0:00:02 > 0:00:08What if you were working so hard you never saw your children growing up?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Would you consider starting afresh
0:00:10 > 0:00:13on the other side of the world?
0:00:13 > 0:00:17If so, how would you persuade your wife to move
0:00:17 > 0:00:20if she'd never left the village she grew up in?
0:00:20 > 0:00:26'Just the thought of leaving her mum is breaking Sharon's heart.'
0:00:26 > 0:00:28She...basically broke down,
0:00:28 > 0:00:34saying things like she feels that she's never going to see us again.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39'Alan's desperate to change his life and get his priorities straight.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- Back home, I work roughly 90 hours a week.- OK.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45So I'm looking to reduce that.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51'He has to prove that a fresh start would be worth the trauma of leaving loved ones.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:53It was very sad.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56'It's Alan's dream but, to make it a reality,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59'he'll have to convince the family to follow him
0:00:59 > 0:01:02'where he's wanted down under.'
0:01:24 > 0:01:27'With its hot climate and 10,000 beaches,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31'Australia is a popular destination for Brits.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35'Over 35,000 people emigrate there every year.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39'It doesn't work for everyone, as a third return to the UK
0:01:39 > 0:01:42'missing their old lives.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47'We're giving one family the chance to see if a new life could give them
0:01:47 > 0:01:49'everything they dream of.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'They've got one week to find out.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57'Tree surgeon Alan Paton, his wife Sharon and their three girls,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01'ten-year-old Chantel, Demi, aged six, and Imogen, who's four,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05'live in Carmarthenshire, south Wales.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09'Sharon has always lived nearby but Alan, who moved from Scotland,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13'is tired of putting his business ahead of his family,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17'and sees moving as the solution.'
0:02:17 > 0:02:23The stress is unbelievable. It's not worth it. I've been seven years at it.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Seven years I've lost of my kids growing up.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Nobody will give me that back.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33'It's not just the kids who felt abandoned.'
0:02:33 > 0:02:35It feels like I'm a single parent.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38We want to bring us all together.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43I don't think that, if we stay in the UK, it's going to be possible.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48'They need to find out if there is something else out there for them.'
0:02:48 > 0:02:52We get set in this rut where we all do our own little things.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Can you imagine? We'll be so distant if we carry on.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01I'd like to get to Australia and sample what their life's all about.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04'They've been planning for a while.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'The pressure is on to make sure they don't get the decision wrong.'
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- As long as you listen to my opinions...- I'll listen.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17I'm not going through the stress of what I do to keep this house.
0:03:17 > 0:03:23- I don't want you to. - All it is is somewhere to get my head down at night.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- We're the family, us five.- Yeah.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30It's all about us, at this time now.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Is it going to be a good start for them, make them happy?
0:03:35 > 0:03:41They're going to be healthy but they will miss my mum and dad.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46VOICE BREAKING: And I just don't know how we'll be able...to do that.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51'Eldest daughter Chantel struggles to even imagine leaving.'
0:03:51 > 0:03:56There's still some questions of whether I'm going to go or not.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Sometimes I want to go but sometimes I don't.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03I'll probably make some new friends and...
0:04:07 > 0:04:12'For Sharon, separation from ONE person would be devastating.'
0:04:12 > 0:04:14'I've been so close to my mum.'
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And...
0:04:18 > 0:04:22When I told her about the idea of moving to Australia she...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27..basically broke down and was saying things
0:04:27 > 0:04:32like she feels that she's never going to see us again.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34So, emotionally, that's hard.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Um...thinking to myself that me and the girls
0:04:38 > 0:04:40are not going to see them again.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44They won't be brought up with their grandparents.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48'So, emotionally, that's a big hit, a big issue.'
0:04:48 > 0:04:53The Paton family face a tough challenge ahead of them.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57They have to decide if moving to the other side of the world
0:04:57 > 0:05:00really could give them a better future.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05Will the trauma of leaving loved ones behind be too much?
