Melbpom

I've just found out my Holden will be subject to a future recall and I need to sell it before returning to the UK (in 3 weeks time). Not happy.

What about heading back this year and have your daughter start 6th form college in the UK? If there is an likelihood of her doing uni in the UK then I would have thought the sooner you return the less likely it will be that you have to pay international fees.

You're right, I'd never noticed this before.

Easier said than done. I just tried to search Mount Waverley/Chadstone on realestate.com.au and there are very few prices. Everything is up for auction of price on application. Only thing I can suggest for the OP is to look at the list of sold property.

If hubby hasn't been to Australia, why not all head here for a long holiday and at least he'd have an informed opinion of the place.

Pheobe be sure to look at the older eastern suburbs including outer eastern. These suburbs are established with good transport, parklands and schools and are popular for a reason. I know that Frankston looks good on paper but it can be a bit bogan as Steve99 has hinted at, plus it's a long commute. Suburbs seem to attract their own type and it's going to take a while for you to work out where you fit.

Are there any issues with the cost of parts and servicing of European cars? I've been browsing car sales sites and there are lots of cheap BMWs, Audis etc but just wondering if they are as expensive to maintain as in Oz?

How do people prove years worked in Australia? is it just a self declaration thing or do they need records such as tax returns?

I was quoted $3000 for root canal, then another $3000 for a crown on that tooth., so $4000 for the work you've mentioned sounds reasonable. I so get it. I'm going though something similar after too many years of avoiding the dentist and some really bad orthodontic work when I was a teen.

Do you need a UK licence to buy a car? or will Oz one be ok? Also is there any stamp duty payable?

Of all the areas you've mentioned my pick would be Malvern East/Glen Iris/Ashburton. Take a look at the Gardeners Creek Trail which is a very pleasant walk/bike ride close to the Monash freeway.

You have a point there Bunbury and it's something I'm quietly uneasy about given I already have my hands full. I'm due back in a couple of month's and there's already mention of power of attorney.

Sometimes agents ask you to apply online and fill in a web form and it can be hard to answer some questions when you have little history renting. I suggest asking for a paper version to be emailed to you or pick up the form up at an open day. It's much easier to gloss over the questions you don't want to answer (and add info which may help) on a paper form than a web based one.

The big issue you've mentioned is looking for work and I suggest that you research that before falling in love with Geelong. If you settle in Geelong and then find you have to apply for jobs in Melbourne it will be a much harder sell to a future employer. Saying that I've nothing against Geelong and at one point considered moving there.

Can anyone recommend removers from Melbourne to UK? I'm sure this has been discussed in other forums but I can't seem to find them. All I can remember is Kent. Also anyone know the volume of goods that it becomes more viable to get a container rather than a shared load? I've used Kent's calculator and estimate 20 to 25 cubic meters which is short of the capacity of a 20ft container but if cost is about the same then it might be worth stuffing a few extra things in like the dryer and the outdoor setting.

From a quick read of your post, I'd say you're doing the right thing for the right reasons. You've given it a go here and at 28 you're young enough to start again back in the UK. If you don't have much stuff then some people use PODs but I don't know the details and I'm sure other's will come a long and advise you more. Very best luck with your move.

Johnny, You mention kids, what ages? because you'll have to budget for childcare or schools and neither are free. Also look online for quote on hospital and extras cover. I've just forked out $8.6K for one son's braces and $3.5k for another son's dental treatment (under anaesthetic because of his disability) because I didn't take out extras. Also be aware of the timing of university study. There is plenty of info on this in other posts.

Have you thought about talking to your body corporate / strata manager? A good manager will know the owners/tenants and can sometimes intervene or contact family members. There should be details of the strata manager on a plaque located close to the front of the property usually near the letter boxes.

Thank you NickyNook for your reply, very useful.

I am under the impression that there was an agreement between UK and Australia under which years spent living in Australia could be claimed as paid NI years. I'm not expressing this well. The question (given that I'm returning to the UK next year) is what years are covered by this agreement and what evidence do I need to provide upon return?

No, I don't think so at least I didn't. I opened one here in OZ. Our first account opened from the UK was Commonwealth Bank and that was as good as any but over time we changed banks a number of times for one reason or another. I just think the customer service at HSBC is better and I think having an OZ account helped when opening a UK HSBC account.

My biggest issue is with paperwork, I seem to have kept every scrap of paper for the last 30 years. I've broken 3 shredders so far and I'm still going.

It's taken me so long to get to this point and I've been heartened by watching everyone else's count down so I have to add mine. Tickets booked and 208 days to go .

HSBC have better customer service IMHO than any of the big 4.

That's a good idea and I'd love to know if more supermarkets would do it. But a credit card's a credit card, why would it be an issue?