With blue skies, breathtaking scenery, easy-going cities and favourable exchange rates, it’s easy to see why Australia is a popular UK travel destination. But whilst Down Under is a hot spot for leisure and business travel, a number of British visitors grow so enamoured with the country’s laid-back charms, that they take the decision to move there permanently.
It’s easy to see the appeal. Warm climate and natural wonders notwithstanding, this is a country with financial advantages to back up the emotional lure.

Exchange rates may have fluctuated slightly, and property prices in the big cities have advanced in the past few years, but this is a still a country where your pounds will buy you plenty more real estate than back home.
With a progressive government making the process of visas for UK business people comparatively straight-forward, it’s also a destination which welcomes skilled migrants with open arms. And even if you’re unsure about the idea of taking root here permanently, the thriving tourism industry hard to ensure ever more attractions for even the casual visitor.

Sydney

When most people think of Australia,
they picture Sydney’s iconic Opera House. Whilst not technically the capital, most
locals and visitors alike acknowledge the city’s status as the proxy headquarters of this vast country. What most UK visitors find when they land in the city is for a global business destination, Sydney keeps things enviably informal and laid back.

It’s common for even time-pressured MDs to head to the beach for a swim or a surf at some point in the day, and when the sun is shining,
playing hard takes precedent to working twenty-four-seven.
The city’s business district and central areas are marked out by soaring skyscrapers. But despite all of that polished glass and chrome, it’s hard to feel as if this is an area which takes itself too seriously. Central to the city is the relatively compact, but nonetheless beautiful Hyde Park, where football enthusiasts head in their droves come mid-evening for a kick around.
Towards the harbour, that world famous bridge and opera house dominate the landscape, and for those with a head for heights, a new way to explore Sydney’s most famous landmark has become possible this year. Sydney Bridge Climb, which allows tourists to scale the bridge with the aid of safety-equipment was the winner of the Australia Tourism Awards this year.
In honour of their success, the company have now launched a new ‘discovery climb’ allowing adventurous sorts to ascend even further up and around the bridge. It’s certainly a great way to see the city, and those with an eye to move here permanently can view their potential new home from a whole different angle.

Queensland

Australia is vast, and anyone looking for evidence of the sheer scale of the country in one territory need look no further than Queensland. This well-appointed area, sandwiched between south and north
houses more attractions than any other
part of the country, from beautiful beaches to lush rainforest and the lively cities of Brisbane and Cairns.
An hour from Brisbane the Gold Coast continues to real estate opportunities for emigrants with the Raddisson Resort Gold Coast opening this year. The affordable properties have been built with out of towners in mind, and are housed away from the main strip with plenty of access to the city’s facilities.
For families Queensland is the nation’s capital of adventure parks.

The Gold Coast area alone houses action-packed adventure park Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World, White Water World – one of the world’s technologically advanced water parks and Sea World for a showcase of the regions incredible marine attractions. The Glasshouse Mountains are also home to crocodile-hunter Steve Irwin’s legacy in the form of Australia Zoo with ‘Crocoseum’.
Queensland also houses the Whistsunday Islands, complete with The Great Barrier Reef – generally held to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For a lesser known hidey-hole on the Queensland coast, the small town of Noosa has become something of a best-kept-secret for tourists and investors alike. With beautiful beaches and rugged scenery, the local spot has recently gained international acclaim for the design of its new Visitor Information Centre and surf club. ”
Southern Australia and Victoria
Whilst Sydney’s big city attractions and Queensland’s scenic expanses might captivate many, the bohemian south draws many to settle and holiday alike.

For devotees of Australia’s ever more impressive wines, the south is also the spot to visit rolling vineyards and taste local tipples courtesy of the enthusiastic vintner.
A friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne usually results in fans of the latter espousing the European cafe culture, lively arts scene and boutique-style developments. So whilst Sydney might see visitors pull up a chair at a high-end steak house, Melbourne’s offerings are chic, intimate and bohemian.
The southern capital’s gridded street system links independent cafes, innovative restaurants by tram service, further lending an old-world air to the modern city.

All roads lead to the central Federation Square, which combines art, architecture, events, culture, hospitality and a local meeting spot in one attractive space.
Adelaide also offers itself up as an unassuming antidote to Sydney’s brash charms. It may not have the impressive skyscrapers or the towering opera house, but Adelaide is a perfect half-way house for those who like city facilities with local charm.

Western Australia
The west of Australia stands alone from the rest of the country, and is most often missed out by those on a grand tour of the nation’s highlights. For those who have made it out west, however, this is very often a favourite region.
As a capital city, Perth is the remotest in the world, and the effect is to spawn a decidedly less populated metropolis than other urban centres.