0:05:05 > 0:05:09'Alan's skills as a tree surgeon are in demand all over Australia,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13'but it's vital they choose the right location.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17'Their first potential destination is Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21'Property is the cheapest in Australia,
0:05:21 > 0:05:25'with an average home costing £185,000.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29'But with a winter low temperature of just six degrees,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33'it wouldn't offer the warm working conditions Alan hopes for.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39'Their second potential destination is the unique
0:05:39 > 0:05:42'but isolated city of Darwin.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47'It might not be as well-known as other cities but Darwin isn't cheap,
0:05:47 > 0:05:53'with property prices only a little less than Sydney at £315,000.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00'The final option is Adelaide, where its small size
0:06:00 > 0:06:05'and Mediterranean climate attracts over 2,000 Brits a year.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09'House prices are reasonable, at an average of £255,000.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13'With plenty of parks and green areas all over the city,
0:06:13 > 0:06:18'there should be lots of work for tree surgeon Alan.'
0:06:18 > 0:06:23Each option would offer them a new start, so where should they go?
0:06:23 > 0:06:29We decided that Adelaide would give them the best experience for their trial week.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34'There should be plenty of work in a temperate climate for Alan,
0:06:34 > 0:06:39'and Adelaide's small-town feel should make it easier for Sharon.
0:06:39 > 0:06:45'The Paton family will try out all aspects of life in Australia.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50'They'll see if they could find a home to replace the one they love.'
0:06:50 > 0:06:52It's pushed a couple of buttons.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55'They'll test out their dream lifestyle.'
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I'm very envious of it.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00'But it won't all be fun.'
0:07:00 > 0:07:03What's wrong with you?
0:07:04 > 0:07:06We're all crying!
0:07:06 > 0:07:11'Traumatised by the emotional impact of leaving loved ones behind,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14'Sharon decides if she could follow Alan's dream
0:07:14 > 0:07:20'and give up the only life she and her daughters know in Carmarthenshire.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24'After an exhausting journey,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27'the family try out a new life
0:07:27 > 0:07:31'10,000 miles away from home in south Wales.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34'It should have taken just under a day but, with delays,
0:07:34 > 0:07:39'they spent 33 exhausting hours in transit.'
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Last I slept...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Well, I got up 5am Saturday morning, so it's 47 hours.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48The longest I've spent with the kids in a long time.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50'Sharon's heart is still in the UK.'
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Even in a week, I think I'm going to miss family.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59It's not just phoning Mum whenever I want, cos of the time difference.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05I think, by the end of the week, I think it will start to hit home.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10'For Chantel, emotions are bubbling just below the surface.'
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Thinking of me moving here makes me sad,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17thinking of my friends back home.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21We need to prove to her that... What's out there for her.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26The only way to prove that is if we can prove that YOU like it.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I want to be a bit more realistic about it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34We'll just wait and see what the next few days show.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38'For Alan to stand a chance of making his dream a reality,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40'he needs to make sure
0:08:40 > 0:08:44'the family feels settled as quickly as possible.
0:08:44 > 0:08:50'But the final 45-minute drive has taken its toll on certain members of the family.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54'They're staying in an impressive four-bedroom
0:08:54 > 0:08:59'two-bath rental property in McLaren Vale, with fantastic living space
0:08:59 > 0:09:01'and views over the fields beyond.'
0:09:03 > 0:09:04Wow.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10'Alan's doing his best to get them all excited about their new base.'
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Look at the views.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Everywhere you look you've got miles of it.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18'But there's a difference of opinion already.'
0:09:18 > 0:09:23It's very spacious but I'm still quite, um...
0:09:23 > 0:09:27still got my own individual rooms in mind at the moment.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- I prefer open plan.- You prefer this? - Open plan will bring us together.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34What do you think, Imogen?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37You just want a bed, don't you?
0:09:37 > 0:09:41SHARON: Have you found one? CHILD: Yes!
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Oh! - ALL GIRLS: I'm on the top!
0:09:44 > 0:09:47You having fun up there? ALL: Yeah.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50< We're not going to have arguments?
0:09:50 > 0:09:53ALL: No!
0:09:53 > 0:09:57'Outside, they're reminded of why they want to move.'
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Girls? Can you see what's over there?
0:10:01 > 0:10:05GIRL: Treehouse. SHARON: And the swing on it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10'They want the girls to have a more active outdoor lifestyle
0:10:10 > 0:10:13'and, most importantly, they need more time together.'
0:10:13 > 0:10:19- The love it, don't they?- Yeah. - They don't do this at home.- No.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23'For Alan, it's crucial this move lets him reclaim his life.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27'Sharon still worries if it's truly realistic.'
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Running my own business, I've missed the last five, six years.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Doesn't matter how much money I make, you'd never buy that back.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39SHARON: If we can't afford it,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42then...I don't want to struggle.
