0:00:02 > 0:00:04Holiday memories often paint a rosy picture of what life
0:00:04 > 0:00:08might be like in another country far from home.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12But can such dreams really stand the test of time?
0:00:12 > 0:00:16One UK family are about to find out.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20Dave Howe fell in love with Australia 10 years ago.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22It was just unbelievable.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25I was living the dream. I really was.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Now he's determined to move his family there,
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- but wife Laurra's nervous. - Yeah, it terrifies me.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33But if I don't go and have a look, then I'll never know.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35But when Australia falls short of his memories...
0:00:35 > 0:00:37It's not right for us, at all.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40..and Laurra's faced with the reality of leaving her mother...
0:00:40 > 0:00:42If she thought something was going to hurt me,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44she'd never even consider doing it.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Erm...
0:00:45 > 0:00:46Yeah.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48..will Dave's dream come to nothing?
0:01:14 > 0:01:15In the last 20 years,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19over 600,000 Brits have left the UK for a new life in Australia,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22attracted by its mild climate
0:01:22 > 0:01:24and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26But not everyone has found the Promised Land,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and a third have returned to the UK
0:01:28 > 0:01:30with their dreams shattered.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34The Howes are facing a huge dilemma -
0:01:34 > 0:01:38will Australia be that paradise Dave remembers from 10 years ago,
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and, if it is, can he persuade his wife Laurra
0:01:41 > 0:01:46to give up everything she knows and loves in the UK?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Over the next week, they'll experience the everyday reality
0:01:49 > 0:01:51of life down under,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53before facing the biggest decision of their lives.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Where their family's future will lie.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The Howe family have been travelling for over 24 hours
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and they have barely touched down in Brisbane before Dave realises
0:02:13 > 0:02:15things are not what they were.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17This trip has been SO difficult.
0:02:17 > 0:02:1810 years ago it was easy.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Just had myself to worry about.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22And now there's two kids...
0:02:22 > 0:02:25And Laurra's not great at flying. So it's been an experience!
0:02:25 > 0:02:30It's just a really hard trip to do with two small children.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Yeah, but we made it! We've made it.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Dave's staying positive, but Laurra doesn't share his enthusiasm.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39It's such a huge ask
0:02:39 > 0:02:41to expect anybody to come that distance on an aeroplane.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46And the weather's not helping either.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47Just for today.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50It'll be sun tomorrow, I'm sure.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53THEY CHUCKLE
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Dave really has his work cut out convincing Laurra
0:02:56 > 0:02:58a life in Australia is a good idea.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04The Howes are from Hereford in the West Midlands.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09They are Dave, Laurra, baby Carmen, who's one, and five-year-old Jack.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Dave's always been fascinated by Australia.
0:03:14 > 0:03:15As I was growing up, Australia was...
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I don't know. I don't know what it was. It was very strange.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Ten years ago he was captivated on a trip down under,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24and he's been determined to return ever since.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27When I think back to it, it still makes me smile now.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30I didn't have to write a journal, because I remember every single day.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32I can't remember last week, what I was doing at work,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34but I can remember 10 years ago.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38It was a very exciting time in my life.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Wife Laurra has been living with his obsession ever since they met.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45So I've always known that he's been a bit Aussie mad.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47One of his cheesy chat-up lines was,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49"One day I'll take you to Byron Bay,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52"and they've got the most beautiful sunsets."
0:03:52 > 0:03:56And then he'd show me the pictures, and they are beautiful.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Because I went alone, it'd be nice to share it with somebody,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and Laurra would be that person.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Hardly a day goes by without Dave talking about emigrating.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I pester Laurra about Australia a lot.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I don't think I do, but I know I do.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15I want to get Laurra over there.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And I have been trying to for the past ten years.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20But a lot has happened in that time.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23When we go over, it's going to be as a family.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26There'll be two little children. And we now look at things for them.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29I know you know that, but when you went ten years ago,
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- it was a lot different to what it is...- Yeah, definitely.
0:04:34 > 0:04:40Despite this, Dave's convinced Australia is the place to raise their family.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I think there's a better way of life.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46For all of us, not just for the kids.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I think for me and Laurra.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I know you want the best for us,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and I know that and I trust him,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54but the thought of going...
