Hussain Family Wanted Down Under


Hussain Family

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Moving to the other side of the world

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is a once-in-a-lifetime decision.

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But what if it didn't work out the first time?

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Would you be willing to leave everything behind and try again,

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especially if your partner doesn't share your dream?

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Asrar Hussain has always dreamt of living Down Under,

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but his wife Saimah is not so sure.

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It seems like a waste of space.

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I don't think I have a problem with cold and wet days.

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It's inconvenient.

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And he has one week to convince her.

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You're comparing Blackburn, a town, to Sydney.

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I've had enough of people thinking of themselves. I've got to think of myself.

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The decision they make will change their lives forever.

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Many Brits seeking a new life abroad

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are drawn to Australia's sunny climate

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and stunning coastline.

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Almost 100 British people emigrate to Australia every day.

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But it doesn't always live up to the dream

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and roughly a third return home.

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But that doesn't stop people from trying.

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The Hussain family have one week to sample life Down Under

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before they decide if their future lies in the UK or Australia.

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It's a long, long way from the life they know back in Lancashire.

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Crossing three continents

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and a distance of nearly 11,000 miles,

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the Hussains spend 20 hours in the air.

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Plenty of time to think about the huge change they could be making to their lives.

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The trip was long.

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But it wasn't too bad. It wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be.

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Yes, it was OK, considering the kids were with us.

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But the journey has taken its toll on the children

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and it's a long way from their home in Blackburn.

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Civil engineer Asrar and his wife Saimah

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are parents to Zeena, one and a half,

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and Yushua, who's six months old.

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Asrar has wanted to work abroad for years

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and he and Saimah almost made the move four years ago.

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Asrar was offered a job in New Zealand, in Auckland.

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We were very excited. We made the plunge and spent our money on tickets.

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This is before we had children.

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The job itself wasn't quite right for me.

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The Auckland area, on the outskirts, didn't fit into what we thought life would be like in New Zealand

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and that's why we decided not to go.

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Since the New Zealand dream fell through,

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the Hussains have built themselves an ideal life in Blackburn.

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Even so, the idea of a better life abroad

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has always been on Asrar's mind.

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I'm an engineer, so the way it works is,

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you hope for the best and you plan for the worst.

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That's what I'm doing. I'm seeing what opportunities there are at the moment.

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But Asrar's outlook on life isn't completely shared by Saimah.

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I think Asrar really wants to go. He's been going on about Australia for the past three years now

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and before Australia it was New Zealand.

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So I feel like we need to just do it or not do it and put it to rest.

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But although Saimah is supportive of Asrar,

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for her to leave Blackburn, Sydney will have to deliver.

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I live in a lovely area in Blackburn.

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The house is perfect. It's an ideal family home.

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We live near all the facilities that we need -

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the gym, shopping, halal food, Asian delicatessens.

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And it's this culture, that's so important to her,

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which Sydney will need to provide.

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Similar thing when we went to New Zealand, we were looking for a Muslim community there.

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And it was, shall we say, developing still.

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So one way to look at is, we could help develop that community,

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like people, like our parents, have developed the community here in Blackburn.

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Whilst Asrar's sights are firmly set on a future Down Under,

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Saimah would have to leave behind the only community she's ever known.

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When you're a Muslim it's your whole life,

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so you need to encompass the Islamic lifestyle

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and you need that by having other Muslims around you.

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For me, that would be extremely important

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and I'd have serious issues if I was unable to find that kind of support network.

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And finding the right setting

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is just one of the problems they could face.

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I think anything we get in Australia

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would have to be a lot better than what we have here,

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and I think that would be difficult to achieve,

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but it would have to, to compensate for the fact that we are going to be leaving our families behind.

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But I think it is possible,

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otherwise we wouldn't take this huge step.

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Asrar's belief that the Hussains can find a future in Australia is as strong as ever,

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but persuading Saimah to share it

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could be the toughest challenge he will face all week in Oz.

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The Hussains want to find out if Sydney could be the right location for a new start.

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It offers all the perks of living in one of the world's great cities

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and is also home to Australia's largest Muslim population,

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so it should offer some familiar cultural surroundings.

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For the next week, their home will be in the beachside suburb of Dee Why,

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a popular area for young families,

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with plenty of beaches, cafes and parks.

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This two-bedroom apartment is only a couple of minutes' walk to the beach

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and should give them a taste of Aussie living.

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The view's nice.

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But...

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..it looks a bit...dated.

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-It's a bit on the small side for our growing family.

-Yes.

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The children look to have settled in,

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but for Saimah and Asrar, thoughts are already on the week ahead.

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I think my main worry

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is that we'll see houses that we can't afford but we'll really like,

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and our house in England is going to look even more fantastic

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and never achievable in this country.

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We'll see what life is like in Sydney and we'll take it from there.

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In Blackburn, the Hussains live in this four-bed semi-detached house,

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which is Saimah's pride and joy.

