Cliff Wanted Down Under


Cliff

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If you were struggling to find work in the UK,

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would you consider moving your family over 10,000 miles away

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from loved ones in search of regular work and a better life?

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Jimmy has found it impossible to get work as a bricklayer in Leeds

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and has brought the family to the edge of financial ruin.

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Moneywise in the UK has been a massive struggle.

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At one point we was at the brink of having to sell the house.

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He dreams of a place he can work and build a future for his children,

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but wife Nicola won't be going anywhere if the sums don't add up.

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-Can't do it.

-It's not even workable.

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This could be enough to just stop it all now.

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And the thought of leaving her family, who live on the same street, is terrifying.

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Knowing if I need them...

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they're not going to be here.

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Leaving behind their life in Leeds will be too difficult if they can't see a future in Australia.

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When emotions are running high, they have to make the hardest decision they'll ever have to face,

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whether to go where they're wanted down under.

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With its hot climate and over 10,000 beaches, Australia is a popular destination for Brits.

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Over 35,00 people emigrate there every year.

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We're giving one family the chance to see if their dream of a new life down under

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really could give them a better future.

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They've got just one week to find out.

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Bricklayer Jimmy Cliff and his wife Nicola live in Leeds

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with their three sons, Conner aged 9, Reese who's 7 and Ethan aged 6.

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They dream of a better quality of life, but there's one key reason they're considering a move.

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I have been out of work for quite a while due to the recession.

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Jobs are few and far between, and there's maybe 40, 50 bricklayers going for the same job.

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Scaffolding earns him less than half the money he'd get as a brickie,

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and they've really struggled to make ends meet.

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At one point we was at the brink of having to sell the house due to financial issues.

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And that's probably what helped give us the drive to go and try to move to Australia.

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There is a lot of pressure because at the moment I feel like I'm letting everyone down.

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Jimmy's brother moved to Australia two years ago,

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and he hopes following him could give them all a new lease of life.

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But he had to talk Nicola round first.

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When Jimmy first mentioned about going to Australia...

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..it just didn't appeal to me at all.

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I've never really wanted to go anywhere else.

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But with the situation over here being financially hard and struggling...

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er...

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he sort of convinced me that it would be a good thing to do.

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LAUGHTER

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I want to go to give the boys as good a start as they can.

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I'm worried that over here by the time they get out of school,

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there'll be nothing for them, no jobs, nowhere to make their own way in life.

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But Nicola struggles with the thought of leaving loved ones behind.

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I would find it the hardest to make the move. I definitely know already...

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I get butterflies thinking about leaving everything behind.

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Jimmy's nan brought him up, so leaving her would be a huge wrench.

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The hardest person for me to leave is my nanna.

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Knowing that if I did leave her, I'd never see her again, maybe... is very worrying for me.

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I'd find it very hard to leave her behind.

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It's vital that the Cliffs find out

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if Australia will live up to their dreams.

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Without the lifestyle they long for or work for Jimmy,

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the heartache of leaving loved ones behind might be too much.

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They have just one week to make up their minds.

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Jimmy's bricklaying experience is in demand all over the country,

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but it's vital they end up in the right area.

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We could send them to Perth which boasts more hours of sunshine than any other state capital.

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The average family home is expensive at more than £300,000.

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However, Western Australia is expected to experience

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a 17% decline in new construction projects in 2010 and 2011,

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so Jimmy might not find work easy to come by.

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Alternatively, we could send them to Adelaide where over 2,000 Brits settle each year.

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Here, there should be plenty of jobs available as the building industry is enjoying a small boom.

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Houses are cheap too, with an average price of £255,000.

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This could be the affordable option they're looking for.

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Their final potential destination is the Gold Coast. Here, they'd be near to Jimmy's brother,

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but with property prices averaging £296,000,

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affording the kind of home they'd even consider leaving Leeds for might be a real problem.

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Three very different options, each with plenty to offer.

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Taking everything into account, we've decided that Adelaide would suit them best.

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There should be plenty of jobs for Jimmy.

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Property prices are reasonable and there's lots of beaches to keep the children happy.

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Over the next week, the Cliffs will trial every aspect of Australian life

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to see if it really could offer them a better future.

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They'll discover that finding the right property in Australia could be a challenge.

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At the moment it's making me doubt even wanting to come out.

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Jimmy will find out if bricklaying jobs will be easier to find than in the UK.

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So if you can wall them straight and wall a few down,

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-you've got a chance of making a bit more money?

-Yeah, definitely.

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But Nicola struggles with the thought of leaving the family she's so close to.

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The biggest worry about this week is going to be that here...

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we're kind of stuck by ourselves.

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They'll all struggle with hearing what their loved ones think.

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Don't leave!

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But at the end of their week, they'll have to decide if they should stay in the UK

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with everyone they know, or cross the world in search of a new life and a better future.

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After spending 23 hours flying over three continents,

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the Cliff family arrive in Adelaide, 10,000 miles from Leeds.

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And the realisation of just how far they've come has hit home.

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It's not was easy as you'd think. It's not a journey you'd want to do every year.

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And it is rather hard to believe that we've actually got here at the moment!

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No... The lads don't... The two little ones don't even realise they're in Australia at all.

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They might not be interested right now, but it's not just Nicola and Jimmy who need to be convinced.

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It's important the boys can settle too.

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The first test is their home for the week.

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It's in the popular-but-affordable area of Brompton,

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less than 15 minutes from the centre of town.

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Family-friendly with three bedrooms, a large living space and even a pizza oven,

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they should be able to settle in here.

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Come on, then! Let's see what we've got.

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-Four beds!

-Oh, wow!

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Their own bed each.

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I'm going to get to sleep downstairs!

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The boys seem happy, but Nicola's not impressed.

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It's be a starter place. I don't think I could see myself moving into it permanently.

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As a base to come over and start afresh, it'd be OK.

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They've got some serious issues they need to address as quickly as possible.

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I need to see if work's a definite possibility out here for me,

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whether I'll be able to cope with the weather,

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whether I could earn enough money.

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With so much to find out, they'll need to get plenty of rest for the week ahead.

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At the end of it, they'll have to make the decision one way or the other and it won't be easy.

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Back in the UK, the Cliffs live in a three-bedroomed semi-detached house in Leeds.

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They're in the process of renovating but have already put in lots of effort

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to make it a home to be proud of.

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However with only three bedrooms, Reese and Ethan have to share.

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They'd consider a renovation project in Australia if it meant they could get enough space,

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but, even then, it's going to be a difficult search.

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Finding the right house in Adelaide is essential,

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but which would suit them best?

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Suburbs like Prospect are only 15 minutes from the city centre

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and offer classic 1940s housing. But what you gain in convenience and location, you do pay for.

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This three-bedroom home offers a beautiful finish, separate office and a pool,

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but it's on the market for £420,000.

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City living might just prove too expensive for the Cliff family.

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Another option would be to look in the countryside

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where property is generally cheaper

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and comes on larger plots.

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However, staying within easy driving distance of the city dramatically raises the price.

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Crafers West is only 30 minutes from the centre,

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and this impressive three-bedroom home would give spacious living areas and even a pool,

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but the price tag of £355,000 would mean taking a huge mortgage.

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Almost everyone's Australian dream involves access to the sand and sea.

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This £375,000 home in West Beach, only 25 minutes from town,

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would be something to aim towards in the future. It's got a stunning living space,

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three big bedrooms and a large garden,

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but a commute of just over an hour would be too much for Jimmy.

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With finances so tight, they're happy to consider any area as long as they can afford it.

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With a maximum budget of £200,000 to spend, we're going to show them three houses,

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one in the city, one by the coast and one in the country

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to give them a realistic idea of what's available.

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First up, the city.

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Property number 1 is located in the north-western suburb of Pennington.

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With industrial areas close by, property is generally cheaper than the city average.

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This three-bedroom house is under budget at...

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Hallway's a bit wider than ours anyway!

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They'll need any money that's left over to update it...a little.

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It's not as...long as ours is, though.

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-The window's a nice size.

-Yeah, lets plenty of light in.

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With five of them to fit in, space is an issue straightaway.

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-This is...

-A lot smaller.

-..Very small.

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Nicola isn't being won over.

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-It's an all right size.

-Yeah.

-Depends what the other rooms are like.

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-For a first bedroom to look at... it's all right, isn't it?

-Mmm.

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Conner wants to upgrade from the boxroom he has in Leeds.

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Would you prefer a bedroom as big as this?

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-Er, yeah.

-Yeah.

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They need to see something special to win them over,

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but this bathroom doesn't stand a chance.

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-Small bathroom.

-There's no bath space.

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It's kind of affected the whole view of the whole house.

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And it's all going downhill.

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This is a real disappointment.

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It's far too small.

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Really...dull.

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Dull is one word for it and they're really not impressed by what they can afford here.

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The entire garden's under cover,

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-but for a family with young children, this just doesn't work, does it, whatsoever?

-No.

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A big disappointment, really, by the time we've gone through the whole house.

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Well, depending on land prices, you would probably be better knocking this house down and rebuilding.

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You'd have more to show for your money than what this actually offers.

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I can safely say I just don't like it.

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Property 1 has been a major shock and they're not happy.

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They wouldn't leave Leeds for this, so let's hope property 2 can turn things around.

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In the popular-but-affordable of Seaford, this house is only a short stroll to the beach,

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and offers them five bedrooms, a decent-sized living space and an even bigger garden,

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all for...

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Nicola needs to see a vast improvement,

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and they're feeling a little more positive.

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It's different. This is more like a room size we'd want for a living room. Yeah.

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First impressions, it's a lot better.

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But it doesn't last long.

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Yeah, the kitchen obviously needs to change.

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It's a lot smaller than I thought.

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It'd all need ripping out and starting again, so...

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With two small bedrooms, they're struggling to imagine living here.

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-Another bedroom.

-Another room, but...

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-there's not enough space in any of the rooms to fit a full-sized family.

-A double bed in!

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-I don't think it's showing any value for money whatsoever.

-No...

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-They seem to be putting a price on sunshine more than property, don't they?

-Yeah.

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Not happy.

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The master bedroom doesn't impress either.

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It's a bit small if it's the main bedroom, though.

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-It is, isn't it?

-Not really what I was hoping for at all.

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Starting to worry a little bit about the house prices.

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-You're just not getting...

-You're not getting as much as you... as I originally thought.

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At the moment it's making me doubt even wanting to come out.

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The reality of what they can afford is hitting home...and it hurts!

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-I really don't like this property at all.

-No.

-Only thing it's got going for it is the garden.

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-The house...

-But it's not enough to draw you to it.

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-No.

-Unfortunately this one's just not for us.

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I didn't think we had that low a budget, but it's proving to be working against us at the moment.

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Property 1 and 2 have totally failed to impress.

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Each would require more work than they'd imagined and their dream is slipping away.

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Property 3 surely can't fail to impress.

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Located in the country suburb of Happy Valley, this house is just over budget at...

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..but has four bedrooms,

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a large living space and an office.

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The boys are bored of house-hunting, so they get to burn off some energy in the garden

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while Jimmy and Nicola explore on their own.

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-Looks so much better already.

-It does, doesn't it?

-Whitewashed walls.

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-Looks fresher.

-It's nice.

-Plenty of potential, and it's decent enough to work with, isn't it?

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You could cope with it for quite a while before you did owt with it.

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So it's not the fixer-upper they wanted, but it doesn't seem to matter.

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-This is much better, isn't it?

-This is a lot nicer.

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I really do like this.

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This is nice.

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It's not as big as I'd hoped.

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You're going to struggle if we put the sofas in the way we have at home.

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Yeah, we'll give it an 8 out of 10.

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It's a huge improvement. There's three decent-sized rooms for the children

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and, if the master bedroom impresses the Cliffs, we might just have a winner here.

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-Now, this is better.

-Oh, wow, yeah!

-This is far better.

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-Four rooms.

-Four decent-sized rooms.

-Decent double room.

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Yes, this is perfect.

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Couldn't expect anything more.

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Just a slightly lower price... so we can afford it.

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It was all going so well, but £5,000 over budget could be a problem.

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The garden's nice, plenty of room...

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-garden shed to keep all the tools in.

-Yeah, I think this... this is perfect, isn't it?

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It ticks most of the boxes.

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-It's ticked every box, bar price...

-Yeah.

-Hasn't it?

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But Nicola's still having doubts.

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At the moment I'm still in two minds as to whether or not this would be the perfect idea to come out here.

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The Cliff family has seen three properties in three very different areas.

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Whilst the first two were a little under budget, they were a huge disappointment.

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Property number 3 was almost perfect for them, but it would stretch their budget ever so slightly.

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Nicola wanted a house she'd be happy to bring her boys up in.

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They need to have seen enough to make them consider leaving their home in Leeds.

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It's time to vote.

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Today's been a day of mixed emotions, looking at houses here in Australia.

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It seems properties a bit further afield from the city

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are a bit more reasonably priced and better value for money.

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So our vote for the property in Australia versus the UK is...

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- Australia! - UK!

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If I could guarantee we'd have a bit more money to come over with

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and maybe look at the more expensive property, the last one,

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then I would definitely have chosen Australia.

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As it stands at the moment, I wouldn't want to give up what I already have

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for a whim that we possibly can't have.

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Property 3 might have won Jimmy over but Nicola's struggling to see the dream.

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They hoped for far more from the properties here,

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but seeing them for themselves has brought the reality of their situation home.

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The houses they can afford in Australia haven't blown the Cliffs away.

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Money is a huge issue, and it's essential that Jimmy finds regular work and earns a good wage.

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If he can't, then the whole move might fall apart.

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Back in Leeds, Jimmy has struggled to find work as a bricklayer.

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Nicola's had to become the family's main breadwinner,

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but Jimmy dreams of being able to return to the job he loves and becoming the provider again.

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I miss bricklaying terribly. It's... I have a lot of pride in my work.

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I always feel when a job's done... to be able to look back on

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and know that I've left something, some mark on the world.

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Things need to look up in Australia.

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Jimmy's spent the last six months labouring as a scaffolder,

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and, although he's grateful for the work, finances have been tight.

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Moneywise in the UK has been a massive struggle.

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I was out of work for the best part of a year.

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If I hadn't had that bit of work then, I honestly think we would have lost the house.

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Just finding out that work would be relatively easy to come by

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would go a long way to convincing Jimmy it's the right move to make.

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We've arranged for him to meet with Jason McKenzie who owns a local bricklaying company

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to find out more about what he could expect from working here.

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-Jason?

-Jimmy. How are you doing?

-Hi. Nice to meet you.

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Jason's putting Jimmy to work with two local lads, Reg and Ben.

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It's like sharper sand than what we use.

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Is that the size you normally would do in the UK?

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What they'd tend to do is, if you've got land like the size of this house,

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they would probably try to squeeze two or three houses on one plot.

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Jimmy's keen to find out exactly how the different climate would affect work.

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What days do you work here? Is it...?

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Most people if they want to work the year round, they can just about get away with it.

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Summer can be pretty hot. You know, you can get mid-40s.

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I dread to think what it could be like in the middle of summer here.

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- An extra 10 degrees. - In January you wouldn't want to be standing about in this.

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I've always had problems with the cold. I've never really liked working in the cold.

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I'd much rather be warm and sweaty than cold and shivering.

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I don't think there's owt worse than being cold.

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Whilst Jimmy's getting to put Australian bricklaying to the test...

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with money tight, Nicola wants to see what Adelaide has to offer free of charge.

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Bike South Australia rents a range of free-to-hire bikes

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from their central office, and the boys are keen to give BMX-ing a try.

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Nicola's priorities are to make sure that Conner, Reese and Ethan will be happy and settled,

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and free activities are a real bonus.

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It's a perfect day out, really.

0:21:140:21:16

Nice, sunshine, couldn't ask for anything more. It reminds you of why you want to be here!

0:21:160:21:22

But their money worries are a real threat to Jimmy's dream.

0:21:220:21:25

90% of the reason we've considered applying for a visa over here

0:21:260:21:30

was to help Jimmy be able to stay in the work that he loves.

0:21:300:21:34

But the biggest worry about this week is going to be

0:21:340:21:38

if we find out Jimmy can't earn as much as he'd need to to replace both the wages,

0:21:380:21:44

so...if his salary doesn't cover it, there's not really much hope.

0:21:440:21:50

And the idea of leaving her close-knit family terrifies Nicola.

0:21:520:21:57

I know if everything falls under us, my mum and dad are still there to pick it up.

0:21:570:22:02

Here...we're kind of stuck if it all falls.

0:22:020:22:07

I think it's just...

0:22:070:22:08

..knowing if I need them... they're not going to be here.

0:22:090:22:14

Nicola's heart is torn.

0:22:150:22:17

If she won't ever get over the trauma of leaving loved ones, she'll never settle in Australia.

0:22:170:22:23

Back at the building site, Jimmy's really taking to working in the dry heat,

0:22:260:22:31

but if he can't afford to support the family here, he'll be back scaffolding in freezing Yorkshire.

0:22:310:22:37

What kind of money would we be talking roughly for me

0:22:370:22:40

if I was coming over here working in Australia?

0:22:400:22:42

With residential, we'd probably start around 27 dollars Australian per hour,

0:22:420:22:49

that kind of range, right up to 35.

0:22:490:22:51

It just depends what sort of quality the person brings to the table as far as work skills...

0:22:510:22:56

So if you can wall them straight and wall a few down,

0:22:560:22:59

-you've got a chance of making a bit more money?

-Yeah, definitely.

0:22:590:23:02

That works out between £600-£850 a week,

0:23:020:23:07

almost £100 more than Jimmy could earn in the UK.

0:23:070:23:11

From what I've seen, you've got all the qualities there, so...yeah.

0:23:110:23:15

Keep in touch and we'll definitely go from there.

0:23:150:23:18

-All right, thanks a lot, mate.

-All right.

-Looking forward to meeting you again.

-All right.

-Thank you.

0:23:180:23:23

It's a huge weight off Jimmy's mind, and I think I know which way he might vote.

0:23:230:23:28

I'd a really great day.

0:23:280:23:31

I'd a wonderful experience walling again.

0:23:310:23:33

The wages, I'm very impressed with. I should be able to make a decent living

0:23:330:23:36

for me and my family. So my final decision is going to be...

0:23:360:23:41

Australia!

0:23:440:23:45

I can't see any reason at the moment why I couldn't live out here.

0:23:470:23:50

I'd be absolutely delighted to get back into walling again.

0:23:500:23:53

Today's let me do something that I haven't done for quite a while.

0:23:530:23:57

It's a job that I do enjoy,

0:23:570:24:00

and, yes, I'd love to be able to say that I could get a permanent career walling over here in Australia.

0:24:000:24:05

Jimmy's dream of finding regular work and a good wage looks possible.

0:24:070:24:11

Now, there's the small matter of convincing Nicola and the children.

