holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hi everyone So, I have a bit of a dilemma here. We have been in Australia now for a little over 2 years, living in Perth. We are heading back to Scotland in April this year, and had planned to put an end to renting when we return, and actually look for a place to buy. However, I'm still not convinced. There's myself, my wife who's a registered nurse, and my 2 girls aged 12 and 8. I am basically still feeling sick at the prospect of having to spend $600k + (probably more like $700k) to get the type of property that we want (4x2min on around an acre). I'm wondering what states I should be looking at which can perhaps offer a good lifestyle, but without the hugely inflated property prices and costs of living associated with Perth. Don't get me wrong, I do like Perth, but I don't LOVE it. I would happily try somewhere else if I felt that it was worth the upheaval of an interstate move. We've come all the way from the UK and lasted a couple of years and done well enough, so I don't see another move as being out of the question. Can anyone offer up any advice ? Has anyone else moved from Perth to somewhere else in Australia and have some experience to share ? I just don't want to get tied down to a huuuuuuuge mortgage and then decide that we should have tried somewhere else before getting tied down, then have to sell a house before making the move ! I have tried to do some quick searching online at properties elsewhere, but not having a good grasp of geography in other states makes it very difficult to make an accurate comparison - property prices alone also don't tell me how the cost of living compares either. Any help that you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and wouldn't mind hearing from anyone who has done the opposite, and moved to Perth from elsewhere in Australia, who may perhaps say I am better staying put !! I look forward to your feedback. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Oops ... apologies for the typo in the heading ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 We moved back from Perth to Scotland last year - going from a $535k mortgage to a £128k mortgage & a higher salary certainly gives us a much better lifestyle. We moved to Perth thinking we wanted a bush block with acreage but the realities of living & working in Perth meant we settled for a 500sqm block much closer to the city. A lot will depend on your employment requirements, you could spend a lot less than $600/700k in rural areas but that is a huge lifestyle consideration. Queensland or Tasmania seem to give most for your money. This one almost has me planning a move back! http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jimboomba-115943731 Just a reality check question if you move back to Scotland what kind of property will you be able to afford there? Will you get a 4x2 with acreage? We're looking for that kind of property within 30 mins of Edinburgh and £300-350k is a realistic price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 We moved back from Perth to Scotland last year - going from a $535k mortgage to a £128k mortgage & a higher salary certainly gives us a much better lifestyle. We moved to Perth thinking we wanted a bush block with acreage but the realities of living & working in Perth meant we settled for a 500sqm block much closer to the city. A lot will depend on your employment requirements, you could spend a lot less than $600/700k in rural areas but that is a huge lifestyle consideration. Queensland or Tasmania seem to give most for your money. This one almost has me planning a move back! http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jimboomba-115943731 Just a reality check question if you move back to Scotland what kind of property will you be able to afford there? Will you get a 4x2 with acreage? We're looking for that kind of property within 30 mins of Edinburgh and £300-350k is a realistic price. Sorry LR - To clarify, I am referring to the possibility of moving interstate here in Australia - a move back to Scotland isn't even nearly being considered at the moment !! There's no way in the world I would move to a 500sqm block here. One of my reasons for moving here in the first place was the prospect of being able to own my own little piece of the world and spread out a bit ! There is absolutely no way we could afford a property anything like that in Scotland. I earn double what I was earning there, and my wife way more than double. Our disposable income is far easier to work with here, even when considering a $600k mortgage (although even saying that still makes me grimace haha !!). Basically, what I'm saying is, can anyone suggest where else in Australia we should give serious consideration to before putting down more permanent roots in Perth ? I don't think Tasmania would be on my list to be honest. From what I've heard work is almost non-existent, which doesn't really add to the appeal. Don't think the climate is my cup of tea either ! QLD on the other hand, who knows. That's kind of what I am driving at here - what are property prices like in QLD (and other states?) - and also cost of living compared to Perth ? Thanks for the reply LR !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Not sure what you are after but here is a couple around south east qld in your price bracket or lower in case it gives you an idea. Of course I don't know if they have toxic waste plants next door but they look legit Gold Coast: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-bonogin-111851403 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallebudgera+valley-115857871 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-bonogin-108857906 Sunshine Coast: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-maleny-114569411 Brisbane: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-mount+crosby-115125375 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-greenbank-115766027 http://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-mundoolun-115630951 (inbetween Gold Coast) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ptp113 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hi everyone So, I have a bit of a dilemma here. We have been in Australia now for a little over 2 years, living in Perth. We are heading back to Scotland in April this year, and had planned to put an end to renting when we return, and actually look for a place to buy. However, I'm still not convinced. There's myself, my wife who's a registered nurse, and my 2 girls aged 12 and 8. I am basically still feeling sick at the prospect of having to spend $600k + (probably more like $700k) to get the type of property that we want (4x2min on around an acre). I'm wondering what states I should be looking at which can perhaps offer a good lifestyle, but without the hugely inflated property prices and costs of living associated with Perth. Don't get me wrong, I do like Perth, but I don't LOVE it. I would happily try somewhere else if I felt that it was worth the upheaval of an interstate move. We've come all the way from the UK and lasted a couple of years and done well enough, so I don't see another move as being out of the question. Can anyone offer up any advice ? Has anyone else moved from Perth to somewhere else in Australia and have some experience to share ? I just don't want to get tied down to a huuuuuuuge mortgage and then decide that we should have tried somewhere else before getting tied down, then have to sell a house before making the move ! I have tried to do some quick searching online at properties elsewhere, but not having a good grasp of geography in other states makes it very difficult to make an accurate comparison - property prices alone also don't tell me how the cost of living compares either. Any help that you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and wouldn't mind