0:10:42 > 0:10:47We haven't come here to struggle. We've come to better our lives.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52'But there's a bigger emotional hurdle they must get over first.'
0:10:52 > 0:10:57Knowing that my mum's not round the corner or a phone call away, even.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03SHARON: I'm torn at the moment. I'm torn.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07I want to come out here for this.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10But then...I'd be on my own.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16SIGHS It's really...
0:11:16 > 0:11:21It's frightening to know that I could do it. It IS possible.
0:11:21 > 0:11:27'If Sharon can't face the trauma of leaving everyone behind, they won't be going anywhere.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35'The Patons live in an impressive 16-room home in Carmarthenshire,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37'south Wales.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41'Sharon fell in love with the house the moment she saw it.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45'They've worked hard to make it their own.
0:11:45 > 0:11:52'It has four reception rooms, a bedroom each for the girls, and even a flat on the ground floor.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57'With fantastic countryside nearby, a hot tub in the garden
0:11:57 > 0:12:03'and a playground, they try to live the outdoor life, but the weather is a problem.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07'Their happiness in Australia rests on finding
0:12:07 > 0:12:10'the right house in the community.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12'There are several places they could live.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18'Adelaide is the thriving cultural centre of South Australia.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22'Areas like Collinswood offer tree-lined streets
0:12:22 > 0:12:26'and plenty of green space, but it's pricey.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'This £420,000 three-bed home offers a decent garden.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35'A small living space and old-fashioned finish wouldn't be to everyone's taste.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41'A better option might be Coromandel Valley, 30 minutes out of town.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'Here, life is lived at a more sedate pace.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48'This five-bedroom home perched on the hillside
0:12:48 > 0:12:52'would give them plenty of space, a fantastic view and a pool,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54'all for under £330,000.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58'Coming from the Welsh valleys, this might feel like
0:12:58 > 0:13:00'a home away from home.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04'Another possibility is to move closer to the beach.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09'Areas like Seaford Rise are popular with ex-pat Brits.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13'Houses are relatively affordable, with this four-bedroom
0:13:13 > 0:13:20'offering good living space but no garden for just under £300,000.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25'Taking into account everything Alan and Sharon are looking for,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29'we're showing them two homes in the country and one by the coast.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33'With £250,000 to spend, it'll take something special
0:13:33 > 0:13:39'to make them even consider leaving their home in south Wales.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42'Property One is in the suburb of Woodcroft,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45'with four bedrooms and two outdoor areas,
0:13:45 > 0:13:51'on the market for £250,000 - at the top of their budget.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55'They'll all need to feel at home to justify the expense.'
0:13:55 > 0:13:57The room's not a bad size.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02You're coming straight in the front door into your sitting area.
0:14:02 > 0:14:09- You're right.- I like the kitchen and dining room to be together.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14'As the eldest, Chantel would get first choice of bedroom,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17'but she's used to a large double.'
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Do you like this one? It's a bit small.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Shall we find another one?- Yeah.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28SHARON: This is a bit bigger. This is better.
0:14:28 > 0:14:34I don't know if I like the idea of this bedroom here and the other bedrooms over that side.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37The music she's playing, I'd be happy!
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- Could you see yourself in here? > - There's enough room for you here.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46'It's a tough act to follow their home in Wales.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51'It isn't winning them over. Having space for guests is a big concern.'
0:14:51 > 0:14:55We've got more space in this bedroom the way it's set out.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00I'm a bit concerned about the two smaller ones if we get visitors.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- I've seen nothing yet for them. - No. It would be tight.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08'But it's outdoor living that they've come in search of.'
0:15:08 > 0:15:12A pool. Wow! That's nice.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15You wanted a pool.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17You'd have fun in there.
0:15:17 > 0:15:24'It might have a pool, but this wouldn't convince them to leave their home.'
0:15:24 > 0:15:29We don't need the size of house we have but this is too small.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33This wouldn't convince me to give it up.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37'Without the space they're used to, even Alan
0:15:37 > 0:15:39'is struggling to see the dream.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43'He'll hope for far more from the next two properties.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48'Property Two is in Old Reynella, 40 minutes from the centre of town.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53'It's on the market for £240,000, has five bedrooms
0:15:53 > 0:15:56'and a fantastic outside space with pool.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00'Estate agent Wendy Court is waiting to meet them.'
0:16:00 > 0:16:05You've come to a lovely area. Old Reynella is very popular.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09Pop on through and have a look for yourself.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11'First impressions are key.'
