pressure on her.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37It's making me reconsider my decision.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41'Tim has massive financial worries to overcome.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44'Steph is on the brink of a new life.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49'Helen may have to put her dream on hold for the sake of her family.'
0:41:49 > 0:41:51'What concerns me most
0:41:51 > 0:41:56'is that Tim will vote because he'll want to do what makes me happy.'
0:41:56 > 0:42:01That would make me not happy because we equally need to be convinced.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04'What WILL they decide?'
0:42:05 > 0:42:08We'll be voting...
0:42:12 > 0:42:14ALL: Australia.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16Yay!
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- We're going!- That's yay!
0:42:24 > 0:42:30What an emotional week for the Booths, but in the end they all agreed on a new life down under.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35That surprised me. I didn't think either of them would vote Australia.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38I know they both LIKED it,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41but I was concerned because of the cost of living.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I thought Tim would be opposed to that.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49Steph, I didn't know whether she was as enthralled with the university,
0:42:49 > 0:42:53but she clearly was and, yeah, happy.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Happy. Happy that we did it.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Join us next time to find out what happens
0:43:03 > 0:43:08when another family has to decide whether they're wanted down under.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:23 > 0:43:27E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk