0:00:02 > 0:00:04Moving halfway around the world
0:00:04 > 0:00:07is one of the toughest choices you could ever make.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11But if the price of one family member's dream was heartbreak for another,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14how would you make the biggest decision of your life?
0:00:14 > 0:00:18For Claire Whyte, emigrating is a life-long dream.
0:00:18 > 0:00:23If I don't do it, I'll really, really regret it. I really will. For ever.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27But husband Martin is torn over whether to stay or go.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32I'm ready to come out here and give it a go if Nicole's on board. Nicole has to be on board.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35And his daughter can't bear to leave.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I don't like just seeing them on a screen.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08Brits have been emigrating to Australia to seek their fortune
0:01:08 > 0:01:13ever since Captain Cook first sighted land and gold was discovered.
0:01:13 > 0:01:20Today, the pull of living down under comes from its golden beaches, warm climate and outdoor lifestyle,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23but not everyone finds the promised land.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28For the Whyte family, their future could well rest on the week ahead.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32After experiencing the everyday reality of living in Australia,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36they'll face one of the toughest decisions of their lives -
0:01:36 > 0:01:40whether to stay in the UK or to start a new life down under.
0:01:42 > 0:01:49After travelling 10,000 miles over three days, the Whytes arrive in Brisbane.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Despite a marathon journey, they're raring to go.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- The journey wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.- Now that we're here, I'm a bit nervous.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05My hopes for this week are to see properties that I could see myself living in
0:02:05 > 0:02:08and get good news about work prospects.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12And obviously, I need to convince Nicole and particularly Martin
0:02:12 > 0:02:14to come with me, or else I'll be here myself.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18There's a lot riding on the next seven days.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24Back in the UK, the Whytes live in Inverurie just north of Aberdeen.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30They are Claire, a social worker, Martin, a policeman,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33and Nicole, Martin's 15-year-old daughter.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37For Claire, the idea of emigrating has long been on her mind
0:02:37 > 0:02:42and she believes Australia could offer a better life for the whole family.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46I think that all of us would benefit just from a better lifestyle,
0:02:46 > 0:02:51better jobs, earning more money, hopefully, and definitely for Nicole.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54A different culture, to show her that the north-east of Scotland
0:02:54 > 0:02:58is a tiny part of the world and there's a massive world out there.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Claire and Martin are teenage sweethearts.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07They've been together since Martin was 16, shortly after Nicole's first birthday.
0:03:08 > 0:03:14Claire being in my life, seriously, is the best thing that could ever happen to me.
0:03:14 > 0:03:20I was definitely a bit of a lad and a rogue and Claire kept me on the straight and narrow.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23She's pushed me to do things and given me confidence.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27As for her relationship with Nicole, she took on me with a one-year-old.
0:03:27 > 0:03:34I wouldn't be keen on Nicole coming home and saying her boyfriend's got a one-year-old son or daughter,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36so Claire took all that on.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38She's a tower of strength.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42I'd be lost without her, definitely.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47Concentrating on bringing up Nicole meant putting Claire's dream on hold,
0:03:47 > 0:03:52but now they risk splitting the family in two if Nicole decides to stay in the UK.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54I've been in Nicole's life since she was one,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56just a little over one.
0:03:56 > 0:04:03When I refer to her, I don't say "my stepdaughter", I always say "my daughter". I do view her as my own.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07I love her deeply. She's absolutely a fantastic young woman.
0:04:07 > 0:04:13I think the effort we've put in is shown in the values she took on that we've hopefully instilled in her.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16My relationship with Claire is really close.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22I think a lot of people find it a bit strange because it is stepmum and stepdaughter.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27However, I've known Claire since I was a baby, so I don't really know a life without her.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32I think I've got a closer relationship with my dad than most other children do,
0:04:32 > 0:04:38so it would be him especially that I don't know if I could live without him, really.
0:04:38 > 0:04:46Because Martin was a young father, Nicole's grandparents brought her up while their son finished school
0:04:46 > 0:04:49and she'll have to leave them behind to follow Claire's dream.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I've always thought of them as a second parent
0:04:52 > 0:04:58and just thinking I wouldn't be able to see them, apart from once a year, is really upsetting.
0:04:58 > 0:05:04It would be easier if I didn't want this, but it's quite difficult for myself not to give it a go.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07Um, yeah...
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Sorry.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13For Martin, it's an agonising position to be in.
