Brenton Wanted Down Under


Brenton

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What if your dream to uproot your family to move

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to the other side of the world for a new life came crashing down?

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Daryl Brenton knows exactly what he wants from a new life down under.

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Nice big detached house, at least four bedrooms, somewhere where I could escape, swimming pool.

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-Nice.

-That would be on my wish-list.

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But wife Jenny doesn't quite share his dream.

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If it wasn't for Daryl wanting to go it's not something that I'd be considering now.

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She's determined to give Daryl's dream a reality check.

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Swimming pool looks really nice.

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It doesn't look very nice to me. There's fish in there. My kids won't be going in there.

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Making dreams come true costs hard earned money.

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The property is in the region of £170,000.

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I'm not happy with that. Absolutely no way. I'm not prepared to give my home away.

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And it's not just about bricks and mortar.

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When Jenifer first mentioned Australia, I said, "Why don't you just rip my heart out?"

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Jenny may be torn but Daryl won't let anything stand in his way.

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If I vote for Australia and Jenny votes for England...we split up.

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Will this be a fairy tale with an unhappy ending?

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Australia is still the most popular country of residence for Brits moving abroad.

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But although they may be tempted by the sun, sea and sand almost one-third return home every year.

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The Brentons are going to be pushed to the limit

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as they try out life in Australia for one week.

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At the end of it they will have to make one of the hardest decisions of their lives.

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Whether to stay in the UK, or to move down under.

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The Brentons currently living the town of Castleford in West Yorkshire.

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PE teacher Daryl shares a home with Jenny and their two children,

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three-year-old Bruce and daughter Jeannie, who is one.

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Daryl has a vision of a perfect life down under.

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A dream scenario for myself would be a nice house near the sea, good job, more quality time with the kids.

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I think it was my idea but Jenny has supported me all the way.

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Got to do, haven't we, if it's what you want to do.

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I'm very scared. I don't like flying.

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I don't like creepy-crawlies and I think about it constantly.

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Not just for me, it's people that we are going to leave behind.

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Daryl would be leaving his 16-year-old son from a previous relationship.

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Obviously, my oldest son Stuart, it's going to be really difficult,

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it were a really difficult just telling him we were thinking about going.

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But it's Jenny's ties with loved ones that could prevent the move.

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I rely a lot of my friends and family, a lot.

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As much as I love Daryl I do confide in my friends a lot.

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I think I'm going to miss not having somebody other than Daryl there to talk to about things,

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especially if we are finding it difficult, we're having a difficult time,

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that I've got nobody to have a moan about him to really!

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As Daryl's approaching the age limit for obtaining a visa, they are running out of time.

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We've got to give this a go. It's now or never. If I don't go now I'm going to be too old.

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The last thing I'm going to do is stand in his way

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but we've got a good life here, you know, we are giving up a lot.

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It's not as if we are thinking of just buying a house in France, or moving to Europe,

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it's the other side of the world.

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Their week down under will either bring Jenny onside, or shatter Daryl's dream.

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So where in Australia should they go?

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It's Daryl's occupation as a PE teacher that would get them into

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Australia and fortunately his skills are in demand across the country.

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The Brentons could go to Darwin, Australia's most northern capital

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with a population of just 125,000 people.

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Having come from a small town in the UK the family might find that coming here

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offers them a more relaxed, urban lifestyle.

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The problem is thousands of Australians are migrating here for

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just that, so the house prices have soared in recent years.

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Almost twice what they were five years ago.

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And with a smaller economy, isolated from the rest of the country

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the job market is weaker and the cost of living higher.

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Perhaps in contrast, a bustling southern metropolis like Melbourne

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could offer them the better opportunities and higher pay.

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As Australia's second largest city, and number one in the country for sports,

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Daryl couldn't find anywhere more suitable to get started as a PE teacher.

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But although family incomes are higher than the national average, house prices are booming.

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This place, costing £320,000 is way over Daryl and Jenny's budget.

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Maybe further west,

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a smaller city such as Adelaide could offer a cheaper alternative for the Brentons.

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Incomes are lower than the national average but house prices are also lower.

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As Adelaide is a popular destination for Brits emigrating,

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Daryl and Jenny should feel less homesick here whilst they find their feet.

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Three good options there for Daryl and Jenny, each of them at life changing.

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So where shall we send them?

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We decided that Melbourne would be best for the Brentons trial week Down Under.

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Whilst property prices are high, there are more affordable suburbs out of town

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and as Australia's sports capital, Daryl should find it easier to get a job in a school that offers

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both decent salary and good facilities to teach PE.

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Hold it at the white line, and back.

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But will his skills match up to Aussie standards?

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I think his methods are pretty basic.

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And what if they are too ambitious when searching for the dream home?

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I would have to go back to work for us to afford it and also just to live.

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Daryl wants to move so much even his son won't stand in his way.

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I wish they'd stay in England, I'd get to see them more but...

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Nowt I can really do.

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But ultimately, he needs his wife Jenny onside.

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Lots of things make me want to stay the UK.

