WelcomeIf you are new to Poms In Oz and migrating to Australia or currently living in Australia feel free to say hi to all the other either in or moving to Oz.
Pom in Melbourne - wanted to say hi and need some advice???
Gday, havent been on anything like this before but came across it online and after replying to a few threads giving some advice, i thought id say hi to anyone reading this.
My boyfriend and I moved to Melbourne in May last year. The move came after Dan got a job in the CBD, we moved after months of planning and waiting for our visa after the paperwork went missing!
We arrived with our suitcases, nowhere to live, very exicted, but apprehensive and i was very tearful after leaving my family behind. However fast forward almost a year and were having a fantastic time and its most definatelty the best thing we ever did.
We landed on our feet and found a brand new apartment in Malvern within a week and although we would like to be nearer to the beach we like the area. The weather compared to the UK is amazing and weve been loving the outdoor lifestyle and bought a HUGE bbq for many nights outside.
For anyone worried about whether to take the plunge and move here, following bits of advice i made up for myself at times when i panicked about moving -
Simple but true - 'Life is too short'
'Just think next winter, your sitting in your house in England, freezing, its really dark outside and you have months of grey weather ahead of you - then imagine your life in Oz, gorgeous sunshine, lovely people, sooo much space everywhere, great shops and parks and a wonderful lifestyle....theres no comparison really'
and finally ' if it doesnt work out, you can always go home - but you have to try'!
Would love to hear from anyone thinking of moving and if you need any advice or tips.
Just thought I would say a quick hello and welcome. My o/h and I have just started the visa process, and I have just received an email from our agent requesting all of our info for the initial vetassess application o/h is a brickie. OMG I cannot believe how much is needed! was feeling quite depressed about it. Read your post about how great it is there, and am now back to thinking it will all be worth it. So thanks for that.
By the way we are thinking of coming down Melbourne way too.
Bye for now.
Mel
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Jim 37 (Brickie), Mel 35, Charlie 12 and Harry 10 Agent assigned 19/03/08 - Vetassess submitted 13/05/08 - passed 05/06/08 - Practical 14/07/08 Accrington - Passed 23/07/08!!!!! Visa submitted 25/07/08
Hi Lindsay, We are hoping to emigrate to Melbourne by the end of the year. We started our visa process last April, but due to TRA and Vetassess change over, we got caught up in the middle of it all (and expense) So in affect had to start all over again in Sept with Vetassess, but good thing is OH passed his paper based assessment, and is going to do his practical assessment on Mon 7th April (not long now), so fingers crossed it will all be good, and we can start the next stage. OH is a joiner.
So if you don't mind, would you have any tips as to where a good place to live would be, we have two daughter's 8 and nearly 4, OH would need work obviously, but we don't fancy a big city, as where we live just now it just a small town, and suppose it what you get used to, but would love to live in a small community if poss so we can all make new friends, and like yourself would love to be not too far from the beach, would not like to be in the middle of nowhere as got to think of the girls getting friends.
Hope I have not babbled on too much, and lovely to speak to someone already out there, thanks for the thread.
Andi.
just wondering how you got on with the rental and buying process over there?
are the many rentals to choose from (we will be looking in the Sydney suburbs) and how long would you have to work for before applying for a mortgage?
Hi,
we are moving to Melbourne in May so very soon indeed. We are just in the process of trying to sort out some work before we leave which is looking hopeful. Have an appartment booked for a month whilst we find somewhere to rent more permanently. What is Malvern like? We have been looking on thr internet in most areas but am unsure as to where will be best. Guess it depends on where we end up working but its likley to be in the CBD.
We are like you, want to give it a go and see what happens. We have some friends and family there which will be a help.
Dan
Just thought I would say a quick hello and welcome. My o/h and I have just started the visa process, and I have just received an email from our agent requesting all of our info for the initial vetassess application o/h is a brickie. OMG I cannot believe how much is needed! was feeling quite depressed about it. Read your post about how great it is there, and am now back to thinking it will all be worth it. So thanks for that.
By the way we are thinking of coming down Melbourne way too.
Bye for now.
Mel
Hi Mel
Hello to you too and thanks for the warm welcome J
Yeah the process is fairly long and draining. After we had our medicals and x rays the documents got lost on the way to Oz, we had already moved out of our house and id quit my job so we had to live with my Dad for about 7 weeks! It was great though as I was a lady of leisure and got to spend lots of time with my family before I left.
But stay positive as its all worth it in the end hun! Im glad my post has cheered you up, it will definitely be worth it – youl love it here.
Where in the UK are you based? What do you do for a living?
Melbourne is gorgeous, so definitely a good choice for you. Stay in touch and take care J
Hi Lindsay, We are hoping to emigrate to Melbourne by the end of the year. We started our visa process last April, but due to TRA and Vetassess change over, we got caught up in the middle of it all (and expense) So in affect had to start all over again in Sept with Vetassess, but good thing is OH passed his paper based assessment, and is going to do his practical assessment on Mon 7th April (not long now), so fingers crossed it will all be good, and we can start the next stage. OH is a joiner.
So if you don't mind, would you have any tips as to where a good place to live would be, we have two daughter's 8 and nearly 4, OH would need work obviously, but we don't fancy a big city, as where we live just now it just a small town, and suppose it what you get used to, but would love to live in a small community if poss so we can all make new friends, and like yourself would love to be not too far from the beach, would not like to be in the middle of nowhere as got to think of the girls getting friends.
Hope I have not babbled on too much, and lovely to speak to someone already out there, thanks for the thread.
Andi.
Hi Andi
Nice to hear from you J
What a nightmare about your visa! Good news that your partners assessments have so far gone well. Good luck with the rest of it.
We live in a lovely suburb called Malvern which is approx 20 train journey from the city. It’s very nice and known for its good schools and ive heard it described as being one of the most affluent in Melbourne. Its very much a family suburb and has gorgeous parks. Ive heard a few things about certain suburbs being unsafe or a bit rough, but Malvern isn’t like that. Ive always felt very safe and haven’t heard about any crimes. There is a main road called ‘Glenferrie Road’ which has lovely little cafes, shops and a supermarket. Its ideal really and would be the ideal place for us when we start a family next year. Also Armadale is similar which is next to Malvern. They are fairly close to the city (ideal if you are working there) and really are nice places, also beach wise, there is a tram that runs from Glenferrie Road to St Kilda beach and you can be there in less than 10-15minutes. Unfortunately I don’t have much information about suburbs that are further out, but from what I understand the further out you go, the more you will get for your money so its worth having a look. Another place which is known for its good schools is Beaumaris which is by the beach, a bit further out but lovely. But also probably one of the more expensive suburbs so it depends on your budget. What are yours plans for when you arrive? Are you hoping to have somewhere ready to rent/buy or are you going to find somewhere when you get here?
Take a look at these websites, and id suggest having a look at the map of Melbourne and narrowing an area of how far youd like to be out of the city area and then type in the suburbs you see in that area into these websites. Itl give you an idea of costs for buying or renting 3-4 bedroom houses and an idea of costs if you want a garden or a pool etc. They are really good to look at to get a feel for what’s around.
just wondering how you got on with the rental and buying process over there?
are the many rentals to choose from (we will be looking in the Sydney suburbs) and how long would you have to work for before applying for a mortgage?
Hi there
We are just renting now so I don’t have any information to give you about buying unfortunately - sorry. We were really lucky as we managed to rent an apartment within a week. I understand it’s a very different process over here with regards to renting. They have an opening time to view an apartment – ie they will open the doors to anyone interested in viewing it for 15minutes only. Then if you wish to apply you have to fill in an application and wait to hear from them. The owner of the building will then assess all of the applicants and decide from there. So you could go and see 5 properties that you love but if you don’t have much of a rental history or a secure job then another person who does may have more of a chance. When we found ours we were the first tenants to view and see the property and put an application in immediately and were very lucky as the owner had apparently been in the same situation as us once (no references or rental history in Oz) so they were very helpful and accepted our application which was great. But don’t be put off there are plenty of rental properties around (although im not so sure about Sydney – again take a look at the following websites to get an idea)
Id probably suggest bringing with you some kind of reference just in case you need it for renting, maybe from a previous place you may have rented, or maybe a character reference as this may help with the process. You also need to give them a bond for renting which is usually 4-6 weeks of the rental cost.