0:05:13 > 0:05:19I've got Nicole on one side, I've got Claire on the other side. I'm in the middle. Who do I please?
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Who do I go with? I just want to please both of them.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27That's what I live for. I always try to be a good father and husband,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31but this time, I'm stuck in the middle. It's going to be difficult.
0:05:31 > 0:05:37I feel a little bit guilty because if I say I'm going to stay, then I'm holding them back.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41But Nicole isn't closing the door to Australia.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44I want to be a doctor when I grow up,
0:05:44 > 0:05:50so I'd like to find out about the universities and everything over there. It would put my mind at rest.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54There's never any doubt in my head that she will be there.
0:05:54 > 0:06:00If she decides not to when we've been to Australia for the week, that will give me some tough choices to make.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06I really need to try and persuade her because I'd be devastated if she didn't come. Yeah.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14The Whytes all want the best future for each other, but choosing where to spend it has them torn.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Australia is Claire's long-held dream,
0:06:16 > 0:06:21but Nicole can't bear the thought of leaving all she has at home
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and it's Martin who could be forced to choose between them.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32The family are spending their week in Caloundra north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast.
0:06:32 > 0:06:39Unspoilt beaches, crystal-clear water and a laid-back lifestyle make it a popular destination
0:06:39 > 0:06:42for young, active families like the Whytes.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48They're staying in this luxury two-bedroom apartment close to the Sunshine Coast's shops and beaches.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50So is it what they hoped for?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Oh, that's nice.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- It's a holiday home. - It's kind of got that feel.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58It's a lovely view of the beach.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00That's nice.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Definitely.- Oh, it's got a pool.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Oh, ace!
0:07:05 > 0:07:10Pacific views and a pool are a good start, but there's a vital seven days ahead.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15It's got to match my expectations before I would come out here, definitely.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18It would have to be, you know, the dream.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21If it wasn't, there isn't any point in coming out,
0:07:21 > 0:07:27so I do feel that I should be liking everything right away and if I don't, then I'll think, "Oh, no..."
0:07:27 > 0:07:3250/50. I'm not swaying one way or the other. It will be a hectic week.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Hopefully, by the end of the week, I can give you a different percentage.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- Nicole is staying practical. - If they made it so the school was easy to move over and fit into,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45that would make it a lot easier for me to say I'd come.
0:07:45 > 0:07:51This week, I've got a lot of work to do, but excited and looking forward to it. Yeah, let the adventure begin.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00Back in the UK, the Whytes live in a modern, three-bedroom family home.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Being close to Aberdeen, a city with a strong oil industry,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08has helped their house rise in value over the years.
0:08:08 > 0:08:15And they hope to have a budget of around £300,000 to spend on a property in Australia.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20The kind of house I'd like in Australia is similar to what I've got just now, space-wise.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23If we could get a bit bigger, then great.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I like modern houses, clean-cut lines.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29And I like big kitchens, open spaces. I like that.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- More than one bathroom.- Yeah.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37I'd like a nice area. By that, I just mean - it could be because of the job I'm in - low crime rates.
0:08:37 > 0:08:43Nicole has a list that... It would be important for me because that means we get her there.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I'd like a cinema room. All of us are into our films in this family.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51And I'd love a pool. I'd really like a pool.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56And I'd like a walk-in wardrobe because I really like my clothes.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01Today, we'll give the Whytes a taste of the local housing market.
0:09:01 > 0:09:07We'll show them three options based on what they want from their ideal home, what they can afford
0:09:07 > 0:09:10and the real cost of property down under.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16After seeing for themselves what's on offer, they'll discover how much each house costs.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The search begins in the Kings Beach area.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24It's the most popular surfing beach in Caloundra
0:09:24 > 0:09:28and close to the centre of town, so a shorter commute should mean more time
0:09:28 > 0:09:31to spend enjoying the sunshine and surroundings.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37The first house is in Arthur Street.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43It may look unassuming from the outside, but its estate agents say it's something very special.
0:09:45 > 0:09:52- It's big.- I don't think I like this house.- Come on, we'll look at the other rooms.- Yeah.- OK?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Ohh...- I don't like the... - I don't like this.- No.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- I don't like this at all. - No, it's too old-fashioned.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05That is an en-suite. I'm guessing this must be the main room.
0:10:05 > 0:10:11- Although we don't have a big room at home, it's bigger... - It's bigger than this.- Next room.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13No.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- It's a "no" right away? - A "no" right away.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- This kitchen isn't really... - I like the space, but I don't like the layout at all.- No.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- I don't like the windows. - It's not my expectations of a house for us in Australia.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Maybe the estate agents meant the views were the special feature.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38You see, the views are really nice. You can see the mountains. That's lovely.
0:10:38 > 0:10:44- There's a huge bit of ground here, but you can hardly see it because of all the trees.- Yeah.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- There's no pool.- Look at her face!
0:10:47 > 0:10:53The views of the Glass House Mountains may be stunning, but the indoors is less attractive.
0:10:54 > 0:11:01It's in a great area and has the space they need, but this house has fallen short of Claire's dream.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08Will they even be able to afford it on their £300,000 budget?
0:11:09 > 0:11:16- I've got a feeling it's going to be much more than we expect it to be, to be honest.- Yes, so do I.
0:11:16 > 0:11:23I hope it's not because that just shows that it's not worth it, this house, at all.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Property-wise, even our budget, which isn't the biggest,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- if it's near our budget for the property...- It's not worth it.- No.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Oh, my goodness!
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Seriously, £321,000?!
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- No, that's shocking. - That is an absolute joke.- Shocking.
0:11:43 > 0:11:50You'd probably need to spend that again to get it up to anywhere near the standard of our house back home.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55You feel your blood pressure rising, thinking, "My God, what could we afford?"
0:11:55 > 0:12:01- Even if we could afford this house, we wouldn't want it.- No.- That's a sickener.- That is crazy.- Oh, well...
0:12:01 > 0:12:04With the first house over budget and underwhelming,
0:12:04 > 0:12:10Claire's mission to get her family to Australia hasn't got off to the best start.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16The second property is just a short walk away, but can it lift the mood?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Oh, lovely.- Wow!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- The pool's nice. - It looks really inviting.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Does this score a couple of points, having the swimming pool, for you?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Yeah, but it depends on the inside as well.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- I wonder how many floors it's on? - I can't make up my mind if it's an apartment or a house.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- There are stairs leading up. - It's definitely an apartment.
0:12:40 > 0:12:47It's designed as a townhouse, spread over three storeys, starting with the garage downstairs,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50and three bedrooms on the middle floor.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- Single room.- Yeah.- Fitted wardrobe.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- Basic, but all you need for a small, single room.- Mm-hm.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Across the landing, there's a very appealing feature for Nicole and Claire.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08Oh, I see clearly that this must be the master bedroom then.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Claire's claimed it already, Nicole.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16Oh, the en-suite's lovely. And it is nice having a walk-in wardrobe.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- Claire, you don't have enough clothes to fill a walk-in wardrobe. - I'll just buy new ones.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25The third bedroom also has a large balcony.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Oh, you can see the pool. That is nice.- Mm-hm.
0:13:30 > 0:13:37- The room is quite small, but you wouldn't mind that if you've got a big living space.- I quite like it.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40On the top floor, there's a good-sized living area.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Well, that's a big space.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- I'd love a living room this size at home.- It is a massive space.- Mm-hm.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52And the kitchen's nice enough.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57It's just a bit old-fashioned and grubby-looking, to be honest.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00I'd spend most of my time out here on the balcony.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- If you could imagine garden furniture out here, a barbecue... - Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11With no furniture, it takes some imagination to see this property as a possible home.
0:14:11 > 0:14:17Even so, Nicole and Martin are sounding positive, but will its price tag be as encouraging?
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Here we go, moment of truth.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20Mm-hm...
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- I think it will be over budget. - Yeah.- Without a shadow of a doubt. Definitely.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- This is big, spacious.- Yeah. - A lot of rooms.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Three levels, a garden.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35All right, Nicole, it's your turn.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37OK...
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Hmm...
0:14:40 > 0:14:47- I'm actually pleasantly surprised. - Yeah.- I suppose that gives more hope that...- I'm really surprised.
0:14:47 > 0:14:53You look happy! I think it's just because it's still not what I've dreamed of as Australian living,
0:14:53 > 0:14:59as to why I'm still a bit on the fence, but I think that's a really good price for the amount of space.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05I would pay that money for this if it was our style because that's more than value for money.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09You can't grumble about that. That's a good price.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13House-hunting isn't working out as expected for the Whytes
0:15:13 > 0:15:18and it's looking like Claire is the hardest to impress, despite this being her dream.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Their final viewing is in the sought-after area of Golden Beach.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30It's only one block from the sea and offers a great location to enjoy classic Aussie living.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- This is lovely.- Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- Nice, big entrance way. A big square.- Yeah.- Really big, yeah.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- Coat pegs up there and take your shoes off and stuff.- Yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43This is big.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46This is nice. I like the size of the room.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- It's open.- I'm liking it.- Yeah.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52It's a nice enough kitchen now, Claire.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- Spacious enough. - It's a decent enough size.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- No, that's nice.- I really like this.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I'm just loving the space.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- This is the bathroom.- All right, OK.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- It's nice.- Modern.- It is. I like the big shower.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Mm-hm.- Mm-hm.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- I've just spotted something outside. - Have you?- Go and have a look.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16NICOLE LAUGHS
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Can you see?
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- What can you see? - Oh, yes, I think I see blue.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Does it indicate a pool perhaps?
0:16:24 > 0:16:30There's a good-sized pool in the garden, easily accessible from the patio doors in the master bedroom,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32perfect for an early morning dip.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- That's a decent size.- Yeah.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- No, that's nice. I like that size.- Yeah.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Yeah.- Happy?- Yeah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Being furnished may have helped Martin see this property as a home.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50He has even started planning the room layout.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- If I was to make this my cinema room, I'd make it a lot darker. Blackout blinds.- Yeah.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Up there as well and really comfy seats.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- A massive TV on the wall.- Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I'm desperate to go outside now.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- This is really nice. - This is what I want.- Yeah.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Yeah, it's lovely. I really like the pool.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15It's a big pool as well. It's not just a little one.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- I'm in love. - Yeah, that's really nice.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- It's got a pool. It's got the grass area.- Yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- It's got all the rooms we need, a driveway, a double garage.- Mm-hm.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Inside, it feels old. Outside, I absolutely love.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Let's see how much more money we need before we can get this house.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- It's going to be over budget.- Hmm.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43It looks like this house is almost a perfect fit, but is it one they can afford?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47343.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Not as much as I thought it would be over by.
0:17:49 > 0:17:55- Realistically, I wouldn't want to come and have a house and not have any money to do anything with.- No.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57But it's given us an idea.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02It just doesn't quite match what I would like at all, to be honest.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07If this doesn't tick the boxes for her, then I don't know what will.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11It's been a day of ups and downs for the Whytes.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14The first house offered beautiful views,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17but it was old-fashioned and overpriced.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22The second was modern, had plenty of room and was affordable,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24but only Martin and Nicole liked it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31And even though the final property seemed tailor-made,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34it still couldn't live up to Claire's dream.
0:18:35 > 0:18:42So will she be able to stay positive about property down under when it comes to the vote?
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Based on the properties we've seen today, our vote goes to...
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Undecided.- UK.- Australia.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Are you undecided?
0:19:05 > 0:19:11I said "undecided" because on the properties today, I wouldn't take any over the house I've currently got.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17However, a bit more research and I'd maybe get the one that ticked all my boxes, so I said "undecided".
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- And you, Nicole? - I really liked the last two houses
0:19:21 > 0:19:24and I would move out here for the last one.
0:19:24 > 0:19:31I've picked UK because one of the houses we saw today was an absolute disgrace
0:19:31 > 0:19:33and it needed far too much work.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37The two other houses, one I really liked, one I loved.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40The one I fell in love with, that's twice the house we've got,
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- but because I can't afford it, that's why I've chosen UK.- OK.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56Aussie homes left Claire and Martin disappointed and their big decision looks even more complicated,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00but Nicole's vote for Australia was a big surprise.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04And if the Whytes could find good job opportunities down under,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07emigrating would look a lot more enticing.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12At home, Claire is a social worker.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16It's a stressful job with long hours, but it's a huge part of who she is.
0:20:16 > 0:20:22Although I want to go over there and have a better life, clearly, a massive part of that is my work.
0:20:22 > 0:20:28I really enjoy my job here and I wouldn't want to give that up for something that isn't as good.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Martin is a police officer.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37Also working long hours, he is prepared to change careers to spend more time with his family.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42I did things in the past where you can do the job blindfolded once you're fully trained up.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46I like challenging, I want a career. I want the whole package.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Because Martin is thinking of changing career, their visas ride on Claire's chances
0:20:51 > 0:20:56of finding work in Australia, so today, she's meeting Chris Boyle.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Hello. Claire?- Hi.- Lovely to meet you. I'm Chris. Come on through.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05He's the Senior Practitioner at Queensland's Child Protection Offices.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10The need for child protection workers in Queensland is in great demand.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- We value people with experience coming into the workforce.- OK.