0:16:11 > 0:16:16SHARON: This is quite nice. I like the floor. It's big enough.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's not small.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24So far, so good. Shall we go and see what else is here?
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Yeah. Let's go, then.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30SHARON: Oh, this is quite nice.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Good size, isn't it? Do you like this wall?
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- Could you cover it up? - I knew something would come along.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41I've always got to do something, Chantel, haven't I?
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Keeps you busy.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46'Alan would have some DIY to do.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51'He's determined the days of working ridiculous hours are behind him.'
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- DEMI: This could be your office. - I don't want an office, darling.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59I was thinking more along the lines of a walk-in wardrobe.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03It's a bit small.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07You've got a bit of work space. It's dated as well.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- This is the dining area. - It's a fair size.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I wouldn't mind something a bit...bigger.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16That's a shame.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19'This house isn't big enough.'
0:17:19 > 0:17:21I'm not going to sleep in this bedroom.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Why? - You don't like this one?
0:17:25 > 0:17:30No? It is smaller than the one she's got back home.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35SHARON: It started off good but I'm feeling it's going down a bit.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38'They had expected more from property in Australia.'
0:17:38 > 0:17:41If I'm giving up my house,
0:17:41 > 0:17:46I want to walk in and think, "I can see myself here and I like it."
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Feel homely in it.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53And these two properties haven't done that for me.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56'It's down to Property Three to save Alan's dream.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00'This home in Sellicks Beach offers something different.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03'It's 50km from the city,
0:18:03 > 0:18:08'but the beach is 500 metres from their front door.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12'It would stretch their budget but, with good sized bedrooms,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17'a large outdoor area and fantastic views, it might turn things around.'
0:18:17 > 0:18:21My first impression here, Alan, is "Wow!"
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Definitely, yeah. - We'll see what the rest is like.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29We were impressed with the second one at the beginning.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Let's have a look at the rest of it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34'Sharon's excited.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37'Hopefully, disappointment isn't around the corner.'
0:18:37 > 0:18:39SHARON: Oh, wow!
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- Oh, this is it, isn't it? - This is nice, huh?
0:18:44 > 0:18:49It's beautiful, isn't it? The work space, breakfast bar.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Modern kitchen.- Yeah.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- The prices are... There's not a big difference between the prices.- No.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00I'd rather go that little bit more, Alan, and get something like this.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05Definitely, but don't get too excited. We haven't seen the rest.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07It's looking very promising.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12'Alan's the voice of reason, but enthusiasm is hard to contain.'
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- I like this.- It's a good size, too. - This is nice.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- Look at the view.- Imagine it in the evenings with a glass of wine.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27- Look at that!- That's gorgeous. - It's lovely having that view.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Every morning, waking up to this.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34'Property Three has raised the bar, but if the girls don't settle
0:19:34 > 0:19:37'there's no chance Sharon will.'
0:19:37 > 0:19:40This is nice. This is MY room.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42This is my mine. Mine.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Shall we have a look outside, girls?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48A hot tub. Wow!
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- This is nice, huh?- Yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57'Chantel would leave everything she knows, so it's vital she feels she could live in Australia.'
0:19:57 > 0:20:02I think it is tempting me a bit for moving here.
0:20:02 > 0:20:09Because it's got a lot of room and there's quite big rooms in there.
0:20:09 > 0:20:15'She's coming round to the idea but if this hasn't won Sharon over, the move could be in trouble.'
0:20:15 > 0:20:21This has pushed a couple of buttons. It could be in our price range.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26It is within our reach. It won't be stretching the budget too much.
0:20:26 > 0:20:31'They may be able to afford it, but it could leave little left
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'to enjoy the lifestyle they crave.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37'They need to weigh everything up.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'The Patons have seen three very different homes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'The size of the first two was a disappointment
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'but Property Three won them over
0:20:47 > 0:20:50'with its stunning living space and views.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54'Leaving their home in the UK would break all their hearts.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58'Could they do it for the houses they've seen?'
0:20:58 > 0:21:03Based on the properties that we've seen in Australia, our vote is...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05SHARON AND ALAN: Australia.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09'But it wasn't an easy decision.'
0:21:09 > 0:21:13I think I might be a bit sad to leave our house back home.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21What's wrong with you? Huh? What's wrong?
0:21:21 > 0:21:25SHARON: We're all crying now, are we?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I didn't think this would be so emotional.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32'Just the thought of leaving south Wales is traumatic.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38'The Patons are starting to realise the cost of moving to Australia.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43'They crossed the world to get here, but they have a long way to go.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51'Back in the UK, Alan runs his own tree surgery business.
0:21:51 > 0:21:58'It's something he's proud of, but building it up has taken its toll on the rest of his life.'
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Here in the UK, my dream always was to run my own business.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06And now I've done it, no.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10I leave in darkness and come home in darkness.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I never see the kids. I never see the house.
0:22:13 > 0:22:19'Whether they move or not, Alan's determined to change his life.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24'He's considering taking a step backwards to work for someone else.
0:22:24 > 0:22:32'This could have an impact on his wage, so Alan needs to find out if he could support his family.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36'We've arranged for him to meet Luke Adcock, a tree surgeon,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39'to find out if they do things differently.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43'Alan needs to make sure his skills would be in demand.'
0:22:43 > 0:22:46There's a lot of trees! There must be plenty of work.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Yes, there is plenty of work. There's plenty.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54You can work more than 50 hours a week, if you'd like to.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Well, back home, I work roughly 90 hours a week.- OK.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- So I'm looking to reduce that. - No worries.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07'A 40-hour week is what Alan dreamed of but he needs to like the work
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'and be happy working for someone else.
0:23:12 > 0:23:19'Sharon's a qualified nurse but she won't work whilst Chantel, Demi and Imogen settle in.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26'They've come to try one of their favourite hobbies, dancing, to see if they'd fit in.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30'Leaving their friends would be very difficult
0:23:30 > 0:23:34'so it's vital they'll be able to make new ones.'
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- They're doing quite well. They seem to be enjoying it.- Really well.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- Imogen's got such a nice grin! - She's loving every minute.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51'Sharon's new friend Kylie is a good sounding board for her concerns.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Are you worried about the girls settling in? Are they nervous?
0:23:56 > 0:24:02Chantel, being older, I am a bit concerned how she'd settle.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Obviously, I'm the same as her.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I don't know how it would be with me making friends here.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15It's handy having the girls cos it gets me out to meet people as well.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- We're just concerned. - You'll find you'll fit in well here.
0:24:19 > 0:24:25There is a large population of British people. You'll fit in well.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- I can understand your accent, too! - That's a good start!
0:24:29 > 0:24:31We can have a conversation!
0:24:31 > 0:24:37'Demi, Imogen and Chantel enjoyed the class and Sharon got some great advice.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41'In Rostrevor, Alan has an important question he needs answered.'
0:24:41 > 0:24:44If you don't mind me asking, what's the wages?
0:24:44 > 0:24:52About 20 to 35 to 40, depending on the skill and qualifications of the climber.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- Better than the UK.- How does that compare to a yearly total?
0:24:56 > 0:25:01- Say, £20,000...- Yeah.- I'm not too sure what that would be.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Out here, you're looking at £40,000, so it's double.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09'That has come as a very pleasant surprise.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14'Alan is used to working up to 90 hours a week back in the UK.'
0:25:14 > 0:25:16The wages,
0:25:16 > 0:25:21I knew they were a bit better here, but they're almost double.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23And discussing the hours with them,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27they try and work, if they have to, a maximum of 50 hours.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31That would be like part-time for me, what I'm used to.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36Very happy with the wages, the hours and the climate. Fantastic.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40'£40,000 for a 40-hour week would change Alan's life.
0:25:40 > 0:25:46'However, he wouldn't be working for himself, so how would this affect his vote?'
0:25:46 > 0:25:50My decision's going to be...Australia.
0:25:50 > 0:25:56'With a great wage and reduced hours Alan's dream is closer than ever,
0:25:56 > 0:26:01'but there's a long way to go before it becomes a reality.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05'It's been an enlightening week for the Paton family.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09'After a disappointing start, they found the home of their dreams,
0:26:09 > 0:26:14'but it brought the reality of leaving into sharp focus.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19'For Alan, it was essential he could work less and earn a good wage.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25'They still need to know if the lifestyle is attainable,
0:26:25 > 0:26:31'and to face up to the true cost of tearing their family away from loved ones,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35'before making the hardest decision of their lives -
0:26:35 > 0:26:41'whether to move over 10,000 miles away from the home they love.'