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It's familiar, I know what I'm doing there, I've got my friends,

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my family based there, it's one of the most biggest life-changing decisions

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I've ever had to come to terms with.

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Not quite sure which way we're going to go.

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There'll be discussions, talk about it, then I get my own way.

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Simple as that.

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Daryl may be confident, but is he understanding just how far this is for Jenny?

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They fly from Manchester via Dubai,

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spanning a distance of nearly 11,000 miles.

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The Brentons touch down in Melbourne having had a long time to think about the daunting week ahead.

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Been getting more excited, more apprehensive, more excited, things whizzing round my head.

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I knew it was going to be a long journey but boy,

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it really hit home.

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It is the other side of the world.

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And especially when my dad took us to Manchester Airport the other day, it made us all sort of think

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it won't be, "Goodbye I'll see you next Saturday," it'll be, "Goodbye for quite a long time."

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That's quite hard, that.

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Jenny's dad were choking up, and this is just like a reconnaissance having a look round,

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it did bring it home to both of us to see him really choking up.

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Family back in the UK is already weighing heavily on their minds,

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but as they journey to the house they're staying in,

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Daryl soon starts fantasising about their dream home.

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In an ideal world, the house would be nice big detached house, at least four bedrooms.

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That would be ideal.

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-Swimming pool, that would be on my wish-list.

-Yeah.

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Somewhere where I could escape, a room for the kids, where they could play, a pool room maybe.

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I think that would be the one for me.

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-Pink roofs, do you like it?

-Look at this lovely house.

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This cosy three bed bijou bungalow situated in a prime a beachside location

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and priced at £375,000 it's way over the Brentons' family budget.

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Shall we have a look in here?

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Hopefully they'll like it.

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It's not as big as I thought though. What do you think?

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It's all right, it's a reasonable size.

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We've not seen the other bedroom yet, have we?

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-Still not as big as I expected.

-No. It's not.

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I'm just not sure it's as big as I expected. Definitely not as big as I would have expected.

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Oh dear, I don't think it's as big as Daryl expected(!)

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If we could afford this place I would not buy it. Simple as that.

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No.

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Not up to standard.

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Not up to standard at all.

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But hopefully there will be some nicer properties

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which we can afford.

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Back in the UK, Daryl and Jenny own a four bedroom semi-detached house

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in the town of Castleford in West Yorkshire.

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If they sell up for a good price they could have a potential budget of £250,000.

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The Brentons have their heart set on a spacious home with a pool in Australia.

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But will they have enough money to pay for it?

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Property in Melbourne is pricey, so it's vital they look around.

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If they were to live in the city

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Daryl wouldn't have to commute to work.

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Central town houses are desirable but prices can hit

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the million-dollar mark and there is no room for a pool.

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Even if Daryl and Jenny took out a massive mortgage

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they'd struggle to afford a place like this

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so they may prefer to find somewhere slightly cheaper out of town.

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Coastal living is by far the most popular in Australia

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as young families crave that perfect life by the sea.

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But house prices have boomed in recent years.

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10 minutes' drive from the beach properties like this market for around £375,000,

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so way over the Brentons' budget.

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But that's what they'll have to pay if they want spacious home with the dream pool.

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Melbourne's rural suburbs are a more affordable option

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for a growing family like the Brentons.

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So we decided to show them three properties around this area.

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Hopefully they'll be able to find their perfect place within their £250,000 budget.

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It would mean a longer commute to work for Daryl, but it could be a sacrifice worth making.

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As Jenny is so unconvinced about a move, finding the right home that means everything to her.

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The perfect situation for me, if we decide to go to Australia,

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is to just have a nice house in the suburbs.

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If we had a pool, that would be the icing on the cake.

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Hopefully we get a lot more for our money out there.

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Property one has four bedrooms and is bang on budget at £250,000.

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It boasts the Aussie pool Jenny dreams of. Daryl prays it will win her over.

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-Let's look at this house.

-Look.

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It looks like an active family lives here, love, doesn't it?

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This is his first chance to show Jenny what Australia's all about.

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It's...it's obviously been used.

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-It's not...to my...

-It's nice.

-It's nice enough but it would need

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this maybe sanding down and re-varnishing.

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But this is what I like. I like the sink, like I've got at home, looking into the garden, which I do like.

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Let's have a look-in this bathroom.

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That's a titchy little bath.

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Mind you, with the weather and everything we'd be more inclined to get showers, won't we?

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I wonder if there's another bathroom.

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Never really sure, are you, what you're getting.

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-This looks like the family bathroom.

-Yeah.

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Fear not, there is somewhere else the Brentons can wash.

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-Good lad.

-Walk down the steps.

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They finally discover the main feature of the house.

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What's that? Do you know what that is?

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-A river.

-A river?

-A fish pond maybe.

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It's a swimming pool. It looks really nice.

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It doesn't look very nice to me in all honesty, it looks filthy,

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absolutely filthy.

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That looks like a pond, I think there's fish in there if I'm honest.

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-My kids wouldn't be going in there.

-The dead bird don't help.

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I suppose it doesn't. I wonder how deep it is.

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-Get in it and have a see.

-I might have a paddle in it.