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They believe it's worth around £280,000

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and in total, they could have a budget of £300,000

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to spend on an Australian property.

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But if Saimah is to be persuaded to move,

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there are a few important features her new home must include.

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It's like our dream home. It's what we've always wanted to have for our family,

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so we would be looking for something similar in Sydney.

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Ideally, we want to lift this house up

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and put it in a nice suburb in Sydney but with a pool,

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but it's whether that's going to be achievable or not.

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We'll give the Hussains a taste of Sydney's housing market.

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We'll show them three choices

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based upon what they want from their ideal home,

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what they can afford

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and the real cost of property Down Under.

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After seeing for themselves what's on offer,

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we'll reveal the price of each house.

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The Hussains start their search not far from their base,

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in the suburb of Dee Why.

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It's a family area, with a great beach.

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It also has a strong multicultural community,

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so they should find the Muslim culture they enjoy in Blackburn.

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This three-bedroom garden apartment is a stone's throw from the water

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and could offer the Hussains a starter home in Australia.

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But will it deliver on their requirements?

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It looks...nice.

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It looks very white and clean.

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-It looks small.

-It's compact.

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Mixed first impressions.

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Maybe the bedrooms will provide all the space they need.

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I can't really tell what kind of a bedroom this would make.

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-A fairly small one.

-Yes.

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-What do you think?

-It's OK.

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That's the dressing area.

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Over there, we've got the, er,

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-the bathroom.

-Yes.

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The bedroom's a good size, but the bathroom isn't...

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I wouldn't want a bathroom that small for an ensuite.

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And that little nook there doesn't make up for it, either.

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With just the third bedroom left to inspect,

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can it convince Saimah that this is the home for them?

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It's a good-size bedroom, I think.

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It's a good-size bedroom, but you can hear everything going on outside.

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Mm, she's not looking convinced.

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It's an ideal starter.

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But where we are at the moment, we need something a little bigger.

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This apartment isn't what they want or need

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and they haven't even seen the price yet.

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Go on, then, let's have a look.

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BOTH: £400,000.

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You seem to be paying a premium for living close to the beach,

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so it's probably about the right price.

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It might be the right price for what it is,

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but it's not a price we'd be willing to pay for what it is.

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-We wouldn't be buying an apartment, would we?

-No.

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-We would be looking for a house.

-For a house.

-Minimum three bedrooms.

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-Yes.

-Which this is. But we need it in a house.

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So onto the second property.

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It's going to have to offer a lot more

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if Saimah is going to consider a move.

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It's in the desirable district of Cromer, on the northern edge of the city.

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It's a family area, with beaches and shops close to hand,

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and with its own multicultural community, it should suit the Hussains' needs.

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With four bedrooms, this house is a similar size to their Blackburn home.

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And with potential to make it into the house they really want,

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could it win Saimah over?

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Ooh, look at this living room.

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It's an OK-size living room.

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I'm never sure about brickwork inside, though.

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It looks like a decent size.

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LITTLE GIRL: It's a nice kitchen.

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OK, it's an all right-size kitchen.

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It's still very ugly.

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I'm just thinking,

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the price will have to reflect the amount of work that needs doing to this.

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Oh, dear.

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With such a lot of work to be done, it looks like this property could be out of the running.

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Downstairs...

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-All right on an Asian wedding card, that wallpaper!

-Yes!

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Does Zeena want this as her bedroom

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-or shall we have this as Yushua's bedroom?

-Yushua bedroom.

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It needs decorating. There's a lot of work, by the looks of it.

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She really is a tough customer.

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This house is huge and has massive potential,

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but the DIY has put them off.

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Can the price make up for it?

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This one's going to have to be a lot cheaper.

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£537,000.

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That's a lot of money for what this property is.

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Yes. This needs way too much work. I don't think anyone's going to pay that.

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It's going to be difficult for me

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because I'll always compare to the house that we've got in Blackburn

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and that's my ideal home.

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It's absolutely perfect.

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I can see the family growing up there

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and everything about that area's right for us as a family,

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and that's what I'm looking for here

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and I haven't found that yet.

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This house has only confirmed their worst fears of Sydney's prices

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and a move looks further away than ever.

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The next house needs to deliver all Saimah could want and Asrar really needs.

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It's just round the corner from the last.

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This two-storey family home is still close to the beach and it's in a quiet location.

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But with such high standards to meet, can it impress?

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Having dropped the kids off with a childminder,

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Asrar and Saimah take a look around the house.

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-It looks nice, doesn't it?

-Yes.

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A promising start. So it's on to check out the rest of the house.

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-The kitchen's a bit small.

-It's got everything that you need.

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Oops. Spoke too soon.

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-This is nice.

-Yes.

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I like all the glass. I like being able to see in and out.

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And you've got the area where you can have the food outside.

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I think we wanted a bit more grass,

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but I guess that's taken up by the...pool.

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-That's a good-size pool, that.

-I'm sure it'll make up for it!

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Asrar's positivity may be rubbing off on Saimah.