0:26:45 > 0:26:47Alan has been won over.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53Working for someone else would mean spending more time with his family.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Now he needs to prove to Sharon it will be quality time.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02They dream of owning a boat but will it live up to their expectations,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04and can they really afford it?
0:27:04 > 0:27:09'After seeing Property Three, they've fallen for coastal living.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12'They'd love a boat. It wouldn't be their first.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15'They had one in the UK but a combination
0:27:15 > 0:27:20'of Alan's long hours and poor weather meant they hardly used it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24'It should be a different story in Adelaide.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30'At a local boat dealer, they'll get to see how realistic their budget of £15,000 is.'
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Prices are more than what we were expecting.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38- But...- It's something worth stretching to.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40This is the lifestyle we want,
0:27:40 > 0:27:44so it might be worth going that little bit extra
0:27:44 > 0:27:47to get the dream we were looking for.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51'It may not be necessary to stretch too far.
0:27:51 > 0:27:57'Owner Tim Hurst has found a secondhand solution for a more affordable £18,000.'
0:27:57 > 0:28:00This is in the price range.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04There's seating for six to eight adults inside there.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'Seeing the boat is different to experiencing the lifestyle.
0:28:08 > 0:28:14'Tim's agreed to show them what life on the water is all about.'
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- Want to go a bit faster, girls? - ALL: Yeah.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25'But it's not all fun on the water. This would be a serious purchase.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28'Alan needs to know he could afford to run it.'
0:28:28 > 0:28:34- How expensive is this on fuel? - A tank would probably last a day.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Yeah. That's not too bad, then.
0:28:36 > 0:28:41'With costs escalating, they need to know it would be what they want.'
0:28:41 > 0:28:47I get out on the water at 6 o'clock, just sit there and it's dead calm.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52- You can hear the city tick into life.- This would be the dream.
0:28:52 > 0:28:58- Imogen's fallen asleep.- Has she? - Yeah.- OK, she's enjoying it!
0:28:58 > 0:29:00'Imogen might be asleep,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04'but Chantel and Demi are making the most of it.'
0:29:04 > 0:29:09It's really good to get on a boat. It's fun.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- Want to go a bit faster? - SHARON: Yeah, let's go!
0:29:19 > 0:29:25How did you enjoy that trip, girls? Was that a good day out?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28I'd like to do it every weekend.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31< We'd have to move to Australia!
0:29:31 > 0:29:33CHANTEL: Ah!
0:29:33 > 0:29:38'They've blown away the cobwebs and loved their time on the boat.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41'But it would be a huge expense.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45'Have they been convinced by the lifestyle in Australia?'
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Our vote's going to be...
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- Australia.- Australia.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51SHARON: What did you think, Imogen?
0:29:51 > 0:29:56Even though you slept, you still had a lot of fun? Good girl!
0:30:00 > 0:30:04It's a big thumbs-up for life on the water.
0:30:04 > 0:30:11Although they haven't bought a boat yet, Alan's doing a great job selling the dream.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14But can the Paton family afford to live here?
0:30:14 > 0:30:20It's time to find out how much their house in Wales is really worth.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27'They're hoping to get near £300,000 for it, so we sent two estate agents
0:30:27 > 0:30:29'to see if that's close.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34'They don't immediately feel nostalgic for south Wales.'
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Raining, as usual. - Shows you how good it is here.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47A little small but nice and warm.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Not that small.- No.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Lovely size kitchen for a family. - House looks nice, girls.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Yeah. - 'Time for a second opinion.'
0:30:57 > 0:31:02- I'll feel strange going back there. - I'm not looking forward to it.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07This would do it for me. That definitely is the wow factor.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Be interesting to see what they say at the end.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15And the lovely uninterrupted views to the back.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21- See?- But look at that weather. - I know.- Gets me down, that weather.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25'Time to find out if it's really worth £300,000.'
0:31:25 > 0:31:28For a quick sale in this market,
0:31:28 > 0:31:33you would have to keep it below 250,000, so I would market it at...
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- No way.- Not happy with that!
0:31:38 > 0:31:42I would place the property on the market at 250,000
0:31:42 > 0:31:45with a view of taking an offer.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50If they needed a quick sale, I would pitch a little bit below that,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52around 230,000.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- That's way too low.- No chance.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- I'm a bit disappointed. I thought it would be more.- Definitely.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- For a quick sale, 230. - That's giving it away.- Exactly.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Exactly.- That's giving it away.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11'With a big question mark over the value of their home in south Wales,
0:32:11 > 0:32:16'it's even more important to find out exactly where their money will be spent.