0:21:14 > 0:21:20We have investigation roles which sounds a bit like what you're doing where you work closely with police.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Then we have intervention roles where we work with case plans with families.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31- OK.- It sounds like with your range of skills, we could find a fit for you within the office.- Great.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36It looks like work could well be available for Claire, but would it be so easy for Martin
0:21:36 > 0:21:41to start a new career in Australia? He's come to meet Jason Crowther,
0:21:41 > 0:21:46a policeman turned animal inspector at the RSPCA in Brisbane.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50I enjoyed my 25 years immensely in the police service,
0:21:50 > 0:21:57- but the transition to the RSPCA was wonderful.- Do you find your police skills are beneficial here?
0:21:57 > 0:22:04With respect to investigation, communication, management skills, most definitely of benefit.
0:22:04 > 0:22:11- Would being from a different country be beneficial?- There's a large number of Scottish, English, Welsh,
0:22:11 > 0:22:17Irish inspectors in the RSPCA. I recently employed an ex-female police officer from England.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22It sounds like Martin's policing skills could translate well to RSPCA work.
0:22:22 > 0:22:29Across town, Claire wants to know if starting a new job means working the same long hours as at home.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33How is the work/life balance in Australia?
0:22:33 > 0:22:39As we know, the nature of the work does mean at times we have to stay late or begin early,
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- but that will be the exception, not the rule.- OK.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50- We're really conscious of that. - At the level I'm currently at, what would be the pay scale?
0:22:50 > 0:22:55I would say that you would come in on a professional officer's stream.
0:22:55 > 0:23:02- I think you'd come in around 66,000-70,000 a year.- That's much more than I earn in the UK.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- That's really positive to hear that it would be more here!- Fantastic.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- Hopefully, it could fund the lifestyle!- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Thank you very much.- My pleasure. Let's keep in touch.- Please do.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- Hopefully, next summer we might see you.- That's great. Thank you. - My pleasure.
0:23:19 > 0:23:26That's very encouraging news for Claire and Martin's also keen to find out how much he could earn.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30His salary could be crucial in affording a move Down Under or not.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34On commencement, within your first six months,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38the gross salary is around 45,000 a year.
0:23:38 > 0:23:44And with that is provided you a computer, a home office, mobile phone,
0:23:44 > 0:23:49a motor vehicle for your personal use, and work use.
0:23:49 > 0:23:57So with that work and life balance, the flexibility that it offers, the personal rewards of this job,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- you just can't put a monetary figure on that.- No.
0:24:01 > 0:24:07- And not many places give you things like that.- You'll certainly see your family a lot more
0:24:07 > 0:24:09as an inspector with the RSPCA.
0:24:09 > 0:24:15So things look promising for Martin and Claire, but is that enough to win their votes?
0:24:15 > 0:24:21We've both experienced work life in Australia today. Now it's time to vote what we decide.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29BOTH: Australia!
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Ooh! Australia?- Yep.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35OK, why?
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Totally not a job I'd even considered much or thought about,
0:24:39 > 0:24:46but I got good news today and it sounded like job satisfaction and work/life balance.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- If you're on 8-4, you're 8-4.- OK. - You work from home.
0:24:49 > 0:24:56- You only work one weekend in eight. - Oh, my! That's amazing. Seriously? One weekend in eight?- Yeah.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59That's so much better. Oh!
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- And you? - Really, really nice guy.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10Money was much better. It's about 12 grand more than I'm earning at the minute.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14That is really good, obviously. It could fund a lifestyle change.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19And definitely a better work/life balance. So Australia for me, too.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- Good.- Yay!- Happy?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Martin's excited about the possibility of a change of career
0:25:30 > 0:25:34and a bump in salary is even better news for Claire,
0:25:34 > 0:25:39so could those high property prices be achievable after all?
0:25:39 > 0:25:44With so much at stake, it's vital they find out if this move is affordable or not.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49The Whytes believe their home is worth £230,000.
0:25:49 > 0:25:55We've asked two estate agents to take a look round to see if they agree.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07This is a very nice, very attractive house.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14It's almost showhouse condition. Very attractive. A nice gas fire focal point here as well.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- So far, so good.- Positive.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22This is a beautiful cream Shaker-style kitchen.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- I love my kitchen. - Lovely work surfaces.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31With everything just at hand, it's a really nice kitchen.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33It's nice to see it, actually.