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Will she like the downstairs master ensuite?

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I wouldn't want to be coming up and down steps, though.

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There's not that many steps.

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-Really...

-It's inconvenient.

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Maybe that was a step too far!

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I don't know how I feel about a bedroom downstairs.

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It's a good-size bedroom, but, yes...

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-It seems a bit small to me.

-Do you think?

-Yes.

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It's got an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.

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The bathroom's tiny, as well.

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The master ensuite hasn't impressed,

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and with just the upstairs left to check out,

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things aren't looking good for Asrar's dream.

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It's OK. It seems like a bit of a waste of space to me.

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With two further bedrooms upstairs, there's plenty of room for the whole family.

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-I think Zeena's is a bit bigger.

-Bigger. But it's a decent-size room.

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-The bathroom looks small.

-Nothing special.

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-Small, isn't it?

-Yes.

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-You can never have -

-Three bathrooms and I don't like any of them.

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Not impressed with the bathrooms, so it's outside to check out the balcony.

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Is it enough to make a difference?

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It looks like a nice neighbourhood.

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You'd be happy to see the kids play on the street

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and not really be that worried?

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Yes.

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Well, you can't fault him for trying!

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This house has plenty to offer, but it still hasn't come close to Saimah's Blackburn home.

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Could its price change her mind?

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577,000. And 860,000 Australian dollars.

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-Pleasantly surprised.

-Mm.

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It's double the price of our house and I don't know whether I'm getting double the money.

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But you're comparing Blackburn, a town,

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to Sydney, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

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It's good value for what Australia or Sydney's got to offer.

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I think I'll have to compare it to a few more houses before I'm convinced, Asrar.

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Asrar clearly has a mountain to climb

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if he's ever going to get his family Down Under.

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They've seen three different properties today.

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The first house offered them the stylish interior Saimah wanted

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but was far too small.

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The second needed too much work and even Asrar didn't like it.

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Finally, house number three had a great pool and big living space,

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but it came with a high price tag.

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The Sydney property market has failed to deliver for Saimah,

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who hankers after her Blackburn home.

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But do the rest of the family share her feelings?

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We've seen three properties today, it's been interesting, but it's time to vote now.

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-The UK!

-Australia.

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UK!

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UK!

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Why have you chosen Australia?

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Because it's what we want.

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We know Sydney's more expensive than Blackburn, but I think we can afford it.

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Why did you vote UK?

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I love the house that we've got already, I like everything about the area,

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and none of the houses here have compared to that.

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My main concern is, even if we did find a house that matched the one we've got,

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we'll not be able to afford the lifestyle that we've got

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and we'll find out better about that in the next day or two.

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Property in Sydney failed to convince Saimah

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that uprooting their lives would be worth it

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and Asrar faces an uphill struggle

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if he's to persuade her that the move could work.

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But to afford the kind of life they love at home,

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Sydney will need to provide good work prospects

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and salaries to match.

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Back in Blackburn, Asrar works as a civil engineer for the highways industry

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and earns around £39,000 a year.

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He hopes that the engineering industry in Australia

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will provide more security for him and his family.

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And if the family were to follow through with the dream,

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Saimah would have to earn, too.

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Although she currently works as a support worker,

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she has legal training that could help her secure a job in Australia.

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Leaving the children with a childminder,

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the Hussains are heading out for a day's work experience in the city.

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A lot is riding on today, and for Asrar

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it's not just about impressing his potential employer.

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I think I can change Saimah's view on moving to Australia,

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but I think today's going to be key, both for myself, erm,

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and for Saimah when she does her placement, as well.

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I think whilst we were out viewing houses yesterday,

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it was easy for me to find negative comments about each property

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because it felt that this is out of our reach, it's too expensive.

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Saimah's wanting to maintain the lifestyle that we've got

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and I think she was just....

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..it took her for six

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that she couldn't achieve that necessarily within Sydney.

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The thing that's going to persuade me is the job market

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and whether they can pay us enough to live in houses

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and afford the lifestyle in Australia, at least the lifestyle we're accustomed to.

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Asrar spends the morning with one of Australia's leading construction companies

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and he's arranged to meet manager Stuart Jamieson-Pate,

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who may be able to offer him some advice.

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I've got a few people teed up to meet you today

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-and I want to take you for a wander round our office, if that's OK.

-Excellent.

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As Asrar finds out more about Aussie engineering,

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Saimah's meeting co-partner Fiona Reid

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at a specialist family law firm

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to see whether there is a demand for her skills.

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For me, I'd be trying to get into certain aspects of family law,

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mostly to do with separation

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-and contact orders with Social Services for children.

-Right.

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Is there much of a call for that kind of work?

0:19:590:20:01

The work that you're describing is very specialist jurisdiction

0:20:010:20:05

and there's a call for good solicitors to do that type of work

0:20:050:20:09

and the experience you have is valuable.

0:20:090:20:11

That's good for Saimah. How about Asrar?