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Jump in. I think it might need a clean before I get in!

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Darryl's trying to see the funny side, but he knows his hopes of convincing Jenny are sinking fast.

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Bruce, come and look at this, a tree house.

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So what are the Brentons' final thought on this deluxe pad and pool?

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The kids seem to like it. It's more to do with the kids, isn't it?

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It's definitely a nice size, the area looks nice and quiet.

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It's got everything we asked for really.

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-It has.

-It just needs that work.

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It's hardly meeting up to their idea of a dream home and their budget could be limiting.

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Daryl really hopes Jenny will fall in love with the next property.

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It's essential the Brentons get value for money and new developments in Australia offer just that.

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This four-bedroom display home is on the market for around £250,000,

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so again, on budget.

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But will it win Jenny over?

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I love it!

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Oh!

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Daryl?

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My gosh!

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-I can't believe it.

-This is lovely.

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Everything you want.

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-Straight out.

-There's two sitting areas as well.

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So much room.

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Al fresco dining.

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That's what we're coming here for, sitting outside, barbies.

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I'm speechless. I can't...

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I feel like I could cry.

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I could just stop here now, never mind going home!

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The house is amazing.

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But I suppose it's like anything else, I'm not saying the novelty would wear off,

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but everything is shiny brand new at the minute and when we were living here,

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there's the dirty washing to get done and the house to be cleaned, you know,

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it will not always feel like that.

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It's a massive step.

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It's got to be the right step for us, moving to Australia, we are giving so much up.

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Jenny is proving a hard nut to crack but he's got

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one last chance to show her a home that could sweep her off her feet.

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Property three is over budget at £350,000 but it's an example of

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what they could achieve if Daryl and Jenny were to work full-time.

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It has more land

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than they could ever hope for and plenty of space for a pool,

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if this doesn't knock her off her feet then nothing will.

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-Big garage. Look at the size of that.

-It looks nice and new.

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Let's look to see what's in here then.

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Wow, this is my favourite part, the walk-in wardrobe bits.

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-I like the long corridor with all the art work.

-It's nice.

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Open-plan area.

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This is nice, this is really stylish.

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Wow. I can't believe we could be living in a house like this.

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That's if we can afford it.

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This place must be...

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At the top of our budget, if not above it.

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This is a lovely house.

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Daryl and Jenny would love to live in a home like this but they'd have to make sacrifices for it to work.

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For Daryl and I to really consider buying a house of this standard,

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I would have to go back to work.

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For us to afford it and also just to live.

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We're coming out here to have more time as a family

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and if Jenny's at work, I'm at work, it kind of defeats the object.

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We'd have to talk about it.

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Really think about it, because this is a really lovely house, in a lovely area.

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Daryl seems more keen for Jenny to work than she does.

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But her mind is already made up.

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I don't think it would be the right time to come out and get a job straight away.

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So on that basis I think, and affordability, we'd certainly go with property number two,

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but things may change depending on what happens with Daryl and earning.

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What he's going to be earning.

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And also the cost of living, we need to have a look at that and see if it is affordable.

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After their day house hunting, Jenny is seriously worried about money.

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But will it affect her property vote?

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We've seen three very different properties today, lots to think about but we're going to vote for...

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BOTH: ..Australia!

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The Brentons have had their first glimpse of life down under and although Jenny may have

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voted Australia for homes, can she really leave everything she knows and loves behind?

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I'm worried about Jenny being alone,

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I'm hoping she will make friends quickly but it will be at the back of my mind

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that I'm not being too selfish, I'm not bringing her to Australia just because I want to go.

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My major concern is getting homesick and maybe feeling a little bit isolated

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and just a bit worried about if the children are poorly, and Daryl's at work,

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just having the support that I'd get from my friends.

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It was a long trip here, it sort of did make us realise

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how far away from home that we actually are.

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Daryl Brenton's desperate to move his family down under,

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but his wife Jenny's ties with home could make this move impossible to handle.

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I will miss her loads and loads and probably you would not be able to express it in any sort of way.

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It'll just be a huge void.

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I do need my friends around me, not having anybody out here,

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having a friendship with somebody, does feel a little bit scary.

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Her resolve is tested when they meet a British family whose Australian dream is coming to an end.

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We've decided after two and a bit years to head back.

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What do you think made you feel like that?

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I think it was the thought of being away from everybody forever.

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It's Daryl's profession as a sports teacher that will give the Brentons their entry visa to Australia.

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His work means everything to him, and unless he can find a fulfilling career down under

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his dream will be shattered.

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Back in the UK, Daryl earns around £40,000 a year and he's worked to get to the top.

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Quite high up in the ladder as it is, I'm head of a department,

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so being told what to do by someone else I think may be a difficult,

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a difficult thing for me to be able to take.

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Feeling slightly nervous and slightly apprehensive, to be fair.

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He's arrived at a secondary school in Melbourne to meet his Australian equivalent.

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Hi, Daryl. Welcome to Mackinnon. I'm the head of department.

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-Do you want to come in and we'll show you around?

-Thank you very much.

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It's artificial grass.

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We've got three tennis courts.