0:26:33 > 0:26:40This is a very nice bright, light family bedroom. Plenty of windows, very good en suite accommodation.
0:26:40 > 0:26:46And mirrored wardrobe storage, which makes it even brighter and lighter.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52A nice, vibrant teenager's room. Lots of natural light coming in. Lovely room.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57That's about ten years old!
0:26:57 > 0:27:04This is a very well-presented, attractive family home. In a very pleasant, child-safe cul-de-sac.
0:27:04 > 0:27:11I would be putting a valuation on this property at £225,000.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12Excellent.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17In a vibrant market like Inverurie, I would value this house
0:27:17 > 0:27:19at £230,000.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20Oh!
0:27:20 > 0:27:24It made me realise how much I do like my house.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30It probably has made me feel vindicated in my attitude towards houses here.
0:27:30 > 0:27:36- I don't want to settle for something I don't like.- Those valuations are both encouraging,
0:27:36 > 0:27:40but what about their cost of living in Australia versus the UK?
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- First, they compare the cost of the weekly shop.- Haggis - zero!
0:27:44 > 0:27:48We're obviously not getting haggis in Australia.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52The grocery bill comes out higher than at home.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55£70.11, UK.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58£91.25. I actually don't think that's too bad.
0:27:58 > 0:28:05I always thought Australia would be much more expensive for food, so I'm pleasantly surprised.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10Next on the list are their monthly mortgage payments in Australia.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16With no guaranteed salaries yet, they're being cautious and basing it on the cheapest property.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22We're then left with a disposable income every month of £2,576.79.
0:28:22 > 0:28:29- So we've got £1,644 more in Australia...- Better off. - Every month.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34- Compared to the UK.- With almost an £1,800 per month mortgage.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Which actually means, although I wasn't keen on property three,
0:28:38 > 0:28:42we could afford property three with the mortgage.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- And still have money left over. - Let's not get ahead of ourselves!
0:28:47 > 0:28:53Claire's sounding convinced, but are the figures good enough to win Martin over?
0:28:53 > 0:29:00Having gone through the figures from the UK in comparison to Australia, it's now time to vote.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07BOTH: Australia!
0:29:08 > 0:29:09Yay!
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- Obvious.- No brainer.- Yeah.
0:29:12 > 0:29:18I just think for doing jobs that hopefully you would like and that I would like,
0:29:18 > 0:29:23- the earning potential here is much more.- The lifestyle over here can be free.- Yeah.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28It could just be going to the beach and going to a barbecue.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32OK, it's only the one job that I've looked into, but it was...
0:29:32 > 0:29:35A lot of perks compared to the UK.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- So, yeah, good.- Happy.
0:29:44 > 0:29:50Both Claire and Martin can see a bright future in-between the lines of their cost of living figures.
0:29:50 > 0:29:56Claire's dream looks to be firmly back on track. So with two out of three Whytes happy,
0:29:56 > 0:30:00could the Aussie lifestyle have the same effect on Nicole?
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Nicole loves animals, so they head out to visit Australia Zoo.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15First time I've ever even seen one up close.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Let's move!
0:30:22 > 0:30:25To do this in Australia is amazing.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31Back home, you couldn't really do anything like this. It's too cold or too wet.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35So this has really been a wonderful day so far.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38I'll look from afar!
0:30:41 > 0:30:45I've realised that the jobs would be so much more relaxing
0:30:45 > 0:30:51and they would have time like this so we could go out and do much more family-orientated things.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55So that's also making me think twice about the move.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05It looks like the Aussie lifestyle is living up to its reputation,
0:31:05 > 0:31:10but it's Nicole's education that's most important to her.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14She's finding out about Australian schools from local pupils.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- What do you want to do when you're older?- I want to be a doctor and study medicine.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23In Grade 11 and 12, the important years,
0:31:23 > 0:31:30they put you in the subjects for what you want to do when you graduate, then you can go to uni.
0:31:30 > 0:31:36And there's some advice about starting over and leaving her friends and family behind.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41If I had to be the new person, I don't think I'd really like that.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Yeah, it's like a tough decision,
0:31:43 > 0:31:49but it's pretty lucky that you're old enough because you can always fly over by yourself
0:31:49 > 0:31:54if you really wanted to see them. And there's video calling and stuff.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58It's a good opportunity to move and get to know new people.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- Hey, thank you.- This has always been the stumbling block for Nicole,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06so has she heard enough to put her mind at rest?