0:32:16 > 0:32:23'Alan's determined to change his life so they're basing their sums on him working a 40-hour week.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26'We prepared a comparison of costs
0:32:26 > 0:32:28'so they can work out where they stand.'
0:32:28 > 0:32:31The moment of truth.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Our monthly bills. What are we looking at?
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Mortgage...
0:32:36 > 0:32:41- Our Australian one is 1,013. - So that one's better.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46That could possibly be payments for a boat, repayments for a boat.
0:32:46 > 0:32:51Gas and electricity, 160 in Australia.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- 150 back home.- I thought it would be more expensive back home.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- Health and dental insurance. - No. Get the NHS back home.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04School dinners, almost £50 here.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Wow. Crikey, that IS expensive.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11More than double. The everyday things in Australia -
0:33:11 > 0:33:13hair cuts, school trips -
0:33:13 > 0:33:17that kind of stuff is a bit more expensive.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22'Sharon plans to work part time once the girls are settled into school.
0:33:22 > 0:33:28'So, with her wage included, they need to know if, overall, they'd be better off in Oz.'
0:33:28 > 0:33:34- The difference between the two is... - 2688.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Yeah. Big difference. - That is a big difference.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43It seems to be ticking all the boxes with a 40-hour week.
0:33:43 > 0:33:48'With fewer outgoings but higher wages, they've calculated that
0:33:48 > 0:33:54'after tax, they'd be £2,000 a month better off in Australia.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57'That could change everything.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02'They couldn't afford to live in the UK if Alan limited his hours.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08'Sharon is realising that, for Alan, this move isn't a luxury, but a necessity.'
0:34:08 > 0:34:13After working out the costs of living, our vote goes for...
0:34:13 > 0:34:15BOTH: Australia.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- No surprise there. - It had to be.- Yeah.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Decision time's fast approaching.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Sharon loves her social life back in the UK,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31so it's essential she finds out
0:34:31 > 0:34:35if they could make new friends and fit in with Aussie life.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37The pressure's on.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42'They've come to meet Kylie Rowan, who they met in the dance class,
0:34:42 > 0:34:46'her husband Declan, daughters Orphia and Hannah and their ponies.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52'If they don't think they could make new friends, the move would be harder to contemplate.'
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- This is Alan.- Nice and private here. - It's beautiful.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- This is the type of thing we'd be looking for.- Away from neighbours!
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- My daughters can be very loud. - Run around as much as you want. >
0:35:05 > 0:35:10'Although they haven't ridden much, Imogen's keen to give it a go.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12'For Sharon, it's an eye-opener.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16'She's seeing a different side to Australian living.'
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Are properties cheaper in this area?
0:35:18 > 0:35:22The further out from town they are,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24you get more land.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28SHARON: I'd feel at home with all the hills.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30At home, it's hilly and green.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34'Sharon's looking for a lifestyle that could bring them all closer.'
0:35:34 > 0:35:40It makes you get together as a family. There's so much to do.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Would you like this, Chantel? >
0:35:43 > 0:35:48Would this make you give your bedroom up? Maybe.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Still a maybe? > Yeah.
0:35:50 > 0:35:57'Alan's determined to reclaim his life and is taking inspiration from Declan.'
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- Where do you find time to do all this?- I just enjoy it all.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Monday to Friday in the office. On the weekends, you're doing this.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09I barely find time to sleep back home.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14The kind of lifestyle that you're leading is what I'm after.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19In the UK, it sounds like the weather just limits you.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23It restricts a lot. What you have here, I'm very envious of it.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28'Sharon and Alan are impressed but they've all got tough decisions.'
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- SHARON: Chantel's loving it. - Pool or horse?
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Horse.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36Pool or horse? Pool.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Pool or horse? Pool.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45'The lifestyle has given the Patons something to work towards,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48'but leaving everyone back home
0:36:48 > 0:36:53'will test their determination to move to its limits.'
0:36:53 > 0:36:55It's been a great experience,
0:36:55 > 0:37:00but making new friends doesn't make the heartbreaking thought
0:37:00 > 0:37:03of leaving loved ones behind in the UK any easier.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08Could seeing messages from back home change everything?
0:37:08 > 0:37:12'We've prepared a DVD of their friends and family
0:37:12 > 0:37:17'to remind them of everyone they'd have to leave behind.'