0:04:54 > 0:04:57It makes it easier, in a way, because I know he wouldn't
0:04:57 > 0:05:00do anything that would put us, as a family, at risk.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Laurra means a lot to me, and her thoughts,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07if she is not happy over there, then us as a unit won't work.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11And that's important to me. Because over here it does work.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13So after 10 years of constant nagging,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Laurra has agreed to give it a go.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18I listen to Dave and think, "Well, maybe you're right.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21"Maybe there is more for us over there." I don't know what...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23what more is over there,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25but if I don't go and have a look, then I'll never know.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28But for both Laurra and Dave,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31leaving family will be a massive wrench.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32We see them all the time.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34We see my mum and dad all the time,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36we see Dave's mum and dad all the time.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39The kids love seeing their grandparents. Every day.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41They've always been there to support us,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45and I don't know how it would work without that support.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48My family are very important to me.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50They are my rock.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52My mum and dad, and my nan.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55To not see them every week will be very tough.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59And Laurra has a particularly close relationship with her mum.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03My mum is one in a million.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Her and Karen are so close it's unbelievable.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11I suppose it's just the thought of missing somebody that much,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15that I can't cope with.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19I feel really guilty, because I'm the person who wants this to happen,
0:06:19 > 0:06:25and tearing Laurra and Karen like this, is terrible.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30Laurra's mum is so upset, she refuses to discuss the move.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It is a big "no" for her, at the moment.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35It's not something she wants to deal with. And I don't blame her.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Because I'm considering taking her grandchildren
0:06:38 > 0:06:40to the other side of the world,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42and then I think how selfish am I?!
0:06:42 > 0:06:44If she thought something was going to hurt me,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47she'd never even consider doing it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Erm... Yeah.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55It's a massive ask for Laurra.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Can Dave persuade her a life down under is worth the heartache
0:06:58 > 0:07:02of leaving behind the family she loves so dearly?
0:07:02 > 0:07:06And ten years on, will Australia still be the utopia he remembers?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12The Howes are spending the week in Burleigh Beach,
0:07:12 > 0:07:16a Gold Coast suburb an hour's drive from Brisbane's city centre.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18It's a favourite spot for families
0:07:18 > 0:07:21with its calm waters and sandy beaches.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Their temporary home is this modern beach-side apartment.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28What will Laurra make of her first taste of Aussie living?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Oh, this is lovely. This is really nice.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Kids love it! Out here, the view...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35You can see the sea.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Erm... No, everything. Everything about it is perfect.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42It's a gorgeous place to be living.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46That's just what Dave needed to hear, but will it be enough?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Laurra's not 100% she wants to be here,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52so it's very important that the weather's good,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54the houses are good, the job opportunities are good -
0:07:54 > 0:07:55everything's good!
0:07:55 > 0:07:59So it's very important. So, I'm hoping it works.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03We need to find out if it is what Dave expected it to be.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Whether it's different to 10 years ago.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Because I don't think it necessarily will be what he expects.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12I think this is our one and only opportunity,
0:08:12 > 0:08:17because we both believe that the age of our kids, it's the perfect time.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21For Laurra to want to move over here,
0:08:21 > 0:08:23it's going to have to be pretty much perfect.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26It's going to take... Something will have to blow me away, to live here.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Back in the UK,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41home for the Howes is this semi-detached Victorian house
0:08:41 > 0:08:42near the centre of Hereford.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44We've been living here for six years,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46and everything has happened here.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48We've had Jack, we've had Carmen,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- we got engaged...- Yeah.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- ..married... - Self-employed here.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56All our big life events have happened in this house.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58I do see it as a sort of a house, I suppose, but I see it as memories.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Every room.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Especially the kids growing up.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06You put a lot of love into a home, I think. And this is a home.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07And it has an awful lot of memories.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And that will be really difficult to leave.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12So if they made the move, what budget would they have
0:09:12 > 0:09:14to find a new home down under?
0:09:14 > 0:09:17We'll be looking at between 180,000 and 200,000.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20I think Dave thinks that he might be able to get
0:09:20 > 0:09:22a four-bedroomed house with a pool.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24If we'd done this five years ago, I think, yeah,
0:09:24 > 0:09:30I think for maybe 195 we'd get a great house with a swimming pool.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I don't think it's there any more.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34I'd just like something big enough
0:09:34 > 0:09:37for the four of us to be comfortable.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Somewhere that we can put our stamp on, that would be our place.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43But it would have to be big enough.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45And then if family came over,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47you'd need somewhere for them to stay as well.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50If their budget can't buy them the space they need,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52would the dream be over?
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I'm sure there's a property, in the whole of Australia,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57I'd find to keep the dream alive.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01No, I believe, somewhere over there, is for us.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03I wouldn't mind if it was a doer-upper,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06or if it was something that we needed to work on.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Because we did that here.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10We've built this home for us.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14I joke with Laurra, about I'd probably live in a shack...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16with, probably, surfboards outside.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Erm... But no, it is important.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Laurra needs to be happy.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It's going to be our home.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28To give the Howes an idea of the Gold Coast property market,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30we're showing them three properties,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33based on their budget, their dream home, and one in between.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37After seeing each of the houses, we'll reveal what they cost.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39The search begins in Reedy Creek,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42a southern suburb on the Gold Coast.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44With schools, major shopping centres
0:10:44 > 0:10:47and restaurants, it's perfect for young families like the Howes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52It's close to the beach, but Laurra spots a problem straightaway.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54It's quite, erm...a noisy...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57That's the main freeway, isn't it, to Brisbane?
