Thread: Few Brits Heading Down Under

The steep rise in the cost of living in Australia coupled with sterling’s 16.5% slump in value over the last year have put off migrating Brits from sailing off to our former colony to start a new life. Today the pound is worth just AU$1.50. “To put that in real terms, an English pensioner living in Australia on a £240 per week pension would last year have received AU$432, now they would only have AU$360 per week to live on.”

Other currency specialists confirm the decline in British interest in Australian property. David Kerns, Dealing Manager at MoneyCorp blames the increasing strength of the Australian dollar which has been fuelled by its commodity exports, which in turn makes property in the country relatively more expensive to British expats. "Interest has dropped by 14% compared to last month as a result," he confirms.

There’s little sign of improvement on either front. “Not only could the pound fall below AU$1.40 before bottoming out, but an interest rate rise is also expected in Australia in June, which will push mortgage and rental prices up even further.” Aussie consumers are already struggling to meet the recent increases in food, fuel and property prices

I think it's most likely because the UK is a better place to live...

Don't get them started

lol I'm really just waiting for Cal to get fired up with me for that comment!

Originally Posted by Ktee

"Interest has dropped by 14% compared to last month as a result," he confirms.

There’s little sign of improvement on either front. “Not only could the pound fall below AU$1.40 before bottoming out, but an interest rate rise is also expected in Australia in June, which will push mortgage and rental prices up even further.” Aussie consumers are already struggling to meet the recent increases in food, fuel and property prices

My mate who lives in Brisbane says this is all nonsence and if you are living there and earning aussie coin then its not at all expensive.

It's true it's fine here in Queensland, it's when you are making the big move the exchange rates hits you.

I think Immigration tightening up on who qualifys for a visa has also assisted in culling migrant numbers. If we were to apply now we wouldnt get in on PR status, if at all, due to lack of paperwork qualifications.
The exchange rate has killed the dream for loads of people, jeez we averaged around $2.50 to the GBP so it would be a massive drop in funds if we moved now,,it would even mean i had to work full time again !!! lol

Cal x

This is what pees me off with people saying how great it is that the $ is worth so much when in fact all it is doing is hurting migration, tourism, exports and many other things.
I certainly wouldn't be looking at going with the exchange rate and the fact that everything is rising so quickly, along with a Labour Government that doesnt seem to have a clue. That sounds familiar.

Originally Posted by Cal

If we were to apply now we wouldnt get in on PR status, if at all, due to lack of paperwork qualifications.
Cal x

Oh come on Cal... how could anyone refuse you? x

Does he also think Aussie drivers are as good as British ones ?

Originally Posted by Aldo

My mate Kelvin who lives in Brisbane says this is all nonsence and if you are living there and earning aussie coin then its not at all expensive.