hearing from anyone who has done the opposite, and moved to Perth from elsewhere in Australia, who may perhaps say I am better staying put !! I look forward to your feedback. Thanks Moved 4 states in Oz to find the right place, just as you would in Blighty if you didn't like the place you landed. Like Perth a lot but no way could I live there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Sorry LR - To clarify, I am referring to the possibility of moving interstate here in Australia - a move back to Scotland isn't even nearly being considered at the moment !! There's no way in the world I would move to a 500sqm block here. One of my reasons for moving here in the first place was the prospect of being able to own my own little piece of the world and spread out a bit ! There is absolutely no way we could afford a property anything like that in Scotland. I earn double what I was earning there, and my wife way more than double. Our disposable income is far easier to work with here, even when considering a $600k mortgage (although even saying that still makes me grimace haha !!). Basically, what I'm saying is, can anyone suggest where else in Australia we should give serious consideration to before putting down more permanent roots in Perth ? I don't think Tasmania would be on my list to be honest. From what I've heard work is almost non-existent, which doesn't really add to the appeal. Don't think the climate is my cup of tea either ! QLD on the other hand, who knows. That's kind of what I am driving at here - what are property prices like in QLD (and other states?) - and also cost of living compared to Perth ? Thanks for the reply LR !! Apologies, I misread - I thought you were returning for good in April but considering moving interstate instead. Queensland is looking promising Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Have you looked at a longer commute in perth or possibly a city crash pad plus country pile? Lots of options for country..cheaper living in wa but depends on your employment options and restrictions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Have you looked at a longer commute in perth or possibly a city crash pad plus country pile? Lots of options for country..cheaper living in wa but depends on your employment options and restrictions I did an Australia-wide search for properties under $500k with acreage and there was very, very few in WA, I went through 10 pages before I found one http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-leschenault-115909531 Not quite what you're looking for either - just 3 beds! Nice though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Have you looked at a longer commute in perth or possibly a city crash pad plus country pile? Lots of options for country..cheaper living in wa but depends on your employment options and restrictions We have no employment restrictions at all. We have permanent residency and now have no ties to an employer - so Australia is our oyster really ! Thank you to all who have repied. I appreciate your time I have no interest at all in a City pad. I am not a city person, even though I did enjoy the odd weekend in Glasgow. I like the city buzz, but don't miss it when I don't have it, and it certainly has no bearing on where I want to live. I am more concerned about my family. Queensland may be an option - but I'd really like fo know more ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I did an Australia-wide search for properties under $500k with acreage and there was very, very few in WA, I went through 10 pages before I found one http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-leschenault-115909531 Not quite what you're looking for either - just 3 beds! Nice though Theres heaps!! Bridgetown..manjimup...nannup...just a few towns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Theres heaps!! Bridgetown..manjimup...nannup...just a few towns I couldn't find any properties on real-estate.com.au - it was my first thought too but when I looked the vast majority were in QLD or TAS Bored at work today so will take another look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Ive just had a quick look at nannup for one...several properties Id be happy to live in on acreage for under 500k. You have to consider paid work though! Only reason we're not already in the country!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Theres heaps!! Bridgetown..manjimup...nannup...just a few towns We're talking 3hrs from Perth here though. Not quite rich in employment and opportunities/lifestyle for my kiddies ? Unless there's something I'm missing ? To be paying this for 3 hours outside a metro area is still a bit excessive - no ? Just me ? Am I expecting too much maybe ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Probably! Something has to give! Depends on your priorities and industry. I expect kids may move once grown if seeking opportunity outside of small town life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 I expect lifestyle is subjective though. Would suit me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Okay I stand corrected - nothing in Nannup (a couple of 3 beds) but there are properties in Bridgetown - I wonder why they didn't show up on an Australia-wide search! Perhaps they were after page 10!!! Of course you couldn't commute to work in Perth from there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 There is stuff in nannup. Look at ray whites. So many towns down there. Manjimup school is top ten in wa too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Ive just had a quick look at nannup for one...several properties Id be happy to live in on acreage for under 500k. You have to consider paid work though! Only reason we're not already in the country!! Sorry posted my 'none in Nannup' reply before I saw this - I meant that met OP's criteria. We really dreamed of the 'bush block' when we moved too - I do sometimes wonder if we'd moved to the hills as originally planned whether it would have worked out differently. The desirable areas were out of our budget and others were just too remote/isolated. Unless money is no object you can't have it all, eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 http://raywhitenannup.com.au/wa/nannup/983976/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Same as anywhere really. Bargains are not without trade offs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 http://raywhitenannup.com.au/wa/nannup/983976/ I was beginning to think I was going crazy as I did search Ray White and found only one & it wasn't this one but it's over $500k! Anyway moot point OP doesn't fancy Nannup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Going to stop looking now! I will find myself planning a move to Queensland This is what we're actually looking at! http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-31324906.html Only the three of us so plenty big enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holypantsbatman Posted January 28, 2014 Author Share Posted January 28, 2014 Going to stop looking now! I will find myself planning a move to Queensland This is what we're actually looking at! http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-31324906.html Only the three of us so plenty big enough Have spent many a lovely afternoon in Linlithgow - not to mention my wedding at the Palace in 2003 :-) Memories :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy79 Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 to be honest here, I really am not sure your going to find what your looking for. for a decent 4X2 house in QLD, close to somewhere with work opportunities you'll be looking at the same price. With the Aussie dollar still weakening then those prices don't seem so bad really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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