All that extra space means an obvious quality of life for locals, who enjoy their pristine beaches and large parklands. But that’s not to say this isn’t a cosmopolitan city either. Recent investment has equipped Perth with all of the cultural and leisure facilities you would expect in a global city.
Besides Perth, Western Australia has a lesser known city in the form of Fremantle. This lively port is a hub of heritage architecture, and blend of a myriad of cultures. The surprise extra for those visiting for the first time is an obvious Italian population, with cafes and restaurants to match.
The real appeal of the largely untouched western region, however, is access to remote nature found almost nowhere else on earth. A car, a tent, and a yen to explore is all it takes to discover natural scenes without another soul in sight, whether you pitch up by a crystal clear stream or strike out into un-chartered mountain and woodland.

Settling permanently – property and finance
The good news for UK buyers is that Australia is still a cheap country in comparison to England. But there are certain restrictions on buying property which you should be aware of before you start house-hunting.
The Foreign Investment Review Board has strict policies about overseas investors buying in Australia, and generally it is expected that the property cannot be second hand and must be new. Although there are a number of convenient schemes to allow foreign buyers to invest in property.
“The way to achieve the required result is to buy off the plan” explains travel agent Lynne Erricker at Remax Whitsundays. “This is when you go to contract to buy something that has not been built. If the buyer was from overseas, the contract should be conditional upon the buyer obtaining the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board within a stipulated period.”
Generally, speaking however, Australia does welcome foreign investment, and there are a number of straight-forward ways to buy property.

Opportunities include auctions, conventional purchasing or a new phenomenon known as ‘bowl and build’, whereby an existing property is demolished and replaced with one or two new developments.
“A combination of an abundance of land and liberal councils has led to this type of property development becoming more widely adopted” explains Mark O’Sullivan, director of dealing at Currencies Direct, of the ‘bowl and build’ option.
“‘Bowl and builds’ present investors with a number of financial benefits, as building a new home generally costs significantly less than renovating an existing property. It also allows them to work alongside architects and property developers to create a unique property.”
Once you’ve explored the various property options, you should also be aware of basics such as transferring money. Whilst many people assume their bank to be the best option, for large transactions such as property, it’s important to shop around for exchange rates.
“Foreign exchange specialists generally offer better rates than banks and provide expert guidance on currency issues which can be welcome given the volatile nature of the currency markets” explains Marc Morley-Freer from exchange specialist Moneycorp.
“Risk can be managed by placing forward contracts which can allow you to lock into a favourable exchange rate for up to two years.

When you consider the possible time lapse between deciding to move abroad and actually completing your property purchase, the risk of significant currency fluctuations in this time is certainly high.”
So before you’ve decided on the property you’re going to live in, or how to take your business and career to the next level, Down Under, do your homework and make sure you’re legally allowed to buy, and the exchange won’t cost you more than it should. After all, if you intend to make a serious go of it in Australia, you’ll need to keep those extra Aussie dollars handy for that new surf board, extra strength sun-block, and portable beach barbecue.

“We are in what is officially known as regional Queensland, in the sub-tropics” says entrepreneur Kerry Blackburn. “Our office overlooks the Coral Sea and it’s presently humpback whale migration season, so they literally come past my window.”
But the scenery and wildlife wasn’t the only reason Kerry moved overseas with her family. Having established a successful business in the UK selling children’s music on CD, Kerry was struck on the notion of managing the international business from a rural location.

But she also managed to use her business savvy to exploit potential in the local market too.
“We continue to manage our UK business remotely and we franchise in NZ and Ireland, and we’ve now opened the Australian branch, which is going great guns” says Kerry. “But since we’ve been here we have also launched a new company – Soundstuff.com.au – which imports and distributes solar and battery chargers for electrical equipment. We are on a business visa, so have up to four years to prove ourselves, but we’ve actually met the turnover requirement in six months!”

For others considering the move Kerry advises forward planning and motivation is essential. “The key is to plan well and research way before you even get to Heathrow” she says. “Find a good accountant and a helpful bank manager, a good internet connection. And bring lots of energy and enthusiasm.”

Following an Opportunities Australia Expo in London, Northampton-based Richard Powell took to decision to move out to Perth, where he has now set up permanent home.
“In December 2006 I applied for a skilled migrant visa and whilst I was waiting for that to be processed I obtained a working holiday visa” explains Richard. “This meant I could spend a year out there whilst I waited on my permanent residency to be confirmed. It gave me a chance to see if I liked it there or not without being committed to the move.”
“I spent the first few months out there on holiday, not working, just enjoying Perth whilst it was the summer. As summer turned to winter I got work as a software developer for a company who were willing to sponsor me so I could become a permanent employee, however, my visa was granted in time so I received residency status without the need for a sponsor.”

Richard still remains at the same employer today.

So what is his advice for those thinking of making Perth their home?
“Firstly, don’t just think about it, if you want to do it – get yourself out here” says Richard. “If you are aged 18-30; you can apply for a working holiday visa and visit a few different cities
over here. You have nothing to lose. Also, do your research, have a look at the visa conditions and assess your options. Double check all documentation you submit so you
know what your situation is. Having
a job lined up before making the move may take some of the stress out of trying to settle in a new place.”