0:32:06 > 0:32:11We've had a great time at the zoo today and now it's time to vote.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- Australia!- Australia!- Australia!
0:32:23 > 0:32:24Yay!
0:32:24 > 0:32:28Nicole, why did you vote Australia? What was your reasons?
0:32:28 > 0:32:34I voted Australia because there's so much opportunities to do things out here.
0:32:34 > 0:32:40The weather plays a big part in it. And also Dad and Claire would be at home more,
0:32:40 > 0:32:47whereas they're always at work back home. There's no time to do anything, even indoors, back home.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53It's really nice how laidback and relaxed they are. And it was nice to spend time with my family.
0:32:53 > 0:32:59The lifestyle out here is just completely different. To hear Nicole saying that we'd be home more
0:32:59 > 0:33:06and able to go out more because we'd have time off, yeah, it's a no-brainer for me.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- Happy, Nicole?- Yeah. - Good.- Good.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Seeing a happy Nicole is everything Claire and Martin could hope for.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24Despite her worries, the Aussie lifestyle seems to have worked its magic,
0:33:24 > 0:33:31but there's one final obstacle for everyone to face and for Nicole it's perhaps the toughest of all.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- Are you ready?- Yep.- Go for it.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40BOTH: Hello, Martin, Claire and Nicole!
0:33:40 > 0:33:46Claire is more like my best friend than my daughter.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48We're really extremely close.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52He's very outgoing, easy to get on with.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Just a good person, actually.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58She's always got a story,
0:33:58 > 0:34:05something funny to talk about. And she always knows what to say if you're upset or anything.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09We love her so much and, obviously,
0:34:09 > 0:34:15for her to maybe go away to Australia, it will affect us in some way, obviously,
0:34:15 > 0:34:20but for her parents to go over there she should be with them.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Remember, it's you as a family you've got to think about.
0:34:24 > 0:34:29Don't think about anybody else. You know I'm gonna miss you,
0:34:29 > 0:34:34there'll be floods of tears, but that's just me. Just a softie.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39I think if Nicole left, I'd feel empty a bit in my heart.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43She's very mature. Got her head screwed on properly.
0:34:43 > 0:34:49And I think she'll do well there. I'll miss her more than words could say.
0:34:49 > 0:34:55She might have a better life in Australia, but I think she'll have a hard time letting go
0:34:55 > 0:34:58of all of us and her family.
0:34:58 > 0:35:04Don't worry about missing us too much. We will be over as often as we can.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06OK, darling?
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Everybody was positive.- Yeah.
0:35:17 > 0:35:25- You could tell everybody's speaking from the heart.- It's hard seeing Nicole as upset as she is.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30- The way your friends spoke about you was credit to you.- Mm-hm.- It shows the kind of friend you are.
0:35:30 > 0:35:38- People here would be lucky to have you as a friend.- I don't like just seeing them on a screen.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43It's OK.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55The reality of emigrating is always difficult to face, especially for children,
0:35:55 > 0:36:02and seeing messages brought all of Nicole's fears flooding back, but after seeing all the positives,
0:36:02 > 0:36:08the Whytes find themselves back at square one as they reach their final decision.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15Because I felt so much pressure wanting Martin and Nicole to like it
0:36:15 > 0:36:19I forgot that I needed to allow myself the opportunity to like it.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25Sometimes I did think, "Goodness. I can't live here. What am I doing? I need to go back home."
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It's been a really good learning experience.
0:36:28 > 0:36:35Watching the messages from home, it almost brought tears to my eyes, so I can imagine how Nicole feels,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39but seeing Nicole that upset doesn't do good things for me.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43It's not what you want to see. Not at all.
0:36:43 > 0:36:49I think I've made my decision and then something else will happen and then...I don't know.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52It's just... It's really hard.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00I think Martin's in a very tough position because if Nicole doesn't want to come
0:37:00 > 0:37:07and me and Martin do, and he says no because of Nicole, then I just won't come either.
0:37:08 > 0:37:14I'll be sad. It will always be a regret of mine that it hasn't worked out how I wanted it to,
0:37:14 > 0:37:19but, yeah, I would put the needs of my marriage first, of course.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Always.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24We need to be a unit and that's the biggest thing for me,
0:37:24 > 0:37:28seeing Nicole enjoying our company and us enjoying hers.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31That's been the best thing for me.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37I'm ready to come out here and give it a go, if Nicole's on board. Nicole has to be on board.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43I think they're kind of expecting that I'll probably say home,
0:37:43 > 0:37:46but I think they're both wanting me to say here.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50That's also hard. I don't want to disappoint them.