Hi,
we are moving to Melbourne in May so very soon indeed. We are just in the process of trying to sort out some work before we leave which is looking hopeful. Have an appartment booked for a month whilst we find somewhere to rent more permanently. What is Malvern like? We have been looking on thr internet in most areas but am unsure as to where will be best. Guess it depends on where we end up working but its likley to be in the CBD.
We are like you, want to give it a go and see what happens. We have some friends and family there which will be a help.
Dan
Hi Dan
Wow – May - very soon! You must be very excited J
You are very organized having work and an apartment sorted! We arrived and had no where to live (we stayed with a friend initially) and I had no job!
Malvern is lovely - see above on my reply to someone else for some more info J - weve really enjoyed living here for the past 10 months. But we would like to move somewhere a bit different and we love South Yarra. Its only 10mins from the city on the train and has great shops, cafes and restaurants. Weve spent a lot of time there and its definitely our number one choice for when our lease is up.
One thing id most definitely take into account is the train system here. Its just shocking, overcrowded is an understatement. Every morning I am squashed, cant move or breathe and almost in tears after being elbowed, sneezed on and bashed around. Its so bad that people are left standing on the platform because they literally cannot get onto the train as people are squashed in like cattle. So bearing this in mind if your traveling to the CBD every day that you don’t want to be on the train for long! The journey from Malvern takes approx 15-20mins which is by far long enough for me. So id recommend somewhere like South Yarra, quick journey to CBD, great lifestyle, somewhere that is a bit ‘younger’. But that depends if you have a family, if so youd probably be better off somewhere like Malvern or Armadale which has great schools and parks.
You’re very lucky to have family and friends here, which will help you loads. We arrived knowing no one except an old colleague of my boyfriends so at times you can feel quite homesick.
Best of luck and stay in touch and let me know how you get on J
What a nightmare about your visa! Good news that your partners assessments have so far gone well. Good luck with the rest of it.
We live in a lovely suburb called Malvern which is approx 20 train journey from the city. It’s very nice and known for its good schools and ive heard it described as being one of the most affluent in Melbourne. Its very much a family suburb and has gorgeous parks. Ive heard a few things about certain suburbs being unsafe or a bit rough, but Malvern isn’t like that. Ive always felt very safe and haven’t heard about any crimes. There is a main road called ‘Glenferrie Road’ which has lovely little cafes, shops and a supermarket. Its ideal really and would be the ideal place for us when we start a family next year. Also Armadale is similar which is next to Malvern. They are fairly close to the city (ideal if you are working there) and really are nice places, also beach wise, there is a tram that runs from Glenferrie Road to St Kilda beach and you can be there in less than 10-15minutes. Unfortunately I don’t have much information about suburbs that are further out, but from what I understand the further out you go, the more you will get for your money so its worth having a look. Another place which is known for its good schools is Beaumaris which is by the beach, a bit further out but lovely. But also probably one of the more expensive suburbs so it depends on your budget. What are yours plans for when you arrive? Are you hoping to have somewhere ready to rent/buy or are you going to find somewhere when you get here?
Take a look at these websites, and id suggest having a look at the map of Melbourne and narrowing an area of how far youd like to be out of the city area and then type in the suburbs you see in that area into these websites. Itl give you an idea of costs for buying or renting 3-4 bedroom houses and an idea of costs if you want a garden or a pool etc. They are really good to look at to get a feel for what’s around.
Hi Lindsay, Thanks for taking the time to pass on all that info, its good to hear what people think who are actually there, living it. We have been looking on realestate.com.au, but just put in Melbourne really, so such a massive area, but thanks for the tip. We plan on renting when we first arrive so we get a chance to see what places are like before we settle and buy. Will need to look better nearer the time once we hopefully get a date as don't want to be worrying where to go with two children.
Thanks again for everything, you have been a great help.
Andi.
Pom in Melbourne - wanted to say hi and need some advice???