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Yeah, it is noisy.- Yeah. - Looks a nice looking property.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Yeah, nice looking house.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06The noisy motorway is not helping Dave's case -
0:11:06 > 0:11:10perhaps this three-bedroom, two- bathroom, starter town house will.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15It's an...open space.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- It is. But it's a bit small, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Very small.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's a disappointing start.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- This is a lot smaller than what we've got back home.- A lot smaller.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28And, you know...
0:11:28 > 0:11:31And outside, things go from bad to worse.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Bit crazy out here!
0:11:34 > 0:11:37That's some sort of foundations!
0:11:37 > 0:11:40I don't think this is for us. This is tiny.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42What a view, eh?
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- Freeway.- Yeah.- No. No.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- So I can't tempt you with this one? - No.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52It's definitely not love at first sight for Laurra.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55And after years of trying to sell Australia,
0:11:55 > 0:11:57even Dave's losing faith.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00You can't really get excited about looking at a rock.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Well, not even a rock, a foundation.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Is the Aussie dream fizzling out already?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Based on this property, erm...
0:12:09 > 0:12:13This isn't going to work out to be a great day. Erm...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16I just hope it gets better than this. HE CHUCKLES
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Can the price make a difference?
0:12:19 > 0:12:21This house may not be what they want,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23but if it's within their £180,000 budget,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25it could be all they can afford.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29So, what do you think this is worth?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I think it's 1,000! - Yes, me too.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Erm...it's... It's got to be under.- Got to be.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- I'm saying it's under. - Freeway, no garden...
0:12:40 > 0:12:41A big rock.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43If it's over-budget, then...
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Bad.- Damn!
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Dream ends here. - Taxi!
0:12:48 > 0:12:50But it's...
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- It's one house. - It's one house.- Yeah.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- 1-7-1... Yeah.- Yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Is it 1,000?
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It's 1-7-1.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03That's only £9,000 under budget.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05It is quite scary, actually.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Thinking about it now. That is close to budget.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12And it's a bit of a...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Yeah, it's not right for us, at all.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17So, yeah, I think it's going to be a bit worrying...
0:13:17 > 0:13:19the next ones we see.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23It's not the start Dave dreamed of.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27If he's to win Laurra around, things will have to improve.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Perhaps the next house will help his case.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It's in the suburb of Burleigh Heads,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35home to the Gold Coast's best beaches,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37this area has a small community feel.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42Can this modern three-bedroom semi turn things around?
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It's a very busy road, isn't it?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Oh, dear. Not another busy road!
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- Yeah, it is busy. - But Dave's quick with the hard sell.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's a nice feel, though, isn't it? Childcare across the road.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Do you like it? It's nice and big.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Things are looking up.
0:13:57 > 0:14:03Plenty of space. Just needs changing to how we'd have it.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Laurra's making all the right noises about the inside.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Yeah, I do like this.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12But the noise outside is still a problem.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- Apart from a big old lorry going by! - Yeah.- It spoils it.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Perhaps the bedrooms will impress.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Oh, wow! Look at... Oh, it's quite big.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Surprised! Oh, it is big up here.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Too big.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28It's too big?!
0:14:28 > 0:14:29It's too big.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Why is there two beds?
0:14:32 > 0:14:34It's another bedroom.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- This is a nice one, isn't it? - A decent-sized bedroom.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Got storage space, which is great.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Saves on a wardrobe, and it's plenty big enough.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45For one of the kids, yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- I'm thinking this is going to be too much money, now.- Yeah, could be.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Oh, and look at this one, Carmen.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Look in here! - Ooh!
0:14:53 > 0:14:57An en suite... Wow! This is a BIG room.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59This house keeps surprising Laurra.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- This is more like it. - Yeah, it is.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Nice, isn't it?- It is nice. I like this.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06But...
0:15:06 > 0:15:10I couldn't see myself living here, at the moment.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11Erm...
0:15:13 > 0:15:15A big old lorry going by.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17This wouldn't make me move.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19This property has the space Laurra wants,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22but the noise outside has put her off.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24And with only a small garden for the children,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- it's another set back for Dave. - It is nice, it's just...
0:15:28 > 0:15:31There's not a lot of space out here, is there?
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Hang on, Dad. All might not be lost just yet.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Oh, look down there. Look at this.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40How nice is that?!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42That's more like it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46The house is in a complex with a shared pool and barbecue area.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47This is nice.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50If you've got this sort of space and you don't mind having...
0:15:50 > 0:15:51And it's safe, as well.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53It'd be a nice place to meet other families,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56kids to make more friends...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It's really nice. Nice feel.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Just worried it's a little bit out of our budget.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06So, if we lived here, do you think you could swim every day, Jack!
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Yeah.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Because we can't always do it in England.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Can we?
0:16:12 > 0:16:14That's Jack sold.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18And even Carmen's starting to get into the swing of things.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22So, is this somewhere Laurra could call home?
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's lovely seeing him like this.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26If the whole family was here, it would be perfect.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28It would be brilliant.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30But they're not.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Although they were both excited by this property,
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Laurra is still not convinced it's worth moving
0:16:37 > 0:16:39halfway round the world for.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41And with a budget of just £180,000,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44is it somewhere they can afford?
0:16:44 > 0:16:46So what do you reckon? Under or over?
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- I think over.- I think under. - Under? OK. I think over.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52OK, so, are you ready, Jack?
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Come over here.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57Turn it over, then.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- Oh, 205.- 205.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07That's £25,000 over budget.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09That's... That's a surprise.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Why? - Don't you think?
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Yeah, I suppose, yeah.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- I think that's about right, for here. - Yeah.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18I'd...
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Yeah.- You wanted it...to be a lot more, didn't you?- Yeah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:23THEY LAUGH
0:17:23 > 0:17:26But for Laurra it's not about the cost.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28It's just not singing and dancing for me. You know?
0:17:28 > 0:17:31To move to the other side of the world...
0:17:31 > 0:17:33it has to be singing and dancing.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38After years of waiting,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40everything could rest on the final property,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43if Dave's to have any chance of fulfilling his dream.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Last stop of the day is in the Gold Coast suburb
0:17:47 > 0:17:51of Currumbin, a bustling beach-side village, perfect family living
0:17:51 > 0:17:5452 miles south of Brisbane.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57This four-bedroom traditional Queenslander house
0:17:57 > 0:18:00should have the space they're looking for,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03but will it be enough to bring Laurra round?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Ooh, look at this one, Dad!
0:18:05 > 0:18:06I like this!
0:18:06 > 0:18:09That's nice.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Got a good feeling about this one.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12That's the spirit, Dave!
0:18:12 > 0:18:14(Laurra likes it, too!)
0:18:15 > 0:18:17This is nice.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Oh, yeah.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20The house needs some work,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23which shouldn't be a problem for carpenter Dave.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- But what does Laurra think of it? - I love it. I think...
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- I mean, I like it. - What?! What did you say?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31No, I think it's really nice. It is really nice.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34At last, music to Dave's ears!
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Can you imagine this being your bedroom?- Yeah!- Yeah?
0:18:37 > 0:18:39What do you think to this, Jack?
0:18:39 > 0:18:40It's nice and big, isn't it?
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- It's lovely. What do you think? - Yeah, I like it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- It's a good-sized kitchen, too, isn't it?- Yeah, it's lovely.- Yeah?
0:18:46 > 0:18:48It does need a lot of work, but...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- For something like this, it's worth it, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Nice to see you smile.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56When we walked up and saw the front of this house, I thought,
0:18:56 > 0:18:57"Yeah, I like this one."
0:18:57 > 0:19:00THIS might make me move.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03And the fourth bedroom's ticked another box.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So then you've got a spare room...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09for when people come and stay.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Yeah, exactly.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14And Laurra has spotted some more potential.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- It's not used at the moment, is it?- No.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20So, the other side, they've got that room.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23So if you do that room this side,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25you could have it like a little Granny annexe.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Yeah, no, yeah, exactly! Yeah.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Good idea.- Perfect.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35I could definitely see the family coming to live somewhere like this.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39This is the first time I've seen Laurra, erm...
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Her eyes... Her eyes give anything away.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46And, this is the first time she's looked at me and...and liked it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50I love the Queenslander homes.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54It's a really nice... It's got a lot of potential.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Yeah, it's really lovely.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Looks like Laurra's coming round,
0:19:59 > 0:20:03and Dave's dream could finally be gaining traction.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07But if the price isn't within their £180,000 budget,
0:20:07 > 0:20:09he could find himself back at square one.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I'm hoping it's under,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16but I think it's going to be... slightly over.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18What do you think?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- Hold on, Jack. - I think it's going to be over.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22You think it's going to be over?
0:20:22 > 0:20:24I'm hoping it's going to be under!
0:20:24 > 0:20:27It's not going to be over! I don't want to turn it over!
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Oh, gosh! 240.- 240.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32That's not too bad, really...
0:20:32 > 0:20:35It's way over-price, but Laurra likes it so much,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38she's already wondering how far they could stretch their budget.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41I don't know what I think now because I'm so...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I didn't think we'd find anything that we'd like,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47and now that we have, erm...
0:20:49 > 0:20:51I don't know what to think any more.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- You didn't think we'd see this, did you?- No.- And now you have...
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Yeah.- And it throws everything upside down, I'm guessing.- Yeah.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01If we could afford this, then...
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Mm.- Hm!
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Yeah.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09The Howes have seen three very different properties today.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11While the first house was within budget,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14it was too small and too close to the motorway.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Property number two had a lot going for it,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20but not enough to win Laurra over.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Although it was over budget, the third house was a big hit.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26And if they both found the right jobs, it could be affordable.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31So, when it comes to properties, which way will the Howes vote?
0:21:31 > 0:21:34We've had a great day, seen some amazing locations
0:21:34 > 0:21:36and some interesting properties.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38But now it is time to make the vote.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Australia. - Undecided.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- What's going on?- I don't know.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51I don't know that I've seen enough today.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- No, that's fair enough. - At least it's not UK.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Yeah, that's really good. Well done, babe.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00For Laurra to vote undecided is a big thing.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02It's been a positive start.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05But not one that's going to make me move yet.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07That's better than Dave expected,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10but he's still got an awful lot to do,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14if he's ever to convince Laurra to commit to a new life in Australia.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Finding the right work prospects is going to be key
0:22:23 > 0:22:27if Dave's ever to turn his dream life down under into a reality.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Back in the UK, he runs his own carpentry business.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It's taken five years to build.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38My clientele is very good,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40and it keeps on building.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It'd be hard to leave my business,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46because I've put so much time and effort into it,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and I really have put in some long hours to get where I am.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Laurra works part-time as a receptionist
0:22:54 > 0:22:57and runs a small cake-making business from home.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01All being well, I'd want to continue doing this.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03And, erm...
0:23:03 > 0:23:06make cakes over there.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I'd want to work for myself, but, ultimately,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I'd want everything to go right for the children first.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16My dreams of a job would come second to them.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Having been his own boss for so long,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Dave understands he may have to take a step back in Australia.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27I'd love to, at one point, have my own business over there.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31But I also want the best for my family.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36Whether I've got to go back and maybe work FOR a company, that's fine.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I have no problem with that.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40But what if the money's not right?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42I don't mind working for less,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44but if I'm earning terrible money,
0:23:44 > 0:23:46and everything's more expensive and we're struggling...
0:23:46 > 0:23:50If I find myself and Laurra maybe working a weekend, what's the point?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53You can't enjoy the lifestyle which I've been going on about
0:23:53 > 0:23:56for the past 10 years.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00In fact, getting the right work-life balance could be key to
0:24:00 > 0:24:02persuading Laurra to make the move.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06We're going for a better lifestyle for more time with the children,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09to do more things with the children, erm...
0:24:09 > 0:24:14and if it's Australia that has those opportunities
0:24:14 > 0:24:17then I'd be silly not to take them up.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26While the children are looked after by a childminder,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30Dave and Laurra set off to explore their work opportunities.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Dave meets up with John from the Master Builders Association
0:24:33 > 0:24:37to find out if his skills will transfer down under.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40With carpenters coming here from England, especially,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42even if you've got a City and Guilds licence or qualification,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44it's actually not recognised here.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46You need to get a skills assessment done.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49So that can actually take a number of months.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51So it's not just a matter of basically landing here
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and being a carpenter.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55That's the unfortunate part.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57That's a massive blow for Dave.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And as the main breadwinner, the news could be a huge set back.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Will Laurra's prospects be any better?
0:25:03 > 0:25:06She's visiting a local cake-making company,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- where she's met by manager Andi. - Thank you.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12On the Gold Coast, there's a lot of weddings.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15So wedding cakes is definitely a good place to start.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17But then everybody has got children
0:25:17 > 0:25:20who want birthday cakes for their children.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23So it's... I think it's one of those businesses -
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- there's room for everybody. - OK. Lovely.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28That's very encouraging news for Laurra.
0:25:28 > 0:25:34Meanwhile, Dave gets the lowdown on working in Australia from local builder Shaun.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35About the sort of money over here...
0:25:35 > 0:25:39Would you have any idea of how much I could earn if I come over?
0:25:39 > 0:25:41It depends what you get into.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43If you went and worked for someone,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46you'd probably earn around 50,000 a year average.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49If I was sort of self-employed, working for myself,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52would there be any difference?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Yes. There's the potential to earn a lot more.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58You can earn up to 150,000 if you work hard.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- Put in the hours and...- OK. - ..are dedicated, yeah.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05And Laurra's keen to find out how much DOUGH there might be in cakes!
0:26:05 > 0:26:08If you were to start it as a business,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11what would your potential earnings be?
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Most cake decorators working from home,
0:26:14 > 0:26:18I would say, probably charge about 25 an hour.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22However, if you were running a business from a business premises
0:26:22 > 0:26:25you'd have to take into account your overheads and things like that,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29so you should be charging more along the 50 an hour.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32So it just depends on what set-up you're going to start with.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36And what about the all-important work-life balance?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Do you find you have time to spend time with your family and friends?
0:26:39 > 0:26:40It can get pretty full-on sometimes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- You work as many hours as...- Yeah. - Yeah.- It's never-ending.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Unless you work for someone, then, you know, you've got set hours.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- Yeah.- It's steady.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- Yeah, it's steady. Which is good sometimes.- Yeah, it is.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56A steady job working for someone else in Australia
0:26:56 > 0:27:00would give Dave a salary of £46,000 a year.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03But would it be enough to buy into the lifestyle
0:27:03 > 0:27:05he's dreamt of for so long?
0:27:05 > 0:27:07If I take it on the 46,000,
0:27:07 > 0:27:13it means Laurra is going to have to get a decent-paid job, as well.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Because on that money I know we couldn't survive.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19It seems a lot more difficult to become a carpenter over here.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25After waiting 10 years, is Dave's dream a lost cause?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27It's time to vote.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31OK, after seeing our work opportunities here in Australia,
0:27:31 > 0:27:33our vote goes to...
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Undecided.- Australia.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Why have you gone undecided?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50With a bit more research, maybe it would've been Australia, but...
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I need a bit more time to check out pay and, erm...
0:27:54 > 0:27:56You can't just get over here and start working.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00But, you - Australia - what's going on?
0:28:00 > 0:28:04There's more opportunity down here in regards to the clients.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06It's such a long coastal area that it...
0:28:06 > 0:28:10There's so much more work available. So, yeah.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15So that's an Australia and a... maybe, so...
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- OK, OK...- That's pretty good. - Calm down, calm down.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Dave might be worried about work prospects,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31but Laurra's vote for Australia
0:28:31 > 0:28:34means his hopes of a life down under are still very much alive.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Now it's time to find out if they could afford it.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39While Jack and Carmen take a nap,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Dave and Laurra get to grips with the figures.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46They think their house in the UK is worth £190,000.
0:28:46 > 0:28:52We sent two local estate agents to give an up-to-date valuation.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Really nice. Nice archways.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Nice feel to the property. It feels really nice to come in.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59Thank you.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02This is a lovely room. Very spacious.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I love the way it flows through from one to the other.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07A delightful original fireplace.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- That's very nice. - He's saying a lot of things.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Same in the lounge, as well.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13This kitchen has been extended at some point.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16It's much bigger than the average for this type of house
0:29:16 > 0:29:18in this part of the city.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21The kitchen itself is modern and well fitted.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23This is a nice-size room. Lovely high ceilings.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Good use of space.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27The recesses either side of the chimney breast
0:29:27 > 0:29:30with the fitted wardrobes there.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34I love the Australian connection with the didgeridoo!
0:29:34 > 0:29:36There's more.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Yeah!
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Some of it's hidden.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41Nice-size bathroom.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Nice white modern suite, but still in keeping with the house.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46So, very good.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50This is a great child's bedroom.
0:29:50 > 0:29:51Lovely, yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55Slightly smaller than your normal third bedroom.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58But ideal for what they're using it as right now.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00OK, this is a great Victorian semi,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02in a really popular part of the city.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04And in the current market
0:30:04 > 0:30:07I would value this property at £179,500.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11And for a quick sale, I would suggest 175,000.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13No.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17An attractive, well-presented three-bedroom semi-detached house
0:30:17 > 0:30:19in a very popular area.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23In the current market I would value the property at £179,950
0:30:23 > 0:30:26and for a quick sale I'd take an offer for 175,000.
0:30:26 > 0:30:32It is disappointing news, but Dave and Laurra refuse to be beaten.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34No.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38No, I'd say a quick sale would be the £179,750.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42You can't find anything else like that around Hereford at that size.
0:30:42 > 0:30:49- It is worth another 5,000.- Yeah.- But it's not as bad as it could be.- No.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- No. - No, not at all.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54If they'd gone any lower, I'd be a little bit annoyed.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56To see how the finances would work,
0:30:56 > 0:31:00we've provided a breakdown of living costs in the UK and Australia.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03First up, the weekly food shop.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Everything seems to be just that little bit more, doesn't it?
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Nappies? - That's a big difference.- Yeah.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- Wow.- Five pounds more.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Potty training pretty quick!
0:31:17 > 0:31:20So what does the weekly food shop add up to?
0:31:20 > 0:31:22£56 more...
0:31:22 > 0:31:26to do your shop here, than it is back home.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- Yeah.- That's crazy.- Mm.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32There's a massive difference.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36£56 a week. You know? Times that by four.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39That's a big jump for the shopping bill.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Basing their sums on the Queensland property which Laurra loved,
0:31:43 > 0:31:45the couple would face a mortgage increase
0:31:45 > 0:31:48of more than £400 per month in Australia.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Then there's the other household outgoings.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- Look at electricity. Wow!- Mm.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55£60 back home, £188 here.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Car insurance would be £200 a month?
0:32:00 > 0:32:02That's crazy.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04House insurance...
0:32:04 > 0:32:08Doubled. It's getting worse at the moment!
0:32:08 > 0:32:11So where do their calculations leave them?
0:32:11 > 0:32:16£192.34 worse off in Australia than in the UK.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20That's just over £2,000 a year.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- So...- That's my working full-time.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27I want to work, but I also want some time with the children.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29With the children, yeah.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33So even if I was to work a bit harder, or for myself,
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Laurra would probably only work part-time.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40So you are probably still looking at a minus.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42So, it is quite worrying, really.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- It's one of those things, isn't it? - Yeah, yeah.- Sorry.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52No, it's... That's how it is. Figures don't lie.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56After 10 years of hoping, could the hard reality of money
0:32:56 > 0:32:58be about to destroy Dave's dream
0:32:58 > 0:33:00of a better life for his family down under?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04UK. UK.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08Sorry.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10I've got the same.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15There's no point coming if you're going to be worse off, really.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18The finances may be a huge disappointment,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21but Dave's not giving up on his dream just yet.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23I hope it isn't a dream killer.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27I'm hoping I can maybe look at the figures a bit more
0:33:27 > 0:33:31and be able to come over here to work like back home.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Come here for the lifestyle.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40High on both their wish lists is time outdoors with the children.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44So if Brisbane can offer a lifestyle they can all enjoy,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47it could be another step in the right direction.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Jack's a big fan of animals and nature,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58so today the Howes are off to a local wildlife sanctuary.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01It's a taste of what they could do on a regular basis,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03and it's going down well with Laurra.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08Oh, he's lovely. You can't deny that he's... He's so sweet!
0:34:08 > 0:34:09It's just lovely, yeah.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13Being in a place like this does make me feel different about moving here.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Because Jack is enjoying it so much.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And Carmen. And she's...
0:34:18 > 0:34:20loving interacting with the animals.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It's a lot different now to 10 years ago, obviously,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25because I was obviously a single man.
0:34:25 > 0:34:31But seeing stuff like this really does bring back how good Australia is.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36The ocean front is part and parcel of life on the Gold Coast.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38To find out how they could enjoy it,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Dave and Laurra get a few words of advice from Craig.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43He runs Currumbin Life-savers,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46a beach-side club which organises family activities.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49One of the first things, as a parent in surf club is,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53one parent must stay on the beach with their children on Sunday mornings
0:34:53 > 0:34:54when we have Nippers.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57So, you are forced - for want of a better word -
0:34:57 > 0:35:00to mix with the local families.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02It just sounds fun, doesn't it? It really does.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06It does. It's important for us to find a community we can fit into,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11because we come from a small community now.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15And we need to find something similar over here.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Because otherwise we just wouldn't settle in.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- It wouldn't work. - Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24After sampling just a little of what's on offer,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27has everyone been convinced by the Australian lifestyle?
0:35:27 > 0:35:30After an amazing family day today, it's time for us to make our vote.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31You ready?
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Australia!
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Oh, little man! You've gone UK?
0:35:43 > 0:35:46Why have you picked home?
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Because we would miss all our friends.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- We'd miss all our friends?- Yes.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- Do you miss Nanny and Grandad? - Everybody.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58To see the children so happy, it does make a difference.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03But, I know that they're happy back home, as well.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08So, it's trying to balance it all up.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- I don't know yet. I don't know. - I knew she'd vote Australia today,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17but I still know that it's going to take so much
0:36:17 > 0:36:21for Laurra to want to come because of the family, and how close she is.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Laurra's second vote for Oz is a huge boost for Dave,
0:36:32 > 0:36:34but there's one hurdle left to overcome.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37And he knows it's not going to be easy.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41Laurra's always made it clear that leaving family and friends behind
0:36:41 > 0:36:42would be a massive wrench.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45And her mum is dead set against the move.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49So what will the messages from loved ones back home
0:36:49 > 0:36:50do to Dave's fading dream?