0:20:110:20:15

Do you think someone with my experience would be someone that you would be interested in?

0:20:150:20:20

Absolutely. We were really excited to see your CV.

0:20:200:20:23

What you bring is not necessarily commonplace over here,

0:20:230:20:27

so your set of skills is definitely required in Australia at the moment.

0:20:270:20:31

Good. Thank you.

0:20:310:20:33

It's a very positive start for both of them.

0:20:330:20:37

But the move to Australia will be short-lived if their salaries can't fund the life they want.

0:20:370:20:43

You would be coming in at graduate level,

0:20:430:20:45

so your salary, if you're out in the suburbs,

0:20:450:20:48

is likely to be a starting salary of around 45,000 maybe.

0:20:480:20:52

And the range would be anything from between 45 to 95,000

0:20:520:20:57

as you go through associate level,

0:20:570:21:00

and then into the hundreds and above

0:21:000:21:02

once you're a senior associate and partner level.

0:21:020:21:05

I mean, even as a graduate, that sounds really positive

0:21:050:21:08

and a lot more than you'd earn as a graduate in the UK.

0:21:080:21:11

So if Saimah was to move back into law,

0:21:110:21:14

she could earn up to £12,000 a year more than in the UK.

0:21:140:21:19

But as the family's main wage earner,

0:21:190:21:21

are Asrar's prospects as good?

0:21:210:21:23

I want to get an idea of what someone of my experience could get in terms of a salary range.

0:21:230:21:28

We're looking at somewhere within 125 to 135,000 dollars.

0:21:280:21:34

That's kind of the number I have in my mind at the moment.

0:21:340:21:39

Not only are his skills in demand, but he could earn over double his UK salary.

0:21:400:21:45

What a result.

0:21:450:21:48

After a day's work experience, they meet up with the rest of the family to chat things through.

0:21:480:21:52

Are you OK? Having fun?

0:21:520:21:55

-Hello, Daddy.

-Are you all right?

0:21:550:21:58

So, Saimah, you've just come back from your, er, job interview.

0:21:580:22:05

-How was that?

-It made me feel that, OK, if we did come out here,

0:22:050:22:09

there's prospects for me, as well.

0:22:090:22:12

-So really positive, then?

-Yes. Really good experience today.

0:22:120:22:15

We need to find out how it went with you, don't we?

0:22:150:22:18

Oh, it was awful. Oh, it was awful!

0:22:180:22:21

No, it was brilliant. It was really, really positive.

0:22:210:22:24

They thought someone of my skill and my experience

0:22:240:22:27

would be looking to get between 125 and 135,000 Australian dollars,

0:22:270:22:33

-which is nearly double my current salary.

-Wow!

0:22:330:22:37

So it was like,

0:22:370:22:40

"Where do you want me to sign?" almost!

0:22:400:22:43

Clearly, Asrar is on cloud nine about the life they could afford.

0:22:430:22:48

But does Saimah share his excitement?

0:22:480:22:50

That's really good news, but I almost feel like, "What are you going to say now?"

0:22:500:22:55

We saw the houses yesterday and it was almost like a done deal

0:22:550:22:59

and we would be packing our bags and going home and saying,

0:22:590:23:03

"Here we are in England and we're going to enjoy it."

0:23:030:23:07

And today, it seems like it's back on track again.

0:23:070:23:12

We've got a bit more thinking to do now, haven't we?

0:23:140:23:17

It's been a really interesting day today.

0:23:180:23:21

We've both had some positive work experiences

0:23:210:23:24

and it's time to vote UK or Australia.

0:23:240:23:28

BOTH: Australia.

0:23:320:23:34

Why did you vote Australia?

0:23:360:23:40

Because, on a purely job aspect,

0:23:400:23:44

I think the opportunity for me

0:23:440:23:47

to earn more money and become a solicitor

0:23:470:23:50

-are a lot more easier here than they would be in the UK.

-OK.

0:23:500:23:55

What about you? How come you decided to vote for Australia again?

0:23:550:23:59

Because I think the salary gives us the opportunity to work and live in Australia

0:23:590:24:04

and I think that's what we really wanted, so that's why it's Australia.

0:24:040:24:08

Seeing such a large potential boost in earnings

0:24:170:24:21

has won Saimah over just a bit to Asrar's dream.

0:24:210:24:25

But leaving behind the home they both love will be a tough call

0:24:250:24:29

unless they can get a good price for it.

0:24:290:24:32

We've sent two local estate agents around to their Blackburn home

0:24:320:24:36

to give us their opinion on its value.

0:24:360:24:39

They need to raise £280,000 to consider selling it.

0:24:390:24:45

Nice, big, bright breakfast kitchen. Integrated appliances.

0:24:450:24:50

-He's in Mummy's...

-Yes, it's Mummy's kitchen, isn't it?

0:24:500:24:54

-Mummy's kitchen.

-Yes.

0:24:540:24:58

It's a very good-sized dining area

0:24:590:25:01

with a lovely through lounge.