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- Hi, Alan.- Hi, Sharon.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23- < Hello to the girls. - Hello, my beautiful granddaughters.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Hi, Alan, Sharon, Chantel, Demi and Imogen.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- Alan is...Alan.- Yeah.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35< He's a hard-worker.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Chantel is a very reserved child.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42< Demi is more out-going and a very loving child.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- She'll think nothing of coming up and saying...- I love you. Yeah.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50She goes, "I love you, Nanny."
0:37:50 > 0:37:56< And gives a kiss and a hug. Imogen just follows whatever Demi does.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59< I think it's really hard, Chantel,
0:37:59 > 0:38:04< because it's, like, the other side of the world
0:38:04 > 0:38:07and everybody's in this country.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10< I was upset for a long time.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14I couldn't think about it without breaking down.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20< I try not to think about it too much because it does upset me.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23The moment that she told me, I was so sad.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27< I felt like I was going to cry or something.
0:38:30 > 0:38:36People say you can talk on the phone, get a webcam from Australia,
0:38:36 > 0:38:43but it can't make up for the arms round your neck, and the hugging and kissing.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- Oh, God! - And the funny little things.- Yes.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54< We've always wanted to be grandparents.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58They've been so close as well.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03But there's nothing there to change it, is there? If you could...
0:39:07 > 0:39:09They'd be devastated.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Give us five.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20'Seeing loved ones upset has pushed their emotions to breaking point.'
0:39:20 > 0:39:22That's the hardest bit, girls.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25CHILDREN SOB
0:39:25 > 0:39:30SHARON, LAUGHING: I thought we weren't all going to cry!
0:39:30 > 0:39:34Oh, wow! That had a bit of an impact, didn't it?
0:39:34 > 0:39:40'It's left Sharon painfully aware of what affect their leaving could have on her parents.'
0:39:40 > 0:39:42They'd never get over it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47It would be just as hard for them as it is for us to come out here.
0:39:47 > 0:39:53'For Chantel and Demi, leaving friends and family would be devastating.'
0:39:53 > 0:39:57It was nice to see them say things like that about me.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Because every day I see them in school
0:40:00 > 0:40:04and on the weekends they usually come over.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08I don't know what it'll be like to be without them.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15It was very sad.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30This is the biggest decision we'll ever have to make.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33You won't make one as big as this.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37'But time has run out to make up their minds.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41'The Patons have been through a week of emotional turmoil.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45'They found a place to call home, a lifestyle they'd love
0:40:45 > 0:40:48'and made good friends easily.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53'Hanging over them has been a threat of separation from loved ones.
0:40:53 > 0:41:00'For Chantel, making such a huge decision is almost too much to bear.'
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Back home, I've been with my friends since we started school.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10When I'm over here, I've only got my mother, father and two sisters.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15I wish that I didn't have to make such a big decision.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19'Alan and Sharon are under huge pressure to get this right.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24'A split vote could leave their lives in limbo.'
0:41:24 > 0:41:29There's no way I'm carrying on working the way I am any more.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34Obviously, I'm worried and concerned that I might make the wrong choice.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39If my final vote turned out to be that I wanted to stay in the UK,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42then Alan would be absolutely devastated.
0:41:42 > 0:41:47But if my vote went for Australia,
0:41:47 > 0:41:52that would be the icing on the cake, he'd love me forever for that.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55'Their happiness is hanging in the balance.
0:41:55 > 0:42:00'Can they really turn their backs on south Wales
0:42:00 > 0:42:05'to follow Alan's dreams on the other side of the world?'
0:42:05 > 0:42:10This has been my dream. My goal was to get here and see what it's like.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15We've met some fabulous people and our vote goes for...
0:42:15 > 0:42:18SHARON AND ALAN: Australia.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19Oh.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23They all vote for home.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26You surprise me, kids. I didn't see that coming.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- I knew YOU'd be convinced. - Did you?- Yeah.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31I wasn't sure about Chantel,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35but I thought the other two might have gone for Australia.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38I've got to redo my cost of living
0:42:38 > 0:42:43cos I'll have to buy a pool, a boat and a pony to get the kids here.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46- What do you think, kids? - Maybe. Maybe.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Chantel, Demi and Imogen still need persuading,
0:42:52 > 0:42:58but Sharon's been won over and is willing to give life in Australia a try.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03Alan's dream is one huge step closer to becoming a reality.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:18 > 0:43:21E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk