Jon the Hat

Its not uncommon in the UK before contracts are signed. That is the nature of the process. Until you sign you don't have a legally binding agreement.

I can guarantee the exchange rate won't move nearly as much as moving and moving back would cost you

I still think rent your place out and see how you like life over there. Low risk, low cost. Rent somewhere nice near the kids and grandkids. What's not to like?

Its a fair call while you are renting, as long as you are aware than in a few years when you want a house and a garden for the kids you will likely be moving further out and getting that long commute. Like you though I moved to Australia to ditch the hour and half each way commute into London. Sydney is very much like London in that respect, most people do have a fairly long commute.

Alan has confirmed I am correct above! That's two accountants telling you your understanding of the tax implication is way off. Rent your home out and move - yes it has some hassle and overhead but find a good agent and you will find it much easier.

I really hope so! Need to move some cash before the end of the year and this is bloody depressing.

Its not quite that simple, yes you would be liable for some CGT tax, but you get tax relief for years in which is was your primary residence (i.e. you spent more than 90 days in it) + 9 months, so in both the UK and Australia you pretty much only pay on any increase in the value after you move. This is not my specialty but I am a chartered accountant so I think this is definitely worth you getting some professional advice from before you sell. Please please please do not base this on your reading of a website of what someone on the phone from the HMRC told you - they really don't know what they are talking about in many cases. @Alan Collett am I completely of base here?

If I were in your shoes I think I would rent out my house, and come to Australia and rent somewhere nice near the kids. You might not be able to BUY nearby, but perhaps you can rent? Especially if your kids help out a bit. I saw you posted something about high tax cost selling your home later, but I believe you only pay AU tax on the capital gain from the day you become a tax resident, and in the UK I am pretty sure you pay CGT from the date it stops being your main residence, so in the greater scheme of things not a big issues.

Before you settle on Sydney I would take a deep breath and look at salaries vs rent. I chose not to move to Sydney despite a job offer, because I would have ended up mile from the sea and harbour to make it work finance wise. There is more to NSW than Sydney, especially if you are a teacher and can work therefore anywhere there is a school.

To be fair they wrapped pretty much everything in it!

I'm sure they would say it is because they ask for so much evidence that they approve so many, i.e. it puts off those who might be inclined to exaggerate their relationship.

They just wrapped ours in loads and loads of the brown padding stuff.

It is of course, but not very quickly. It was usually a couple of months at least prior to Covid, no doubt longer now. Initial consultations are usually more, I suspect more like 150 per session after that.

I think you are better to let PSS wrap them, they will record them as wrapped by you on the inventory otherwise and your insurance will likely not cover them.

I found for example loans .com . au wanted to see 6 months income before they would lend, however you might find dealer direct finance will lend on the basis of a contract. You will pay for it though, be prepared for secured car finance at rates much higher than the UK. More like 10% interest is common. I'm sure there are better deals out there, but they want better credit records than a new migrant will have. Also note that while historically credit scoring was not a big thing in Australia, it is much like the UK now.

That is good news! in that case go for it and enjoy Australia!

In my recent experience you can either provide proof of funds or employment. They will however also want to know your visa status, and given the current competitive rental market you might be at a disadvantage not having a longer term visa. It is generally advised not to sign anything on a rental until you have actually seen it - agents famously use old and manipulated photos to make things look better than they are. Also a decent agent would not let you a decent property without meeting you so you can almost guarantee it is a bad idea unless you are paying a fortune though a relocation agent etc. Find yourself an air bnb for a few weeks and look around. Hospitality if crying out for workers at the moment. One more note - if your partner is close to getting UK citizenship it is worth sticking it out for a year or two to get it - as partner visa in the UK is harder to get including you proving you earn enough to provide for her.

Just bear in mind the lead times are huge at the moment, so don't expect to be able to get a new one quickly.

I suppose the alternative given the current timelines is to effectively stop new applications. With a huge number of people in Australia born overseas, this may not be a vote winner.

Yes I read it that way too, they can apply for a visa to come back, but only if they leave, and they have no home of jobs in Scotland while they do so.

10 Months in and I can't say there is much I miss food wise, with the exception of the Waitrose / M&S ready meals, and that is just convenience . I have developed a taste for Australian middle bacon. We buy English Sausage company sausages most of the time, not really into beef sausages. If it were me I would be heading to my local pub for an afternoon of food, beer and family, which is exactly what we did.

I would think around Mandurah is a good shout, you still have the option of the train into the City if you want some entertainment, culture etc. but have the beach / cafe / golf lifestyle and some decent entertainment and eateries on your doorstep as well.

Nice isn't it I have to say both the UK and AU tax paid me in about a week once I submitted.

Of course he isn't suggesting tax fraud. He is suggesting getting some tax advice to ensure they don't pay unnecessary tax. There is a huge difference.

That might be what is in my head, as ours were born in the UK and had to apply for their Australia citizenship.