0:37:50 > 0:37:56But at the same time I don't really... They don't feel like it's a holiday here. I do.
0:37:56 > 0:38:02This has felt like a bit of a holiday. And it just feels like we're going to go home.
0:38:02 > 0:38:09It's a lot of pressure for 15-year-old Nicole, but at the end of their week, how will they vote?
0:38:09 > 0:38:17We have had a really good week in Australia, with ups and downs, but now it's time to vote.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- Australia.- Australia. - In the middle.
0:38:29 > 0:38:35For me personally, it's Australia because one week and I'm already thinking this is the life for me.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I'm willing to give it a go. I'd regret it if I didn't try it.
0:38:40 > 0:38:48Yeah, pretty much the same for me. We've all really enjoyed it and the worst is that we come and go back.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52But I think if we come out, we'll all really enjoy it.
0:38:52 > 0:38:59I'm quite pleased that you voted in-between, rather than just UK. I thought you might just go UK.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03I was going to go UK and changed my mind at the last second.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10But there has been good things here, but I still want to be at home.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26Their week in Australia left the Whyte family with a huge dilemma
0:39:26 > 0:39:32with Nicole unable to decide where her future lies. They've been back in Scotland for a few weeks,
0:39:32 > 0:39:38so I've come to find out if they're able to make that final decision as a family.
0:39:39 > 0:39:45- The hardest part of the week was watching friends and family, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50- Were you surprised just how emotional you got?- No.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Really? You knew you'd get upset.
0:39:53 > 0:40:00I knew she'd be upset, but when I saw how upset she was, I did think, "Oh. Not a good idea."
0:40:00 > 0:40:06It is putting a lot of pressure on someone so young. People thought I was harsh, not giving her comfort,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- but that can make it worse. It was just a pat on the leg.- Right?
0:40:10 > 0:40:14It just makes me worse. It's best to leave me and I'll be fine.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- Yeah, just give you that space. - Yeah.
0:40:17 > 0:40:24So, Martin and Claire, I think I know the answer, but has your opinion changed at all about moving?
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Not at all for me, personally. I definitely want to go.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33- I just loved it.- Once we were there, I was like a kid in a sweetie shop.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I just fell in love. I really did.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- You were sold on the whole idea. - And my opinion hasn't changed.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- I'm still sold. I loved it. - Fantastic.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48And Nicole... 50/50, undecided, when we last saw you.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53Since you've been home, you've had a few weeks to think about it, talk to your friends.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58Have you spoken to your grandparents about it? You're very close to them.
0:40:58 > 0:41:06They don't mind speaking about it, but it's me. I'll speak to them a little bit, then change the subject.
0:41:06 > 0:41:12So, perhaps, can I ask you to vote one more time for me? Your final choice. Here's your flag.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17Let's see this time. Give it a good twirl.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23It's going to be...
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Australia.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- Yay!- That's fantastic! They're so relieved.
0:41:30 > 0:41:38That's fantastic news. So, tell me, why the change? Why did you make that your decision?
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Well, I still am a bit unsure, but I'm willing to go and give it a try.
0:41:43 > 0:41:49They've said if I don't like it then I can come back. That's put my mind a bit at ease as well.
0:41:49 > 0:41:55As much as it's Claire's dream, I fell in love with it. Nicole means everything,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57so I'm just delighted.
0:41:57 > 0:42:04She wants to be together as a family and we've said 12 months, give it a try and then you can come back.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09She'd be well looked after with Martin's parents, so we would fully support that.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14In the ideal world, you'll remain all together out in Australia.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18So what's the plan? How quickly are you hoping to get out there?
0:42:18 > 0:42:25- We're saying next summer.- Right. - That lets us get the house on the market, live with family, save hard.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30- Yes.- And let Nicole finish her last year at school.- Exciting times.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35I'm absolutely thrilled that the dream has come alive,
0:42:35 > 0:42:40but the best news is that Nicole is on board as well. Have a fabulous time over there.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Thank you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50That's such brilliant news. Moving 12,000 miles to the other side of the world is a huge decision
0:42:50 > 0:42:54for anyone, especially if you're just 15,
0:42:54 > 0:43:00but fantastically for Claire and Martin, Nicole has decided she wants to live in Australia.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03And they'll be going very soon.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd