ThistleandRose

Hi there anyone got any recommendations on a Melbourne (ideally CBD based) tax agent who has experience in dealing with UK rental income. thanks TNR

haven't used myself but heard this is very good - http://www.internode.on.net/residential/entertainment/fetchtv_iptv/ couldn't live without Foxtel, even though most of it's rubbish!

Honestly? We're moving to Melbourne.. But that aside, if you've a family and don't come from one of the UK's big cities (so you value big city life), then it is a nice place. Just quiet. And quirky. Am not going to whinge on here because for every one who hates it, another loves it. When we arrived, people described it as a big country town and we didn't really get what that meant. Now we do and it's not for us. Wine is fantastic though! If you want to PM me, no problem.

We imported our cars nearly 2 years ago. It was a complete pain to do, however no regrets as decent cars cost a phenomenal amount. My Mini is still probably worth more than I originally paid for it new in the UK. There's no actual restrictions on selling. However we have been told anecdotally by people in the garage trade that you should hold on for about 5 years. There is a stigma to selling on an import (for starters you need to stick an import plate in the car so there's no way of avoiding the question), Australian buyers may be wary even though in many cases they are virtually the same cars from the same factories. After about 5 years a good car will hold it's value and the stigma will wear off and you'll still get good value resale. That's just what I've been told. Try asking Iron Chef his opinion, there's a sticky thread somewhere on here. If you want a similar model over here then you will get no change out of $120k new. AND if you like a manual gearbox then definitely bring it over, my husband's Audi isn't available manual over here. Hope that helps.

Hi there Lynda, I remember your name from those heady days in 2010 / 2011 when we were all waiting for our visas to arrive. I spotted your post as we need to get ready to apply for our permanent visa. No-one replied to you and I'm finding it difficult to get any info as well. How have you got on?

Hi, have been doing BA work for about 6 months in Adelaide. Government contract. Pay is definitely better than my UK permanent job but then of course no pay for holidays or sick pay. I think the agencies are a mixed bag though I personally have had no problems. Getting the first job is the thing. definitely don't worry about lining things up before you leave, the agencies tend to want quick turnaround. One tip, it is end of the financial year now so the govt is gearing up for next year.