0:25:010:25:05

-Good-size room.

-Baby's room!

-Baby's room.

0:25:050:25:09

A very good-size master bedroom with great beech wall-to-ceiling cupboards.

0:25:090:25:13

Great asset to the family house.

0:25:130:25:16

Good size. Well presented.

0:25:160:25:18

I'd advise the vendor to market the property at around 280.

0:25:180:25:21

For a quick sale, I'd advise them to consider anything from 265 upwards.

0:25:210:25:26

-Mm.

-It's a lovely, modern, detached property. Very exclusive.

0:25:260:25:30

I would value this property in today's market at £285,000,

0:25:300:25:35

with a quick sale of £275,000.

0:25:350:25:38

-Mm.

-That's what we'd expected.

-Yes.

0:25:380:25:42

-We're happy with that.

-ASRAR LAUGHS

0:25:420:25:45

The property values that the estate agent gave us was what we'd expect.

0:25:450:25:50

We're relieved really that we got that price.

0:25:500:25:53

But their house is only part of the financial package.

0:25:530:25:57

We prepared a breakdown of the cost of living in Australia,

0:25:570:26:00

and based on their calculations, they'll find out if they can afford to live in Sydney.

0:26:000:26:06

Here's our shopping list.

0:26:060:26:09

Well, that's coming out at £51.41.

0:26:110:26:15

This shows us that we're going to spend about £20 more on our shopping in Australia

0:26:150:26:21

-compared to what we do in the UK.

-Yes.

0:26:210:26:25

So taking all their expenses into consideration,

0:26:250:26:28

will the Hussains' annual living costs be greater in the UK or Australia?

0:26:280:26:33

That's a total of £65,772.

0:26:330:26:37

-That's about 25 grand dearer.

-27...

0:26:370:26:41

-26,000.

-It's nearly £27,000 dearer...

0:26:410:26:45

-To live out there.

-..more expensive to live in Australia.

0:26:450:26:48

That's only the top half of it. Let's look at what we're going to be earning.

0:26:480:26:52

Our combined income is just over £60,000 in the UK at the moment,

0:26:520:26:59

whereas we could be looking at 131,000 in Australia!

0:26:590:27:04

We should be a lot better off.

0:27:040:27:07

-Tally it up and have a look properly.

-OK.

0:27:070:27:09

With daily expenses nearly double that of the UK,

0:27:090:27:13

can their joint salaries make up for this huge difference?

0:27:130:27:16

Right, so the Australian figure minus the UK figure, we're...?

0:27:160:27:20

We're looking at a £41,500 difference between the two figures.

0:27:200:27:25

Right, so we'd be 41,000 better off in Australia.

0:27:250:27:29

-It almost sounds too good to be true.

-Yes.

0:27:290:27:32

When you look in black and white, it's hard to justify why you'd want to stay in the UK

0:27:320:27:37

when you can have everything you can have in Sydney and much, much more.

0:27:370:27:42

-And be able to afford it.

-Yes.

-And save.

0:27:420:27:45

And you've got children who are going to benefit from that.

0:27:450:27:48

Are you going to tell my mother or shall I?

0:27:480:27:51

SHE SPEAKS ARABIC

0:27:540:27:55

-"Grandma..."

-Bye-bye!

0:27:550:27:58

The figures are clear.

0:27:580:28:00

Despite Sydney's higher living costs,

0:28:000:28:03

the Hussains would be much better off by living Down Under.

0:28:030:28:07

Is Saimah going to vote with her head or her heart?

0:28:070:28:10

We've just done the reality check.

0:28:100:28:13

It was interesting and eye-opening at the same time.

0:28:130:28:16

Now it's time to vote.

0:28:160:28:19

BOTH: Australia.

0:28:280:28:31

So, why did you vote Australia?

0:28:340:28:37

Well, the figures do stack in favour of Australia

0:28:370:28:41

that, as a family, we'd have a much better lifestyle here.

0:28:410:28:44

e could afford everything we can in the UK and a lot more.

0:28:440:28:47

Yes, I mean, the figures speak for themselves.

0:28:470:28:50

Seeing the figures in black and white

0:28:550:28:57

has convinced both Asrar and Saimah

0:28:570:29:00

they can afford the life they want in Sydney.

0:29:000:29:03

But with two small children,

0:29:030:29:05

it's vital they find a lifestyle that will be just as rewarding.

0:29:050:29:09

So to give them a taste of what Sydney has to offer,

0:29:120:29:15

the Hussains are setting off for a day out at the local aquarium.

0:29:150:29:19

The whole family have the opportunity to get up close

0:29:210:29:24

to some of Australia's most dramatic sea life.

0:29:240:29:26

Look at that. It's a big one, whatever it is!

0:29:260:29:31

There's a big fishy there.

0:29:310:29:33

Look! Turtle!

0:29:330:29:37

-What are they waiting for?

-Is it dinnertime for the fishes?

0:29:370:29:40

Can you see that man?

0:29:400:29:43

Let's have a look at the other fishies.

0:29:430:29:46

This is our reef pool. In our reef pool, we have lots of different fish.

0:29:470:29:53

They're having breakfast.

0:29:530:29:54

Would you like to put some flake in for the fishies?

0:29:540:29:58

Oooh, nearly! Look!

0:29:580:30:01

Wow!

0:30:010:30:03

-They're saying "Thank you very much!"

-Oh, wow!

0:30:030:30:08

We had a lovely time this morning.

0:30:090:30:11

But I can't helping thinking we have a lovely time as a family wherever we go.

0:30:110:30:16

I don't think I've seen anything that exceptional

0:30:160:30:20

that makes me think, as a family unit,

0:30:200:30:23

there's something more special here.

0:30:230:30:26

Match that up with the fact that you've got Oceanworld there,

0:30:260:30:29

a beach right next to it, and it's winter and 24 degrees.

0:30:290:30:33

I don't think the weather is going to pull it for me.

0:30:330:30:38

-Do you not?

-No.

0:30:380:30:40

It looks like Saimah's doubts are back.

0:30:400:30:43

There's more things that a family need than sunshine and days out

0:30:430:30:48

and one of those things, for me, is an Islamic community and an Islamic environment,

0:30:480:30:54

and I think I've got some issues with what the children are going to get here.

0:30:540:30:59

I think they'd get a lot more

0:30:590:31:01

of an Islamic upbringing in the UK than they would here,

0:31:010:31:05

and that's a concern to me.

0:31:050:31:08

That took time to grow, didn't it, in the UK?

0:31:080:31:11

It didn't happen overnight.

0:31:110:31:13

We're the second generation,

0:31:130:31:15

therefore we're enjoying the fruit of our parents' labour, so to speak.

0:31:150:31:19

Whereas they're still going through that transition.

0:31:190:31:23

-Or do you want it all ready for you?

-Yes. That's how it's always been.

0:31:240:31:28

Any time we want to go to the mosque and take advantage of a class

0:31:280:31:32

or having a study group, we can just attend.

0:31:320:31:35

We don't have to develop it or make it.

0:31:350:31:38

I do share that concern, but I think it's starting to cast doubt over other factors.

0:31:380:31:44

Yes, but they're very real concerns. We've got two children to raise.

0:31:450:31:49

We want them to be good Muslims.

0:31:490:31:52

They need to have... They need to have what we had.

0:31:520:31:56

I think we can help and develop that learning here.

0:31:560:32:01

Saimah's worries about her family's upbringing

0:32:010:32:04

have cast a cloud over their day out.

0:32:040:32:08

How will it affect her vote?

0:32:080:32:10

We've done our lifestyle activity. It's been lots of fun.

0:32:100:32:14

Now it's time to vote.

0:32:140:32:16

-UK!

-Australia.

0:32:190:32:22

SHE LAUGHS

0:32:230:32:24

Why did you vote for UK?

0:32:240:32:27

Because I think as a child growing up there,

0:32:270:32:30

I had some fantastic experiences.

0:32:300:32:32

As a Muslim, being brought up there and being there now, I know I'm accepted.

0:32:320:32:38

I know where I can go for support, where I can go for further learning

0:32:380:32:45

and I need to be able to provide that for the kids.

0:32:450:32:48

I think we can, over time, we can create something similar here

0:32:480:32:51

and the children will be able to benefit.

0:32:510:32:54

But I think it's something that we need to have a greater think about.

0:32:540:32:59

But I think I can convince you.

0:32:590:33:01

Obviously not! THEY LAUGH

0:33:030:33:06

-UK, Mummy!

-UK!

-UK!

0:33:070:33:11

Saimah's concerns are serious and could hinder the entire move.

0:33:120:33:17

The family are visiting a local mosque

0:33:170:33:19

where Asrar can find out about the facilities they offer.

0:33:190:33:23

Where we come from in Blackburn, there's, erm,

0:33:280:33:32

normally teaching for the children five days a week.

0:33:320:33:35

Do you guys have something similar here in Sydney?

0:33:350:33:38

-In this mosque, yes.

-So, do you do it on an evening, after school, or is it on the weekend?

0:33:380:33:45

-It depends. In the summertime, we do it earlier.

-Right.

0:33:450:33:49

In the wintertime, we do it from Maghrib to Isha.

0:33:490:33:52

How big is the Muslim community within sort of this area in Dee Why?

0:33:520:33:56

Compared with other communities, not that big.

0:33:560:33:59

-It comes number four or five among the other communities.

-Right.

0:33:590:34:02

But it is very effective.

0:34:020:34:04

-It is well known around the area.

-OK.

0:34:040:34:07

Has the trip to Dee Why Mosque helped Asrar decide

0:34:070:34:10

whether they'd be able to bring up their children

0:34:100:34:12

according to their wishes in Australia?