0:24:110:24:15

The Cliff family from Leeds have already had a draining week.

0:24:150:24:20

The found out that it was virtually impossible to get a house with enough space on their budget.

0:24:200:24:25

Jimmy was excited to discover that he'd be able to return to the job he loves and earn more money,

0:24:250:24:31

but if it isn't enough to live off the dream could shatter.

0:24:310:24:34

They have to find out if the lifestyle would suit them,

0:24:340:24:37

but it might not be enough when the pain of leaving loved ones breaks their hearts.

0:24:370:24:43

Don't leave!

0:24:430:24:44

They've only got a few days left until they have to make the biggest decision of their lives.

0:24:440:24:49

That's great news on the work front.

0:24:530:24:56

But if they can't envisage the children being happy and settled, the whole move could be off.

0:24:560:25:03

Nicola and Jimmy want to make sure that their three sons get the most from their time here.

0:25:050:25:10

Getting up close to some of the Aussie wildlife is top of their list of priorities,

0:25:100:25:14

so we've brought them to Glenelg Marina to take a ride on a catamaran

0:25:140:25:19

and possibly see some dolphins.

0:25:190:25:21

There's an age restriction to swim with the dolphins,

0:25:240:25:28

so whilst Conner and Jimmy get to put on the wetsuits,

0:25:280:25:30

Nicola, Reese and Ethan are tasked with spotting the elusive creatures,

0:25:300:25:35

and it's not long until they get lucky.

0:25:350:25:38

-- Dolphin! - Where?

-Have you seen one?

0:25:380:25:40

- There! - Two!

0:25:400:25:42

OK, guys, we've got a good-sized pod up ahead of us just here! It's all happening straightaway.

0:25:420:25:47

Jimmy and Conner are taking to the water well,

0:25:580:26:02

but, for Nicola, thoughts of what she would be giving up are never far away.

0:26:020:26:05

I'd love to bring the whole family with me.

0:26:070:26:10

Er...

0:26:100:26:11

it'd make any move ten times easier for me!

0:26:110:26:16

But unfortunately it's not the case...

0:26:160:26:19

er...and they will have to be left behind.

0:26:190:26:24

They want to move, not only for Jimmy to find work,

0:26:250:26:27

but to give their boys a better lifestyle and future.

0:26:270:26:31

They'll all need convincing to take the plunge and make the move,

0:26:310:26:35

but, first, it's time to get back into the water.

0:26:350:26:38

They've seen some more dolphins!

0:26:380:26:39

Stop!

0:26:410:26:43

Here they come! There they are, guys, right there!

0:26:430:26:47

Jimmy hopes the trip will leave the whole family with positive memories.

0:26:550:26:59

Er...certainly never imagined to be able to swim with dolphins this soon

0:26:590:27:03

in getting to Australia whatsoever.

0:27:030:27:05

The only thing that can maybe beat this

0:27:050:27:08

is if we actually get to say that we've done it whilst we lived in Australia.

0:27:080:27:12

Conner and Jimmy might have had all the fun in the water,

0:27:120:27:15

but on the surface Reese and Ethan are taking charge.

0:27:150:27:19

Let's hope skipper Steve is keeping a close watch over them!

0:27:190:27:22

We're heading towards those buildings. We're looking pretty good, I reckon.

0:27:220:27:25

Left hand down.

0:27:250:27:27

Beautiful. Done well.

0:27:270:27:29

Come on, Ethan, you've got to give his boat back.

0:27:290:27:31

With three energetic boys, finding the outdoors life was key for Nicola,

0:27:320:27:38

and whilst trips like this wouldn't happen every weekend, it might just help persuade them

0:27:380:27:43

that moving to the other side of the world wouldn't be too bad.

0:27:430:27:46

-Enjoy the rest of your stay.

-Thank you.

0:27:460:27:48

Safely back on dry land,

0:27:480:27:50

it's time for the Cliff family to decide if the lifestyle has met their expectations.

0:27:500:27:54

We've just had a wonderful day out and our decision on the lifestyle in the UK and Australia is...

0:27:540:28:01

Australia!

0:28:060:28:07

I'm surprised you voted Australia, Ethan. I thought you were going to vote UK.

0:28:090:28:13

Was it sailing the boat that changed your mind?

0:28:130:28:15

-Mm-hm.

-Yeah!

0:28:150:28:17

I think the kids have started to realise

0:28:170:28:19

that there's more out there than they actually thought there was,

0:28:190:28:23

and I think that's definitely helped in forcing their decision into picking Australia.

0:28:230:28:30

So, after a tiring day on the water, the Cliffs have been convinced

0:28:300:28:34

that their lifestyle could be better in Australia.

0:28:340:28:37

But only time will tell if it's enough to persuade them to make the move permanently.

0:28:370:28:42

The Cliff family have fallen for the lifestyle down under,

0:28:520:28:55

but they'll never be able to afford it unless they can get a really good price for their home back in Leeds.

0:28:550:29:03

With the boys playing outside, Nicola and Jimmy get to see if their house

0:29:050:29:09

really is worth the £150,000 they hope for.

0:29:090:29:13

We've sent two estate agents round to see if that's realistic.

0:29:130:29:16

Modern kitchen.

0:29:190:29:21

Compact.

0:29:220:29:24

-That's a nice way to put "small"!

-Small.

0:29:240:29:26

Beautiful lounge.

0:29:280:29:29

Dining room...

0:29:290:29:30

..contemporary.

0:29:320:29:33

French doors.

0:29:330:29:36

This property has a newly modernised fitted kitchen with a rear double-glazed window,

0:29:390:29:44

view to the rear back garden.

0:29:440:29:45

STAIRS CREAK

0:29:450:29:47

-It creaks!

-I know, I was thinking that.

0:29:470:29:49

-Good-sized master bedroom.

-Better put a carpet on!

0:29:490:29:51

A large front window.

0:29:530:29:55

Storage space.

0:29:570:29:58

Unusual style of bathroom.

0:30:050:30:07

Good-sized double bedroom.

0:30:140:30:16

Wooden floors.

0:30:170:30:19

Cluttered!

0:30:190:30:20

Typical kid's room.

0:30:200:30:23

More interested in the layout.

0:30:230:30:26

This is the boxroom of the property

0:30:260:30:28

which is used as a bedroom at present but ideally it could be used as a study room.

0:30:280:30:32

Time to find out if it's really worth £150,000.

0:30:320:30:37

We've got a three-bed semi-detached, very good size, ideal for first-time buyers, young families...

0:30:370:30:42

very close to public transport links, good amenities, local schools... very good access.

0:30:420:30:49

I reckon I would keep the price at £149,000

0:30:490:30:51

but for a forced sale we'd look at 145,000.

0:30:510:30:55

I would value this house in the region £160,000.

0:30:550:30:59

For a quick sale, I would put it in the region of £155,000.

0:30:590:31:04

It's worth a little more than they thought,

0:31:040:31:06

but having seen the property in Australia they were hoping for a better price.

0:31:060:31:10

I were kind of hoping it would go for a bit more,

0:31:100:31:12

but I suppose with the way house prices have dropped at the moment, it's more what I were expecting.

0:31:120:31:17

Yes, I do like the house, it's home, but...

0:31:170:31:22

building a home for your family is one of the easiest, to be honest...

0:31:220:31:26

It's providing a lot of other things for your children that are harder than creating a home, isn't it?

0:31:260:31:32

After scrimping and saving to pay the bills in the UK,

0:31:320:31:36

they need to know they can afford a better future in Australia or the move could fall apart.

0:31:360:31:41

Nicola hopes not to work while the boys settle in, but they need to know if that's realistic.

0:31:410:31:46

We've prepared a cost comparison so they can work out if they really can make Jimmy's wage stretch.

0:31:460:31:52

-OK, so...I'll have a look.

-I'll do the calculating.

0:31:540:31:58

Yeah. I can have my tea. That's cheaper.

0:31:580:32:00

Soups...

0:32:000:32:03

That's, like, triple.

0:32:030:32:05

Or your bananas.

0:32:050:32:06

27p for ours, £1.73 for theirs.

0:32:060:32:09

Yeah.

0:32:090:32:11

-That's not good news.

-That's not a good start, is it?

0:32:110:32:13

We're £50 down a week already.

0:32:130:32:16

-What's next?

-OK. Let's have a look at the property prices... since we've just seen that.

0:32:170:32:23

Monthly repayments...

0:32:240:32:26

for property 3 which was the one we liked...

0:32:260:32:30

Yeah...

0:32:310:32:32

-I mean, them two...

-1,000 a month.

0:32:320:32:34

That's not good.

0:32:340:32:35

So we've got 1,050.

0:32:350:32:37

Plus...55.

0:32:390:32:41

160.

0:32:410:32:43

Plus 160.

0:32:430:32:46

20. So...

0:32:470:32:49

2,865.50.

0:32:490:32:53

-We already know there, we can see!

-We're already down, so...

0:32:530:32:57

-Minus...

-Take away 2,447...

0:32:570:33:01

-so we are down...

-£483.

0:33:010:33:06

Worse off.

0:33:060:33:08

-Can't do it.

-It's not even workable.

0:33:090:33:11

It kind of says you have to go back to work, doesn't it,

0:33:110:33:14

for us to be able to make ends meet here whatsoever?

0:33:140:33:18

I certainly thought we would have had more chance...than that.

0:33:210:33:26

With a huge drop in their finances, the dream life has turned into an economic nightmare.

0:33:260:33:32

If we can't afford a home... we want...

0:33:320:33:36

..and...the only compromise is... putting up with the house

0:33:370:33:43

that I can't stand to be in 24 hours a day with the kids, then...

0:33:430:33:48

-that's just not even an option.

-No.

0:33:480:33:51

I... This could be enough to just stop it all now.

0:33:510:33:55

This is going to make their final decision even tougher,

0:33:550:33:59

but for now they've got to pull themselves together to vote on the cost of living.

0:33:590:34:03

Today's been one of the most important things we've had to consider,

0:34:030:34:06

and, unfortunately, it's been rather disappointing...

0:34:060:34:09

So our decision is...

0:34:090:34:11

UK!

0:34:140:34:15

Finances are essential wherever you are

0:34:150:34:18

and if the sums don't work... there's not a lot we can do.

0:34:180:34:21

Unfortunately, with Nicola trying not to go to work,

0:34:210:34:25

it still pushes Australia slightly out of our budget.

0:34:250:34:29

It is definitely hanging in the balance now

0:34:290:34:32

as to whether or not we'd choose to come out here.

0:34:320:34:35

For the Cliff family, moving to the other side of the world

0:34:400:34:44

means facing the heartache of leaving loved ones behind.

0:34:440:34:48

After seeing their messages, can they tear themselves away?

0:34:480:34:54

We've prepared a DVD for them to view.

0:34:540:34:56

Hi, Nicola, Jimmy. Hi, kids.

0:35:000:35:03

Hey, guys.

0:35:030:35:04

Very outgoing...

0:35:040:35:06

..isn't he, Jimmy? - Yeah. - Very outgoing.

0:35:060:35:08

If you want anything, you've only got to ask him.

0:35:080:35:11

I've three boys and I've always had a soft spot for Jimmy.

0:35:110:35:16

He loves his boys, he loves his wife...

0:35:160:35:18

and the rest of his family.

0:35:180:35:21

The children are fantastic, Conner, Reese and Ethan.

0:35:210:35:24

They're all loveable children. I always get a kiss and a cuddle.

0:35:240:35:28

Conner is...

0:35:280:35:30

he can be really loud at times, but really funny.

0:35:300:35:34

When we play football, he, like, dances when we're trying to get the ball.

0:35:340:35:37

They're in and out the house...

0:35:390:35:41

constantly playing...

0:35:410:35:43

the cousins are always on the computer with each other. They're always asking to go down there

0:35:430:35:47

or come up here.

0:35:470:35:50

Nicola is very sensitive and a homely kind of person.

0:35:500:35:54

She's more of the...

0:35:540:35:57

..the lynchpin than David and I are. - Hmm.

0:35:570:36:00

She's very close to us.

0:36:000:36:03

And I think if she did go, then...

0:36:030:36:06

she's be thinking about us all the time.

0:36:060:36:10

- It would leave a big hole. - Yes.

0:36:100:36:12

I'm not one of the weekend grandmas. The children and Nicola and Jimmy have always been around.

0:36:120:36:18

Can't imagine... I can't imagine not having them here.

0:36:180:36:23

Wake up one morning and it'll be, "Where's Uncle Rich and Auntie Theresa?"

0:36:230:36:26

"They're back home in England." "Oh, when can we go and see them?"

0:36:260:36:29

"When's Conner, Reese and Ethan coming over?"

0:36:290:36:32

"Well, they're not. You might see them at Christmas."

0:36:320:36:35

Don't leave!

0:36:380:36:40

We'll miss them, really, really miss them.

0:36:420:36:46

But, by the same token, I wouldn't want to stand in their way.

0:36:460:36:50

Give it a good try.

0:36:520:36:54

You...give it a go...

0:36:540:36:57

and see how you go on.

0:36:570:36:58

When you make the decision, you make it for you as a family.

0:36:580:37:04

It's because it's what you want to do.

0:37:050:37:08

Whatever you decide, me and your dad...

0:37:080:37:11

Don't worry about us.

0:37:110:37:13

We'll be sat here waiting for you when you come home, though.

0:37:130:37:16

We certainly will.

0:37:160:37:18

The messages have reminded them of what moving would really mean.

0:37:210:37:25

For one member of the family, the thought of leaving is too much.

0:37:250:37:30

Come here, bud.

0:37:340:37:36

Seeing their son so upset has taken Nicola and Jimmy aback.

0:37:400:37:44

I'm a little bit surprised that he's getting so emotional.

0:37:440:37:49

It's quite upsetting to see, to be honest.

0:37:490:37:52

It makes me feel slightly guilty that he's feeling like this,

0:37:520:37:56

but I do think he would adapt and I do think he would be OK if we chose to come out here.

0:37:560:38:02

I think leaving life behind, basically,

0:38:020:38:06

and starting again would be the hardest decision anyone would have to make.

0:38:060:38:11

You know, I think it's just the initial saying goodbyes and leaving certain people behind

0:38:110:38:18

-that are the issues more than owt.

-It is the hardest choice we've ever had to make...

0:38:180:38:23

as a family, as individual...people...

0:38:230:38:27

Dragging your family to the other side of the world isn't really an easy choice to make.

0:38:270:38:32

Emotions are running high for the Cliff family

0:38:380:38:42

and the reality of making the move has hit home.

0:38:420:38:45

Can they really face leaving behind everything they have in the UK? It's decision time.

0:38:450:38:53

Jimmy Cliff needed to make a drastic change

0:38:530:38:56

after 18 months' struggling to find work as a bricklayer in Leeds.

0:38:560:39:00

At one point we was at the brink of having to sell the house due to financial issues.

0:39:000:39:06

He had to try to persuade his wife Nicola.

0:39:060:39:08

But everything fell apart when they saw the kind of properties they could afford.

0:39:080:39:13

I want to be happy in the home. At the moment it's making me doubt even wanting to come out.

0:39:130:39:19

Jimmy discovered that he could get regular work and a good wage,

0:39:190:39:23

but to achieve the home they want it just wouldn't be enough.

0:39:230:39:28

-Can't do it.

-It's not even workable.

0:39:280:39:30

This could be enough to just stop it all now.

0:39:300:39:34

They fell in love with the lifestyle but the pain of leaving loved ones threatened to overpower them.

0:39:340:39:41

Don't leave!

0:39:410:39:42

With all this in mind, the Cliff family are faced with the hardest decision of their lives.

0:39:420:39:47

Jimmy has found what he's looking for.

0:39:500:39:53

This, to be fair, is the dream.

0:39:540:39:56

It's beautiful here. The kids are loving every second of it.

0:39:560:40:01

There is a fear of making the wrong decision, but...

0:40:010:40:05

..that's life...in general.

0:40:070:40:10

There's no guarantees...it's just...

0:40:100:40:13

where your heart takes you, I suppose.

0:40:130:40:15

But Nicola is far from convinced they can afford it at all.

0:40:150:40:20

It's a terrifying thought to think that we'd be stuck at the other side of the world,

0:40:200:40:25

not being able to, potentially, feed the children...

0:40:250:40:29

..and get them the basic things that they need.

0:40:300:40:34

There's no good having a beach and the sea if you can't provide food on the table.

0:40:340:40:39

Jimmy regrets not spending his mum's last moments with her.

0:40:400:40:45

When I lost my mum. I kind of beat myself up in a way...

0:40:450:40:49

because with never saying goodbye there,

0:40:490:40:51

I kind of vowed to myself that I wouldn't let that happen again.

0:40:510:40:55

If he moves to Australia, he fears he might never again see the grandmother who brought him up.

0:40:550:41:01

I always thought I'd be, you know, if worst comes to worst, I would be there at the side of my nanna.

0:41:010:41:08

At the end of the day, I've got my family to care for now, and I need to do what's best for those.

0:41:080:41:14

It doesn't mean I love her any less.

0:41:140:41:16

Nicola's heart is torn in two.

0:41:170:41:20

Australia has a lot to offer...

0:41:200:41:23

..but the UK has my life...

0:41:240:41:27

and the last 30 years have been there...

0:41:270:41:30

and I don't think you can ever really imagine leaving it behind

0:41:300:41:37

and just not having everyone and everything you knew.

0:41:370:41:40

But it's time for them to face the harsh reality.

0:41:400:41:44

When it comes to it, they need to know they really can leave everyone they love behind

0:41:440:41:49

in search of a better future in Australia.

0:41:490:41:51

How will they vote?

0:41:510:41:53

It's been a really hard week, we've had a lot of highs and lows.

0:41:560:42:00

The lifestyle here in Australia is incredible,

0:42:000:42:03

but unfortunately it does come with a price.

0:42:030:42:06

So our final decision is...

0:42:060:42:09

- Australia! - UK!

0:42:110:42:13

Conner, Reese and Ethan still haven't been convinced.

0:42:140:42:18

I would have chosen Australia.

0:42:180:42:21

It's just seeing all the emotions that our family's had...

0:42:210:42:24

and it's made me change my idea.

0:42:240:42:27

But Nicola's come round,

0:42:270:42:29

and despite leaving everyone she's willing to give it a go.

0:42:290:42:34

I do think it's the best thing for everyone.

0:42:340:42:36

If we can work our way round the money, there is a lot of places in Australia, so...

0:42:360:42:42

maybe we have to look a bit wider afield,

0:42:420:42:46

but I do think we could make it work.

0:42:460:42:49

I am glad we're on the same page! Makes a nice change!

0:42:490:42:52

Yuk!

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After a rollercoaster week, Nicola and Jimmy have some persuading still to do.

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But if they're determined there's a chance that their Australian dream might just become a reality.

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Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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E-mail [email protected]

0:43:150:43:19

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