Bibbs

I'm a contractor. I'd finished my first year contracting and got a house loan straight away. ANZ are the only provider (apparently) who will look at a contractor with 12 months history. Most want 3 years, some 5. ANZ were also the bank I was with, and who also hold my company accounts. I also went in with 10 years of previous work in the (IT) industry, letters from 3 clients saying work would continue, and a wife who was in full-time employment too. Get an advisor. They do all the chasing and know all the details. We used StellaFinance and they were awesome to deal with - stellafinance.com.au

Average salary in WA is about 80k AUD. Average in UK is what? 28k GBP? $80k will give you about $60k after tax. So $5k a month. So work out your costs. Rent $500 a week ($2000 a month) House Bills $100 a month Fox / internet $200 a month Mobiles $100 a month Car repayments $200 a week ($800 a month) Insurance (health, car, house) $400 a month You can soon see where the money goes. Especially if you buy instead of renting as you can add another $2000 annually at least. I worked out my outgoings, and before food/entertainment it was close to $60k a year. Edit to add :- UK average 26,500 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20442666 WA average 1590.60 (weekly) = 82,711 (there is a bigger number, but i think this includes overtime) http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/6302.0main+features7Nov%202012

As above. Foxtel UKTV for all the BBC/ITV stuff. And all the sports (as mentioned) are on ESPN. But it's easier to just get into AFL and the tri-nations.

I'm a .NET developer and an SQL DBA.

Hi Rekha, it took me 6 weeks. And half that time was waiting for Agencies. 2 years later, I'm still waiting for those agencies to find me something.

We rented for 4 days. As the poster above said, drive to Vic Park and start at John Huges .. and keep walking south till you can find cars you can afford. The whole Albany Highway is stocked with dealers (it goes on for miles).

I recon it's the same. But it's less pubs and more round friends. Having JB and coke pre mixed in cans doesn't help being sober.

As a developer, I'm in the same industry but have no contacts for PM stuff. But I'll agree with STTP, contracting here is big and common. I jumped in with both feet and 2 years later dont regret it. But I do know things can change. Unfortunatly I had zero success with agencies (I went through about a dozen). It was only when i started contacting companies direct (via Seek) that I got results.

Hey Phil, it's Ben. Just to add, check out 'Robert Walters Salary Checker' (it's an iPhone app too) or :- http://www.peoplebank.com.au/knowledge/salary-survey.php for salary guides. They differ, but it'll give you a good guide.

Born in Perth, live in Perth as a kid, visited 2 times as an adult (from the UK), then moved back.

The Old Brewery Frasiers Millbrook Winery The Atrium (it's a buffet, but nice)

Bit late as you are here now. But there is a Park by the river, opposite Ascot. It's a dog park (and busy of an evening). Otherwise there is a small selection of shops based round the train station (and a nice Thai resturant). Bigger shopping is Morley (5mins north) or get the train into Perth. Local resturants are mainly Beauford St in Mt Lawley.

Wife has just sold her house. Plenty of viewings (minimum 4 a week since October), but if people are not walking through the front door, it's too expensive. Drop the price. It's only worth what someone will offer. And yes. Finding a job while abroad is very hard. I agree with them too, what's the point in speaking to someone several months away from ariving (and my not turn up at all) when there are people on your doorstep wanting the same job. Get your flights booked, tell them when you arrive a few weeks in advance to arrange interviews once you've landed. Good luck.

Awsome idea. Will defo be having a look once we are out there.

Hi Michelle. I was born in Perth, lived through Europe as a baby, and then back to Perth for starting School. Grew up in the Hills of Armidale (now Mt Nasura) and went to Kelmscott high. My olds divorced in my early teens, I moved to Dalkeith for a short period and then I went to live with my father in the UK. So I did my last years of highschool, college and uni in the UK. Now after 10 years of working, I want to head back as the "Aussie lifestyle" is more suited to me. The wife is just as keen as I am. We've no kids or anything, so we just decided to go. I know Northampton, don't think I've ever stopped in it, just round it when off to Silverstone etc. I've worked/lived in Reading for 10 years or so, moving about but in the same area. Where in Perth have you moved to?

Perth is something like the 3rd windiest city in the world (after Auckland, and Chicago) and the flies only really live near water. If they were such a big issue, no-one would live there. Then add in peoples fear of snakes, spiders, sun and the fact people will miss marmite and Eastenders .. Some people always find an excuse not to do something. The wind usually picks up through the day, so get out early and you'll have no issues. During the summer you'll be thankful of the wind as the days it doesn't come it you'll bake.

We were out there last Xmas to reccie the place and get married (Cott beach the first week in Jan - ouch it was hot in a full suit). We were based out of Bibra Lake and went from Augusta to Monkey Mia on our travels over 6 weeks. I'm on PomsInOz, BritishExpats & AustraliaForum too .. As well as a few other forums for motoring etc.

My friends are offering to put us up till we are sorted for jobs, so hopefully we'll be able to take our time hunting. Defo wanting to stay about the lakes area though. I kinda grew up in the hills near Armadale, and then for a bit in Dalkeith. Cheers for the auction site! Defo worth a look for something cheaper. I doubt a bit of hail damage will worry us for a first motor over there. I've been trawling Seek, CarSales and RealEstate for months now. Stopped looking at RealEstate though, as we don't want to "jinx" our house sale in the UK. Thanks again!

Hi guys, well I thought I'd reply as no-one else has. We are now down to the final few weeks before we'll be heading out. Can anyone advise on the following please? Cars : Will be after a cheap, reliable runabout. CarSales seem to be quite pricey. Anyone got any other ideas where I can look? Jobs : Anyone in the IT industry and able to give some ideas? I'm a Programmer/Business Analyst, where whould you advise I look for jobs. Wife is a engineer scheduler (for equipment repairs, scheduled maintenance), anyone got an idea if this is something she'll be able to carry on doing? Houses : Will be a while, but hows the housing market? Cheers, B.

Well after 20 years away in the UK I'm off "home" soon. Mid 30's male heading back with wife in tow. Will be living with friends in Bibra Lake while job hunting. Thought I'd say hello and to say I'll no doubt be quizing people on jobs/cars soon.