0:34:120:34:15

I think the Islamic element,

0:34:150:34:18

I feel the prayer side of it,

0:34:180:34:20

I certainly feel think that Australia would be able to fulfil that.

0:34:200:34:23

I think the difficulty is when it comes to the teaching.

0:34:230:34:26

There might be a language difference, unless it's done in English.

0:34:260:34:30

There may be a difficulty that we wouldn't face in the UK that we might here.

0:34:300:34:34

Saimah's reaction isn't surprising. It's a concern I've got.

0:34:340:34:38

I think she just expresses it slightly better than I do.

0:34:380:34:41

She's always maintained that we're doing it for the family, me, her and the kids,

0:34:410:34:45

and we want to make sure that it's right for all four of us.

0:34:450:34:48

Saimah's worries about her children's upbringing

0:34:520:34:55

have left her with big doubts over the move

0:34:550:34:58

and reminded her of everything she'd be leaving behind.

0:34:580:35:02

So, could seeing messages from friends and family be the deciding factor?

0:35:020:35:07

As there are messages for all the family,

0:35:070:35:10

the Hussains have decided to watch it together,

0:35:100:35:13

although Yushua may have more important things on his mind!

0:35:130:35:16

Hello, Saimah and Asrar.

0:35:180:35:20

HE GREETS IN ARABIC

0:35:200:35:23

Hi, Asrar, Saimah.

0:35:230:35:25

Zeena and Yushua.

0:35:250:35:27

The main qualities, obviously he's a very nice person.

0:35:270:35:30

-Grandma!

-Grandma.

0:35:300:35:32

He always looks out for the family.

0:35:320:35:35

He's very kind, very caring.

0:35:350:35:38

If he's not going to be about, that'd be something we will miss quite a lot.

0:35:380:35:42

If you do decide to stay, we can chat over the internet

0:35:420:35:45

or phone calls or whatever.

0:35:450:35:48

You'll be back often enough. We'll probably be sending you back when you do come!

0:35:480:35:52

I hope it goes well. Obviously, give it some good consideration.

0:35:520:35:57

I came here for my children and my husband and for my family,

0:35:570:36:02

making their life better.

0:36:020:36:04

You're going there

0:36:040:36:06

because you're family is making life better.

0:36:060:36:10

Because of the distance, she'll feel the loss quite a lot.

0:36:100:36:15

-She's 63 now.

-I have a heart problem.

0:36:150:36:19

She feels, obviously with her illness,

0:36:190:36:21

you don't know how long you've got left in this life.

0:36:210:36:24

So whatever chance you can spend with your kids,

0:36:240:36:26

and your kids with the parents, would be nice.

0:36:260:36:30

It doesn't matter if one's missing,

0:36:300:36:32

if we aren't together, it's not the same.

0:36:320:36:34

I think the kids would really miss out.

0:36:340:36:38

Maya's always asking for Zeena, so I think you should stay.

0:36:380:36:41

I think Mum especially misses you because she hasn't seen you for a while.

0:36:410:36:45

-But still I love you.

-From us guys here, we miss you loads,

0:36:450:36:50

but you need to think long and hard and make the best decision for yourselves.

0:36:500:36:55

We'll always miss you and we'll try and support you as best we can. See you.

0:36:550:37:00

It was pretty much what I expected our families to say.

0:37:010:37:04

-What's that, Mummy?

-That's a raisin.

0:37:040:37:07

They know we've got to make a choice and the reasons why we're trying to make a choice,

0:37:070:37:12

but they're worried that if we do decide to go,

0:37:120:37:16

it's a big change for them, as well as for ourselves.

0:37:160:37:20

Well, yes, I could feel that, as well. I could feel that...

0:37:200:37:25

..they were thinking of us, but of themselves, as well.

0:37:250:37:28

If I have to do something that's more beneficial for my family, I'm going to do it.

0:37:280:37:32

I'm not going to worry about who I'm leaving behind or how they feel.

0:37:320:37:36

That's not a concern to me.

0:37:360:37:39

That's not...

0:37:390:37:40

-Whilst it's a consideration, it's not a deciding factor.

-No.

0:37:400:37:44

Seeing messages has reinforced

0:37:480:37:51

just how much the future of their family matters to Saimah and Asrar.

0:37:510:37:55

But where will they decide to spend it?

0:37:550:37:57

After a week of real highs and lows,

0:37:570:38:00

it's time for the Hussains to make their final decision.

0:38:000:38:03

My opinion all the way through has been slightly different to Saimah's.

0:38:060:38:10

She's been looking back at what we've got in the UK.

0:38:100:38:13

I'm looking at what we could achieve in Sydney.

0:38:130:38:17

I know there's no comparing Blackburn to Sydney.

0:38:170:38:21

I do know that.

0:38:210:38:22

I just couldn't equate to how houses could be so much more expensive,

0:38:220:38:28

so I thought this was an impossible dream.

0:38:280:38:31

I think the reality check gave her that figure at the end,

0:38:310:38:34

which meant she was a lot more confident

0:38:340:38:37

in what we were going to be doing in Sydney and what we'd be able to achieve.