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So you've got a soccer pitch on the top...

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All very well but Daryl's got one thing on his mind.

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If I'm getting the job easy, a job as a head of faculty or department,

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do they come up or do you work your way up?

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Work your way up, I'd say.

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You tend to yes, work your way up a bit.

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That's exactly what Daryl didn't want to hear.

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How about we do some teaching? We've got a year nine badminton class.

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-Want to a take part in that?

-I'd love to, yes. Thank you.

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Daryl's putting on a brave face for the sake of his new Australian pupils.

0:21:100:21:15

-Try to listen, it does help. You understand, yes?

-Yes.

0:21:150:21:19

It would be nice if you talked to me, not him though. OK. Thank you.

0:21:190:21:23

Boss Steve is keeping a watchful eye.

0:21:230:21:25

Daryl's invested years to get where he is, but can he really make a go of it down under?

0:21:250:21:33

Meanwhile, Jenny has taken the children to the park.

0:21:330:21:36

I've been thinking about my family and my friends a lot this week.

0:21:360:21:40

It's hard because I absolutely love it here.

0:21:400:21:43

And I just wish we can have this life here with them alongside us.

0:21:430:21:50

She's meeting up with fellow mum, Dana, to find out more about making friends down under.

0:21:500:21:55

One of my main concerns is if Daryl's working, he's going to be

0:21:550:21:59

there like Monday to Friday and I'm not going to be working, so I'm just thinking about filling my days.

0:21:590:22:04

I'm leaving my friends behind, so it would be nice to meet some other people.

0:22:040:22:09

Yes. There's a mother's group that gets organised through the government

0:22:090:22:12

and you all meet at, there's usually a local community centre or something

0:22:120:22:16

and that's a good way I guess, to meet other mums and kids.

0:22:160:22:19

Yes. I do that at home.

0:22:190:22:21

Jenny seems to be settling in at last, but her mind soon turns to Daryl.

0:22:210:22:26

The worst-case scenario with Daryl would probably be being on a basic teacher's wage.

0:22:260:22:31

I know he wants to be the head of a department.

0:22:310:22:35

Try not to use your slang words, I don't understand any of those.

0:22:350:22:39

English lesson over, Daryl gets on with his warm-up.

0:22:390:22:42

One arm, big circles forward.

0:22:420:22:44

Oh, come on! Australians, please.

0:22:440:22:47

Boss Steve is keeping very quiet.

0:22:470:22:49

Anybody shout out what muscle we're stretching?

0:22:490:22:52

Hamstring. Very surprised you didn't know the muscles we were stretching.

0:22:540:22:58

I would've expected them to know, especially in year 10, as it is.

0:22:580:23:02

Daryl is having a frustrating day. Maybe it's time for some good old-fashioned British discipline.

0:23:020:23:07

If I can run in and catch it, you're going to do two press ups.

0:23:070:23:11

Press-ups?

0:23:110:23:12

Is that a OK, is that fair?

0:23:120:23:14

3, 2, 1.

0:23:140:23:17

Go!

0:23:170:23:19

Two press-ups, Alex.

0:23:190:23:21

3, 2, 1.

0:23:260:23:28

Go!

0:23:280:23:30

Two more press ups, Alex. You weren't quite fast enough.

0:23:300:23:33

-This Aussie speed that's legendary, Alex needs to work on it.

-Not sure about the push-ups.

0:23:330:23:38

You're going to have kids with big arms by the end, I think but no, he's doing really good, really good.

0:23:380:23:43

Well, Steve appears impressed, but what do the pupils think?

0:23:430:23:48

I think his methods are pretty basic.

0:23:480:23:50

That's fantastic.

0:23:500:23:52

We don't usually do press-ups here, so...

0:23:520:23:55

He told me off, but it's all good.

0:23:550:23:58

It's gone very well.

0:23:590:24:00

The kids were enthusiastic.

0:24:000:24:02

Very much like kids in the UK.

0:24:020:24:06

Daryl's enjoying himself at last but there is one burning issue jeopardising a move.

0:24:060:24:11

Daryl would probably find it a little bit difficult,

0:24:110:24:14

just the fact that from a head of department you're obviously used to to being in charge of your staff...

0:24:140:24:19

Whereas I set the routines and rules and people work to my rules,

0:24:190:24:23

it might be difficult, me following rules and I might have to adapt.

0:24:230:24:27

This is a huge decision. Going back to a standard teaching role

0:24:270:24:31

is just not a career setback, it's also a drop in salary.

0:24:310:24:35

So how will he vote for work?

0:24:350:24:37

My vote is going to have to be...

0:24:370:24:40

Sitting on the fence on this, I'm afraid.

0:24:400:24:43

Can't make my mind up yet.

0:24:430:24:45

Daryl is unconvinced about his work prospects down under.

0:24:480:24:53

He needs to consider the impact of a lower wage.

0:24:530:24:57

If this move to Australia is going to come off,

0:24:570:24:59

the Brentons need to weigh up whether they can actually afford to live there.

0:24:590:25:04

We've prepared a comparison of their UK and Australian living costs.

0:25:040:25:09

So salary, back home, round about 43,000...

0:25:090:25:13

-Yes.

-...English pounds.

0:25:130:25:15

But that's as head of department.

0:25:150:25:18

Down under, he'd have to take a standard teaching role.

0:25:180:25:20

34,000.

0:25:200:25:23

That would be a bit of a drop, wouldn't it?

0:25:230:25:26

We are a little bit down in the bottom line.

0:25:260:25:28

Daryl's lower salary has hit them hard.

0:25:280:25:31

I'm in flux, I don't really know what's going to happen.

0:25:310:25:34

But how about the costs?

0:25:340:25:36

Gas and electric at 110.

0:25:360:25:38

-That's a saving already.

-We spend more than that, I guess.

-We do, yes.

0:25:380:25:42

-In Australia, we're all going to have to have health insurance at £90 a month.

-Crikey.

0:25:420:25:48

Council tax is slightly less. 65.

0:25:480:25:50

Look at that.

0:25:500:25:53

The price of beans and sausages, that's unbelievable.

0:25:530:25:56

I'm quite shocked at that.

0:25:560:25:59

-This is a big one, groceries.

-That's something we've got to look up.

0:25:590:26:03

After crunching the numbers, what's the final result?

0:26:030:26:06

Expenditure could be a couple of hundred pounds better off.

0:26:060:26:11

That sounds good to me.

0:26:110:26:13

Sounds good but we don't know about wages, do we?

0:26:130:26:15

We don't. The thing is,

0:26:150:26:17

we don't know till we get there and start living the life, we won't know till then, will we, I suppose.

0:26:190:26:24

It's time to vote.

0:26:240:26:26

Based on the cost of living in Australia and the UK, we're going to vote for...

0:26:260:26:32

Australia!

0:26:320:26:33

That's all very well, but the Brentons mustn't forget the most important financial factor -

0:26:330:26:38

if they can't sell their UK house for a good price, their Australian dream could be over.

0:26:380:26:44

Back in West Yorkshire, the Brentons own a four-bedroom semi,

0:26:440:26:49

which they bought in 2007 for £200,000.

0:26:490:26:53

Both Daryl and Jenny now believe it to be worth around £220,000.

0:26:530:26:59

We've arranged for two estate agents to give a more recent evaluation.

0:26:590:27:05

It's a nice spacious hall, but it would benefit from a fitted carpet just to finish it off.

0:27:050:27:10

Unusual use of a sitting room!

0:27:180:27:20

It's a good-size master bedroom with a bay window.

0:27:220:27:25

Still with an original fireplace there.

0:27:250:27:28

Nice room. Lovely en suite.

0:27:340:27:37

Got everything you'd need.

0:27:370:27:39

I think this property is a lovely property.

0:27:390:27:42

It's nice and spacious inside,

0:27:420:27:44

it's got everything you'd want and a good street to be on.

0:27:440:27:46

I would suggest marketing it around the £210,000,

0:27:460:27:50

with possibly selling it at nearer the 185, 190, I think.

0:27:500:27:56

That's a lot less than Daryl and Jenny paid for it,

0:27:560:27:58

but there may be worse to come.

0:27:580:27:59

It's been well modernised basically, but one or two areas to attend to.

0:27:590:28:04

In my opinion, the present value of the property

0:28:040:28:07

is in the region of £170,000.

0:28:070:28:10

Mmm.

0:28:140:28:15

Well, that's a bit less than I expected.

0:28:190:28:21

That's a lot less.

0:28:210:28:23

A lot less, the second one, certainly.

0:28:230:28:25

The Brentons have spent time improving their

0:28:250:28:27

UK home and were expecting a return on their investment.

0:28:270:28:31

Discovering it's worth £50,000 less than expected is a huge blow. They're not impressed.

0:28:310:28:38

I don't think that's realistic, personally, and I'm not happy with that.

0:28:380:28:41

-No.

-Not happy with that, sorry.

0:28:410:28:44

-170 is way too low.

-No way, that's too low.

0:28:440:28:46

They dream of buying a large, spacious property with a pool

0:28:470:28:51

but with this valuation, the Aussie fantasy may never become a reality.

0:28:510:28:56

We've got to start again over here in Australia, and obviously

0:28:560:28:59

we want the best property and the best life that we can have in Australia.

0:28:590:29:03

In order to do that, we need the money behind us.

0:29:030:29:06

Realistically, I think 195 would be as low as I could go on the house.

0:29:060:29:11

I wouldn't go any lower than that.

0:29:110:29:13

-195 would be a bargain for whoever got it.

-We're not giving it away.

0:29:130:29:18

195 is actually less than what we paid for it three years ago, where we bought the property for 200.

0:29:180:29:24

So, I'm not prepared to give my home away.

0:29:240:29:27

Finding out their home has dropped so massively in value is a huge blow to the Brentons' expectations.

0:29:300:29:37

But if you thought they were giving up on their Aussie dream, you'd be mistaken.

0:29:370:29:43

Melbourne's world-renown botanical gardens extend over 90 acres.

0:29:430:29:48

And thanks to the hot climate, can be enjoyed all year round.