0:36:50 > 0:36:53While Jack and Carmen are looked after by a childminder,
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Laurra and Dave settle down to watch a DVD of messages
0:36:57 > 0:36:59from loved ones back in the UK.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- ALL:- Hi!- Hi, love. - Hiya, Laurra! All right?
0:37:02 > 0:37:06Hi, Laurra. Hi, Dave. My babies - Jack and Carmen.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Hello, everybody.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Hello, everybody.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Hi, Laurra.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Hiya, Laurra, David, Jack...
0:37:14 > 0:37:15- And Carmen. - Carmen.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Oh, they're a lovely little family.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Very hard-working.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23David is a lovely lad.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Dave's always been the same. Perfect gentleman, sort of thing.
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Isn't he?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Well, to me Laurra is my little girl.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Although she is 28, or whatever it is, she is still my little girl.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Stunning.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38Erm... Gosh, you're making me cry!
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Just a beautiful girl.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46And we'll miss her if she goes.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48The children are...
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Well, they're everything to us, really, aren't they?
0:37:52 > 0:37:56Not being able to touch them, hug them...
0:37:56 > 0:37:58That would be the hardest.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03My initial feeling was...fantastic.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07If I'd had my time again, I'd do it.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09I wouldn't hesitate.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11I think it's an amazing opportunity.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Then my reservations started to creep in,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17because obviously it would break my sister's heart.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19We are close. I'm quite close to David.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22He's always been there, as a brother. I'm getting choked up!
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Erm... I can't. I'm gone.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29I didn't think I was going to cry!
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- Well, it is the grandkids.- Yeah.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35You know, because we do see them a lot.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Well, you can tell, we are a close family.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40So, yeah, it would be hard.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46I just hope that you make the right decision for yourselves.
0:38:46 > 0:38:52Erm...and I'll support you 100% in whatever decision that is.
0:38:52 > 0:38:53Wholeheartedly.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59We're all going to miss you, of course we will.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01But you must follow your dreams.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05And just stay safe and be happy.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13I really can't believe that you're thinking of leaving us all
0:39:13 > 0:39:15and going to Australia.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Erm... I shall miss you all very much.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I hope that you don't go,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30or decide to stay. Erm...
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Just... But, if you do,
0:39:36 > 0:39:42then, we'll support you in whatever you decide.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44But I hope you come back.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46And I love you all.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54I would be devastated if he went,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58but if it's your dream,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02and it's what you really want to do,
0:40:02 > 0:40:07that we'd deal with it.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12So good luck.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15And have a good time.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Not easy, is it?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26No.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30This is an idea of what it would be like if we said goodbye to them.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33And that's why I am upset.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Seeing my family emotional, as they were,
0:40:36 > 0:40:44it does make me think how special our family are back home.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52Messages from loved ones back home have been a poignant reminder
0:40:52 > 0:40:55of everything the Howes stand to lose.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58And, as they come to the end of their trial week,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00there's an awful lot to think about
0:41:00 > 0:41:03before making their final decision.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09Dave has dreamt of a life in Australia for a decade.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11We've had a great time,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15seen some great properties, locations...
0:41:15 > 0:41:17We had great time on the beach the other day.
0:41:17 > 0:41:23I actually think Laurra hasn't thought about home too much this week.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26In the morning I've been waking up and thinking,
0:41:26 > 0:41:31"Maybe this is a good move. Maybe it is the right place to be."
0:41:31 > 0:41:35But the thought of leaving family behind has left the Howes torn.
0:41:35 > 0:41:41Seeing the videos of family back home really made me think,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43am I doing the right thing?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46I don't know, I'm still really confused on...
0:41:48 > 0:41:49..the UK and...
0:41:49 > 0:41:54All I know is that in the UK I've got my family.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57I still think we could have an amazing life over here,
0:41:57 > 0:42:02but the family would be a massive, massive issue for us both.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03But definitely for Laurra.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Without her family, she's still struggling.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09And you could see that.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It's a huge moment for Dave.
0:42:11 > 0:42:1510 years of dreaming rests on the final turn of the cards.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Australia.- UK.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30It's family. I'm sorry.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- I know.- I just... I don't think I could be that far.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- I know. You enjoyed yourself, didn't you?- We did.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- If the family were living over here...- Yes!
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- You'd live here then, wouldn't you? - Yes!
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Well done.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50A lot has changed since Dave last came to Australia,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53and even though part of its appeal still exists,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56he's accepted his own life has moved on.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00And while Laurra can see some of the advantages of the life down under,
0:43:00 > 0:43:05for her, the pull of home is just too strong to resist.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07The Australian dream might be over,
0:43:07 > 0:43:11but their future together is still very, very strong.