LadyJayneW

Thanks guys

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere, but without reading through 1000's of posts I thought I'd start a new one... Our boy is 6, and in the UK he goes to breakfast club run at his school when my OH is working and then after school club which runs till 6. If the job I'm going for pulls off (everything crossed) we will probably be looking for the same kind of thing. We'll be looking to live in the Kew East/ Balwyn areas as property there falls within our budget, and is a fairly short distance to where I'll be based, so my question is do the primaries there offer the same kind of thing? If so, can anyone give me an approximate cost? Thank you! LJW

That was the one! Thank you so much!

Hi All, I have the possibility of an amazing job coming up based in the Kew area... Can anyone here recommend what areas to start looking in to live without a hefty commute? Ideally a 2/3 bed appartment or house with decent schools in the locality, we have a 6 y/o. I've looked at maps and estate agency sites but that doesn't really account for the 'human' side of it! The company will give me accommodation for the 1st 3 months which will give me plenty of time to find us a home (rental) but it would be good to have some ideas beforehand. Can anyone also help out with the kinds of things we need to take into account when looking at our living budgets? I remember when we were looking at the move, same company not so good a job, about 2 years ago someone here had posted a typical budget, but how easy that will be to find after all this time... Things like mobile costs, tv etc, electric, council services, and all the other basics, but I'm positiove there will be other things that we don't (currently) have to pay for in the UK. Many thanks in advance... LJW

If you are renting, it may also be worth looking at landlord insurance, which covers non payment of rent etc (after the 1st month I think). You definitely should go with a management agency (the estate agents we will be using run their own service which makes things easier) who take a % of the monthly rental cost can be a life saver. There is an obscure clause in some housing act from 20 odd years ago, which means managing remotely, and your contact details being outside of the uk means that the tenant can get away with non payment of rent! I found this out when my student digs (too long ago to mention) nearly burned to the ground due to a dodgy boiler and even dodgier landlord! (I am obviously not suggesting you are in any way dodgy!)

I have done a little more looking, and I could be eligible for a 190 visa... Realistically, would we be better applying for this or staying with the company sponsored 457 and looking at 'upgrading' when we have been there for a few years? timescale wise, if this job comes off I will move out in about 3 months, with DH and DS following after my 3 month trial period, giving him enough time to find himself a job. Thanks josh

Excellent! Thank you!

Thanks! Is there a government website where I can find out about school fees? How easy is it to apply for a different kind of visa if we are already there on a 457? I don't think we can afford to apply for other types (although I admit I have no idea of the costs involved) at the moment, but will certainly look into the other options. thanks

Hi, So I am going through the interview process (2nd stage this week) for a job that will take me and mine (husband and 4yo boy) to Melbourne. We're still trying to work out financially if the move is the right thing to do, financially etc, and so far this site has been a great help! The job will give us a 457 visa, which will cover my husband too, as he will also have to work to make it worthwhile, which initially I thought was great, but looking tonight at various threads, it sounds like this is not so good... Can anyone enlighten me? I've seen mention about school costs being affected and rebates on things not being applicable. Thanks, in advance, Josh

Thank you so much for all this info! I have my 2nd stage interview in 2 days for a job that would take us to Melbourne, and my hubby and I have been struggling to find enough information to work out if the move is a viable option for us... This has been a massive help!

Hi All! I'm Josh. I have found this site during my initial research... I am applying for a great job with a company based in Melbourne (Kew East area) and would be emigrating with my husband and 4 year old son. Not entirely sure where I should start looking... I need to find out about schools and childcare, and what areas are good to live. The company will provide us with accommodation for the first 6 - 8 weeks while we find a place for ourselves, but I'd like a general idea of what areas are nice, with good schools etc. We were looking at moving to South Africa a few years ago, so I have a fair idea of all the things we need to take into account, but the areas and schools I think is the one area I need advice on... Any help etc! Thanks, Josh