Teejams

Hi Pom Queen, based on your experience would you recommend taking the private insurance then?

Hi, you may find it difficult to rent somewhere from the UK. We tried before we left the UK for 6 months and couldn't get anything. Now we're in Australia, we're still having problems as we don't have employment yet. X

Has anyone actually got a VW T5 Transporter in Australia already? We were going to buy one on qld, but after seeing thousands of vehicles, not one is a T5?

We have a French Bulldog and unfortunately decided to leave her in the UK. Luckily, we have a family member who would take her, the risk of her dying from the travelling was too great. X

Oh no MelanieJS My thoughts are with you, I'd second Jacarandas point about staying with your Mum, given the circumstances. You were already worried about the move, Its possible you could be a nervous wreck being so far away, with this additional worry? Best of luck for what ever you decide, gut feelings are always a good guide when decisions are so difficult x

Mrandmrsh Yes we did all of the above, but several people were going for each property. The agents said without a job they weren't interested in our applications. We even offered to pay the 6 maths rental up front!!

It's good that you've managed to secure a rental. Well Done, its a start and a base to work from. We are emigrating next week and have tried everything to get a rental. We have been told by the lettings agents, that unless one of us has a job and can prove it, they won't rent to us. Even though we have sent them proof of money in the bank, references, police checks, etc. Further more the school won't let us enrol the children, because we don't have a rental agreement, and to round things off, hubby can't get a job because it takes 2 - 3 months to get all the necessary work permits. It makes me laugh when people keep saying, "ah you'll be on the beach for Christmas" if they only knew, we may literally be living on the beach!! Good Luck with your plans x

£185 per month is obviously £2200 per year. A lot of money to loose and I'm guessing your investment is more for financial gain rather than charity? Lady Rainicorn has a good suggestion, wording the valuation for remortgage purposes. As long as you stress to the agent, possibly more than once, not to mention anything to the the tennants. We have done something similar in the past. You do, of course, run the risk of losing good tenants, they may not be able to afford a large price hike. However, if there is nothing else to rent which is so cheap, they may just have to live with it unfortunately. Sorry tenants. I would also have the same concerns regarding losing them, but at the same time, would not want to feel scared to put the rent up. A good tenant can go sour regardless of the amount they pay. It's unfortunately one of those situations where you'll not have all the answers until you take some sort of action. Good Luck x

When we were in between tenants this year, we looked to see what similar properties were rented for to check our current rent was in line with others. When we subsequently rented it again a couple of months later, after a lick of paint, tenants were falling over themselves to pay £125 per month more. We may have got more, but weren't being gready and hope our new tenants are as good as the last. The increase now pays for the management fees. Not wanting to upset a previous tenant,but knowing the rent was low, we put up our previous rent in small increments of £25 or £50 I hope this helps X

MelanieJS, I'm moving my family to the Gold Coast in a week. I feel the same, it's really awful isn't it? and it doesn't matter how much you wanted to move, nothing gets rid of these feelings. I've had no positive support from my family at all. I'm going to have to say goodbye to family members this week that I know I'll never see again. I guess if it was easy, everyone would do it. Best Wishes in beautiful Brisbane. X

I spoke to Crown the other day, they said they ship a lot back x

Don't you need your medical records to prove or otherwise, pre existing conditions for private Australian health insurance?

What medical records do you need to take with you, when you emigrate from your Dr? My surgery is very funny about giving out any details, so I want to get my wording right before I ask? Thanks

Never too dear to return add spice to your life!!

So true, gut instinct every time! sorry first wife. wey hey new wifey xx

Bright sky's instead of grey sand instead of stones, prawns instead of spuds, Warmth instead of chill, excitement instead of predictable palms instead of nettles oranges instead of carrots adventure instead of typical! the conversation we've all had with someone, at some point! "we were going to go but!! its just different, and new ingredients to the pot. Just do it! One life! came with nothing! going with nothing! how exciting are you going make your pot?

and still because we can, so we will! Our most exciting interesting times in our lives have been, when we've taken massive risks, to enrich our lives with experiences only most have dreamt about! and a marvellous excuse for opening a bottle of bubbly!

We're on the list ........ more the question, why not????

I've heard of several people who live there, who really like it, however I have a friend who has a property there and has had a mouth full of abuse, on more than one occasion from other residents and wouldn't return. Its difficult to tell as everyone is different and it just takes one unpleasant neighbour anywhere to ruin a road. Maybe rent before you buy. The area visually appears very nice.

This has happened to us several times from Australian companies. It doesn't matter how much you chase them, even after they've given you positive feedback that the job is yours! They can still ignore all contact. It's a complete waste of time and very frustrating. There's nothing you can do but move on to the next company. If they treat you this badly before you start working for them, are they really worth working for in the first place? good luck

That would be great my son can't wait to move but my 8 year old daughter is very close to her friends and very upset at even the thought of leaving them x

Hi Dnursey1980 No we haven't booked anything yet, were still waiting for our grant! We have a boy and a girl 10 & 8 x

I've been trying to find out the same. I have finally spoken to several people, but it's really difficult getting any sort of response from Australia, whether it be TAFE, or beauty training organisations. I have been told contradictory answers: 1) no your qualifications are not recognised. 2) As long at its a diploma I.e an NVQ level 3 and above, then you can either do a transfer course to get it recognised in Australia or occasionally some employers except it, but not without previous experience. 3) qualifications won't be excepted even for Insurance purposes if they are certificates as opposed to nationally recognised diplomas. As you can see after months of research, I'm still none the wiser. I've decided to complete my diploma and then do an advanced course in Australia. My answers are based on Beauty Therapy qualifications so it may be different for make up artistry? This probably doesn't help, but I thought I'd share what responses I've had. Good Luck, let me know if you get any clearer clarification?

Well done Mum! Have a look on Facebook, there are several get together groups like 'expats on the Gold Coast'. I'm sure if you put a message on there they'd be able to help.

Hi We're hoping to be on our way to your area in December from the UK, with two children. I'll message you nearer the time if you fancy a meet up?