0:38:370:38:41

I said to Asrar afterwards, I felt like I was having palpitations.

0:38:410:38:45

My heart was really beating because I thought,

0:38:450:38:48

"Blooming heck, we're really going to have to make a serious decision now."

0:38:480:38:53

Do we want to live in Sydney? Is that a lifestyle we want for ourselves

0:38:530:38:57

and, more importantly, for our children?

0:38:570:38:59

It's been a really amazing week, this week, in Australia.

0:39:000:39:04

We've had fantastic experiences, with a few ups and downs.

0:39:040:39:08

Now it's time to vote.

0:39:080:39:10

-Australia!

-Undecided!

0:39:150:39:18

-You're undecided?

-I'm undecided,

0:39:190:39:21

because even though I know we can make it work,

0:39:210:39:25

having all the finances sorted out,

0:39:250:39:28

and knowing that the housing is affordable, as well,

0:39:280:39:32

I'm just still a little bit concerned about...

0:39:320:39:36

..how this might strain on our family life

0:39:360:39:39

-and just the change.

-BABY CRIES

0:39:390:39:42

If it isn't broke, maybe we don't need to try and fix it.

0:39:420:39:46

You've gone Australia.

0:39:460:39:47

As the week went on, we found that we could live here and afford to live here

0:39:470:39:52

and still maintain the lifestyle that we've got in the UK, if not better it.

0:39:520:39:57

I know you've got concerns over...

0:39:570:40:01

..whether we've got the community base here,

0:40:010:40:03

but I think we can find that in Sydney,

0:40:030:40:05

not necessarily in the area that we've been this week,

0:40:050:40:08

but within Sydney, I think we can find it.

0:40:080:40:12

Despite the promise of better incomes and Asrar's best efforts to win her round,

0:40:170:40:23

Saimah still needed convincing

0:40:230:40:25

before she was ready to leave behind her life in Blackburn.

0:40:250:40:29

They've been home for nearly two months now,

0:40:290:40:31

so I've come to find out,

0:40:310:40:33

has anything changed for the Hussains?

0:40:330:40:37

Saimah, how did you find the whole Australian experience?

0:40:370:40:41

It was fantastic,

0:40:410:40:43

and I do worry that I come across as a little cold,

0:40:430:40:46

because I am that pragmatic

0:40:460:40:49

and I do have to be objectionable

0:40:490:40:51

about whether it's going to be a good experience, a bad experience, whether we can afford it,

0:40:510:40:57

whether the lifestyle is for us, what we're giving up here.

0:40:570:41:01

Blackburn is holding you back, isn't it,

0:41:010:41:05

because you're happy here?

0:41:050:41:07

Who'd have ever thought?!

0:41:070:41:10

-But you are!

-Yes.

-And you're honest.

-Yes.

0:41:100:41:14

So Saimah is dead set on the UK. But what about Asrar?

0:41:140:41:19

I'm still in the same boat I was in Australia, living the dream!

0:41:190:41:25

But I think if we do get a job offer in the future,

0:41:250:41:29

we'll seriously consider it,

0:41:290:41:31

especially when you put in the other factors, like the good weather,

0:41:310:41:35

-the good life that we experienced there.

-Yes.

0:41:350:41:37

You can't ignore them.

0:41:370:41:39

So, if that huge job did come your way,

0:41:390:41:43

would you be happy to make the move?

0:41:430:41:46

It's difficult for me to definitely say yes.

0:41:460:41:50

With my logical head on, I think definitely, yes, it is.

0:41:500:41:55

But overall, having lived the life that I've lived here and been completely satisfied,

0:41:550:42:00

-I really don't feel that I need to go to Australia for anything more.

-Yes.

0:42:000:42:05

For me, there would be no regrets if we stayed here.

0:42:050:42:10

But if a fantastic offer came for Asrar and we didn't take it,

0:42:100:42:13

there'd be massive regrets on his part.

0:42:130:42:16

I really hope that it all works out.

0:42:160:42:19

Perhaps if that job offer does come in,

0:42:190:42:22

I'm not sure if I came back in a year whether you'd be here!

0:42:220:42:25

You're right. I'm absolutely not sure either where we'd be, Nikki.

0:42:250:42:30

Is it going to be Blackburn, Sydney, or is it going to be something else? We'll have to wait and see!

0:42:300:42:35

-I'm sure wherever we'll be, we'll be happy and that's the main thing.

-Yes.

0:42:350:42:40

That's for sure!

0:42:400:42:43

So Asrar's still keen to consider a new life Down Under for his family

0:42:450:42:50

if the right job opportunity came long.

0:42:500:42:53

For Saimah, she loves her life back here in the UK,

0:42:530:42:57

but would support her husband if it was the perfect job.

0:42:570:43:01

For now, they're very happy with their life here in Blackburn.

0:43:010:43:04

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:43:050:43:09

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0:43:090:43:13

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