0:29:480:29:52

What I like about Australia is, people generally seem to lead

0:29:520:29:56

a much more active and healthy outdoor lifestyle.

0:29:560:30:00

It just appeals to me, to be outside in the fresh air, in the sunshine.

0:30:000:30:05

It'll give us a really good quality of life, especially for the kids, really.

0:30:050:30:10

Yeah, it's beautiful.

0:30:100:30:12

Jenny is trying her hardest to embrace Daryl's dream of life down under.

0:30:140:30:19

But deep down, she's worried about what that would mean for her.

0:30:190:30:23

I would say the grass is more considerably greener in Australia but it's like with everything else,

0:30:230:30:28

it still needs tending to and caring and mowing.

0:30:280:30:31

I am thinking hard about it, this is just a visit.

0:30:310:30:34

If we do decide to move to Australia, it'll not be like this every day,

0:30:340:30:37

Daryl's going to hopefully be working Monday to Friday, maybe I'm at home with the kids on my own.

0:30:370:30:43

I have been thinking about my friends and family a lot lately.

0:30:450:30:48

That sort of dawned on me a little bit,

0:30:480:30:50

that I'm not going to have that social side, friendships whilst I'm here.

0:30:500:30:54

It's going to be hard times ahead of us if we do decide to move.

0:30:540:30:58

Considering both lifestyles, the UK and Australia, I think we're going to have to vote for...

0:30:580:31:05

-Australia!

-Australia!

0:31:050:31:07

Australia!

0:31:070:31:10

But is Jenny putting on a brave face to keep Daryl happy?

0:31:100:31:16

If you moved to the other side of the world, one of the

0:31:190:31:22

hardest things to cope with is the pain of leaving loved ones behind.

0:31:220:31:27

As Daryl has a 16-year-old son from a previous relationship, this is going to be very tough.

0:31:270:31:35

We've prepared some messages from friends and family back home.

0:31:350:31:39

Hi, everybody. Hope you're having a really good time in Australia. Everybody's missing you lots.

0:31:390:31:43

Hi, Jenny, Daryl.

0:31:430:31:44

Hi Bruce and Jeanie. I hope you've had a fantastic time.

0:31:440:31:49

Daryl is very dry, he's very witty,

0:31:490:31:52

he's good fun and he's a good laugh.

0:31:520:31:55

I would describe my dad as...

0:31:550:31:57

He's pretty serious but sometimes he can be funny, and

0:31:570:32:02

he's just a nice person to be around.

0:32:020:32:05

Jennifer's a mini version of me.

0:32:050:32:07

She's very devoted to the children and she's very devoted to Daryl.

0:32:070:32:10

And she works very hard in the house as well.

0:32:100:32:12

She's a joy to have as a daughter.

0:32:120:32:15

I'd describe Jenny as a very nice and warm person.

0:32:150:32:19

She likes to laugh a lot and keep the kids happy.

0:32:190:32:23

When Jennifer first mentioned going to Australia, I was a bit surprised

0:32:230:32:26

and I just said, "Well, why don't you just rip my heart out?"

0:32:260:32:29

Because first thoughts were that we weren't going to see

0:32:290:32:33

the grandchildren grow up.

0:32:330:32:35

I might have upset her

0:32:350:32:37

with my reaction to this trip.

0:32:370:32:41

I think so much about the grandkids, it was just, to me, a natural reaction.

0:32:410:32:45

When he first told me he might be moving to Australia, I was very shocked and...

0:32:460:32:51

Very shocked, because it came out of the blue to me and I didn't know anything about it.

0:32:510:32:56

Yeah, I think he's going to miss me. I hope he does!

0:32:560:33:00

There will be a void if they go. We're so used to seeing them all.

0:33:000:33:03

We've seen them grow up, basically, and you do miss that.

0:33:030:33:07

-We're going to miss that.

-We really are going to miss them.

0:33:070:33:09

It really goes without saying.

0:33:090:33:12

I will miss her loads and loads, and probably you would not be able to express it in any sort of way.

0:33:120:33:19

You know, like, this much. It will just be a huge void.

0:33:190:33:24

Being able to just drive down to her house and come and see her and the children.

0:33:240:33:29

It won't be the same, but that's something that we've just got to

0:33:290:33:32

come to terms with if they do decide to go.

0:33:320:33:35

I think it'll be harder leaving Stuart. I mean, he's a growing lad.

0:33:350:33:39

I think he'll miss going out for a drink with him

0:33:390:33:42

and playing a little bit of sport with him.

0:33:420:33:45

What I would miss most about them moving is just coming up to talk

0:33:450:33:49

to them and see them, and missing out on Bruce and Jeanie growing up.

0:33:490:33:53

I wish that they'd stay in England because I'd get to see them more, but...

0:33:530:33:58

-Nowt I can really do.

-If you do decide to go,

0:33:580:34:01

then we'll back you wholeheartedly, but we will miss the grandchildren.

0:34:010:34:05

I must say that.

0:34:050:34:07

We want you to go for all the right reasons.

0:34:070:34:09

We're really going to miss you.

0:34:090:34:11

But good luck and hope you go for it.

0:34:110:34:14

I just wanted to say that you should follow your hearts' decision, and I'm sure it'll be the right one.

0:34:140:34:20

I'll see you when you get back.

0:34:200:34:21

-You all right?

-Yeah, fine.

0:34:260:34:29

Just quite touched by what Stuart said.

0:34:290:34:33

-Yeah.

-Really touched.

-Everybody - what everybody said.

0:34:330:34:35

Yeah.

0:34:350:34:37

Any tears?

0:34:390:34:40

-Just a few.

-Well, it's... You know.

0:34:430:34:47

It's...

0:34:470:34:50

I don't know. It's like they've told us how much they think of us and...

0:34:500:34:54

-Make it all a bit more real?

-It does, yeah.

-A bit more reality.

0:34:540:34:57

Back at home you don't say that every day to people.

0:34:570:35:01

"You're a massive part of our lives," and...

0:35:010:35:04

You know people love you and that.

0:35:060:35:08

You just don't sort of say it every day, do you?

0:35:080:35:10

You know, as much as I love Daryl and everything, I do need my friends.

0:35:100:35:14

I think, not having anybody out here, having a friendship with

0:35:140:35:18

somebody, does feel a little bit scary.

0:35:180:35:21

A bit scary to me.

0:35:210:35:23

I've never thought of going out with Stuart for a pint or a drink in few years' time or whenever.

0:35:230:35:30

Never thought about not playing golf with him or whatever, and it's things like that that bring it more home.

0:35:300:35:36

-Yeah.

-Obviously, when I told Stuart, we were really upset.

0:35:360:35:39

We had a couple of hours just crying on the settee.

0:35:390:35:42

Just not saying anything - just crying, and stopping, and then kind of coming to terms with it.

0:35:420:35:48

I must admit that the reaction that Stuart had,

0:35:480:35:53

at that point, I was just ready to say, "No. Absolutely no way.

0:35:530:35:58

"I'm not having Stuart upset."

0:35:580:36:01

It's made me think a lot, it really has, in such a short space of time.

0:36:010:36:06

It's made me feel a little bit selfish, really.

0:36:060:36:08

Daryl Brenton dreamt of a perfect life for his family down under.

0:36:120:36:17

Nice, big detached house. At least four bedrooms.

0:36:170:36:21

Somewhere I could escape. Swimming pool.

0:36:210:36:23

-It'd be nice.

-That'd be on my wish list.

-Yeah.

0:36:230:36:25

But it soon turned into a nightmare.

0:36:250:36:28

It might need a clean before I get in.

0:36:280:36:30

There's fish in there, if I'm honest.

0:36:300:36:33

My kids won't be going in there.

0:36:330:36:34

Australia was more expensive than they hoped, and they had to deal

0:36:340:36:37

with a pay cut plus a lower valuation of their UK home.

0:36:370:36:41

Present value of the property is in the region of £170,000.

0:36:410:36:45

We are a little bit down, at the bottom line.

0:36:450:36:48

But money's nothing compared to leaving family behind.

0:36:480:36:52

We want you to go for all the right reasons.

0:36:520:36:54

We're really going to miss you.

0:36:540:36:56

Seeing messages from loved ones has forced Jenny and Daryl to come to

0:37:030:37:07

terms with what they'd be giving up in the UK.

0:37:070:37:11

Will meeting some British expats help ease those concerns about cutting ties with home?

0:37:110:37:18

The Brentons have come to meet the Harts.

0:37:180:37:22

Annalie and her husband, Gary, have lived in Melbourne for two years

0:37:220:37:27

but judging by the boxes, they won't be here for much longer.

0:37:270:37:31

Jenny is quick to find out whether it's the UK they're heading back to.

0:37:310:37:36

Are you moving house? I just noticed all the boxes when we came in.

0:37:360:37:40

Yes, we've decided after two and a bit years to head back, so we're all packed up and...

0:37:400:37:47

-Ah, so you're going back home now?

-The time is coming next week, yeah. We just...

0:37:470:37:51

We missed family and friends just too much, really, and whilst we love it here, there's just...

0:37:510:37:56

There's always a big hole in your life and you can't fill it.

0:37:560:38:00

-It's quite difficult to describe, really.

-Yeah.

0:38:000:38:03

What was the hardest thing for you when you moved out here, and is there anything that you'd change?

0:38:030:38:09

It was a bit like climbing a mountain, trying to get out here, I have to say, and it became very much

0:38:090:38:14

an administrative challenge, and that's where I think we look back and realise that we didn't actually

0:38:140:38:21

give the emotional side of things as much thought as we probably should have, perhaps, done.

0:38:210:38:26

You said you felt straightaway it didn't feel right and you wanted to go straight home.

0:38:260:38:30

What do you think made you feel like that?

0:38:300:38:32

I think it was the thought of being away from everybody, forever.

0:38:320:38:37

We said that this morning.

0:38:370:38:39

It does feel a little bit selfish.

0:38:390:38:41

Yeah, and I think we've discussed that.

0:38:410:38:44

We've said if we'd known exactly what we were doing, maybe we wouldn't have done it.

0:38:440:38:48

Have you got any regrets?

0:38:480:38:50

We feel sad that it hasn't worked out to be what we imagined it was going to be.

0:38:520:38:59

We do feel sad about that, and it's only by coming out you realise,

0:38:590:39:02

yes, there's fantastic things, there really are,

0:39:020:39:04

but it's almost on a surface level, for us. That's how we find it.

0:39:040:39:08

And once you dig a bit deeper, you're missing those really

0:39:080:39:11

fundamental things that you value in your life.

0:39:110:39:15

I've had time, a lot of time, to reflect on the decision to

0:39:150:39:19

move to Australia, and I've had many a sleepless night, and I've had moments where I've just thought...

0:39:190:39:25

I've woken up in a blind panic and just thought, "I can't do it. I can't do it."

0:39:250:39:29

Maybe we should have just jumped in and got more involved in things, but it's hard.

0:39:290:39:35

Meeting a family who ultimately couldn't cope with being so far from loved ones has highlighted

0:39:380:39:44

to Jenny and Daryl just how difficult emigrating can be.

0:39:440:39:49

But will it affect their decision?

0:39:490:39:51

It's nearly time for the final vote.

0:39:510:39:54

After speaking to Annalie today, and she said it can be difficult to make new friends, it has made me think

0:39:540:40:00

about if we move out here it could be difficult for me.

0:40:000:40:03

Both myself and Jenny have had a reality check.

0:40:030:40:06

I think Jenny in particular, now she's spoken to someone,

0:40:060:40:11

realises it's not going to be maybe as easy as we thought. It's going to be a lot more difficult.

0:40:110:40:16

They can't sort of just go out, socialising.

0:40:160:40:18

There's nobody to fall back on if the kids are poorly.

0:40:180:40:21

They've just sort of got each other.

0:40:210:40:23

As much as we say we can try everything,

0:40:230:40:26

until our gut feeling starts, then we can't really say a word.

0:40:260:40:30

Their trial week down under has been a big wake-up call for Daryl, career-wise...

0:40:300:40:35

It might be difficult, me following rules, and I might have to adapt.

0:40:350:40:39

-..financially...

-If I could afford this place, I would not buy it.

0:40:390:40:43

..and emotionally.

0:40:430:40:44

I wish that they'd stay in England because I'd get to see them more, but...

0:40:440:40:48

-nowt I can really do.

-Very difficult, with Stuart.

0:40:480:40:51

I will miss him incredibly.

0:40:510:40:53

But he's a young man and he's got his own life to lead,

0:40:530:40:57

and I'm sure he'll make the right decisions, maybe even if I don't.

0:40:570:41:03

There are many reasons for Daryl not to make the move but the biggest obstacle of all is his wife, Jenny.

0:41:030:41:09

It has made me realise how far Australia is away from home.

0:41:090:41:14

It's a day away on a plane.

0:41:140:41:17

It's a long journey.

0:41:170:41:18

Hypothetically, if I vote for Australia and Jenny votes for England, we split up.

0:41:180:41:24

No, I don't know.

0:41:270:41:29

There'd be a lot of discussion.

0:41:290:41:32

If one of us was really dead set against it, the other one really

0:41:320:41:35

dead set for it, then there'd be discussions.

0:41:350:41:39

There'd be talk about it, and then I'd get my own way.

0:41:390:41:43

Simple as that!

0:41:430:41:45

I've lived my life in the UK for the past 35 years.

0:41:450:41:48

It's familiar, I know what I'm doing there, I've got my friends there, I've got my family based there.

0:41:480:41:53

It's a massive decision, thinking about moving to Australia.

0:41:530:41:57

I think it's one of the biggest, one of the most biggest,

0:41:570:42:01

life-changing decisions I've ever had to come to terms with.

0:42:010:42:05

Not quite sure which way we're going to go.

0:42:050:42:08

Daryl's convinced Jenny will choose Australia, but does he understand how difficult it is for her?

0:42:080:42:14

The whole family's future is hanging in the balance.

0:42:140:42:17

It's time for the final vote.

0:42:170:42:20

We've had a fantastic week in Australia.

0:42:200:42:24

We've used this opportunity to have a good look round, discover the

0:42:240:42:28

culture and the lifestyle, and based on these facts, we've decided that we're going to go for...

0:42:280:42:34

-..Australia!

-Australia!

0:42:370:42:39

Australia!

0:42:390:42:41

So Jenny's decided to fulfil Daryl's dream.

0:42:410:42:43

You know, at the end of the day, Daryl wants to go.

0:42:430:42:46

Apart from the kids, he's the most important person in the world to me.

0:42:460:42:50

We talk about everything, and I have to respect what he wants to do.

0:42:500:42:54

It's been a life-changing journey for Daryl and Jenny.

0:42:540:43:00

They're giving up a great deal back in the UK but they believe the sacrifice will be worth it.

0:43:000:43:07

We wish them all the best with their new life down under.

0:43:070:43:11

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:43:280:43:31

E-mail [email protected]

0:43:310:43:34

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