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Just be warned - every house you rent, the rental company will do their utmost best to claw back some of your deposit. We failed on every occasion to avoid this. We were warned about it - we didn't believe the people that told us. Rest assured, they will find every avenue to take your deposit. ("finger printes on toilet roll holder"). Nice place Perth - horrible rental companies.

After lots of deliberate messing around from our rental company the bond holders have now returned out deposit MINUS $1400 approx,which we knew absolutely nothing about. $400 of this went to the owners. Are they allowed to do this without our prior consent? I have just emailed the estate agent company and the bond holding company for an explanation. On another negative, every house that we have left, we have left in exemplary condition and that's not an exaggeration but its always been an issue. In fact, the issues are verging on xenophobic. Back in good old blighty now and thank god.

Thanks very much Scott

Folks, If I leave my employment and my 457 Visa, how long is it before the 457 visa is cancelled? I was initially informed it was 28 days but i have been told it is now 90 days? Anyone know? Thanks in advance. Thanks Scott

http://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1025355684 Peeps, I have my Hyundai Tucson car for sale, if anyone is interested? Link above for Gumtree. Ok, description maybe a bit 'over the top' but its a great car and I paid over $2000 for extended manufacturers warranty, so it is trouble free motoring for years and years. Great car which has served me well. Again, see link in Gumtree. Thanks Scott

eThanks all. Getting quotes just now.

Flatpack..you are right, never thought of they implications. I was asked myself once, in Kazakhstan to take a surfboard back to the UK, from a woman I met in a shop. I had the same reaction as you. But, I can post it but, I spoke to the Post office people and they said you cannot get insurance for mobile phones. Nothing untoward, just a brand new phone that has been delivered to my house.

Anyone travelling to Perth within the next week or so? Would they be able to bring my phone over for me and I can collect in Perth? Thanks Scott Please use the PM facility

I suppose everything is possible but to live here on eighty k, will be a struggle.

during the recent storms our rental partition fence blew down restricting our use of the pool. we have just moved out and the property managers are being the usual picky about cleanliness. re pool, due yoi think we are entitled to a rebate for non use of the pool?

Forgot to say, we were hitting spud shed there for a while. We were averaging 190 bucks per week. This average was taken over a couple of months. Again, for x4 adults.

Joanne, Welcome to Perth. At the beginning, we were spending money like that on food but now we have managed to cut it right down but probably averages, including meals out, maybe 800 a month, so I am sure you can cut that down. There is four of us in the house, kids are 16 now so basically adults, in terms of food consumption. We go to a local butcher in beaufort street, fornightly and pick up a butchers pack. Again, this lasts us two weeks. We can also go to the spud shed, ok, its a bit of a drive but we can go up there and get all of our veg for the week for 30 bucks but we usually end up buying some more stuff. then, my wife will nip out and get the necessities, shopping powder etc, that shopping will usually cost over 200 but again, you will be able to work your bills down.

That breakdown looks about right, although, ours is a way bit higher due to some commitments back in the UK but thats a good base line.

Thanks for this information. I have passed this onto my daughters school for verification. I do think though, that the Australian education system (hopefully transferable) comes with a bit more credibility than your standard state education in UK (Glasgow state schools)

Hi there, My daughter is repeating year 11 due to missing so much school during out move etc. She will finish year 11 and then 12. Once and hopefully she qualifies, will these qualifications be transferable to a College or University back in the UK?

$75k! You will not survive here on that wage. I am well more than double that wage and we are struggling. We have 2 kids, who now eat like adults. Had to buy two cars and now renting my own house and paying for that. If you are anything less than $200k here, in Perth and especially if you want a house in Mount Lawley - you will struggle - unless your a monk!

I just bought a second hat set of golf clubs, reasonable make for $200 with new bag and good accessories. You can play at local council ran courses which do not cost $10,000. Wembly is only 20 or 30 bucks to play.

Good price and cheaper than the dealers.

The aussies take their bikes seriously and plenty of good bike shops over here to purchase, if you want.

If company are paying for house for 6 months, target a house that you can afford after the 6 months is up. 140k a year here is ok but it will still be tight with just that wage. I know there are other people on less and surviving but it can be expensive here and it takes a bit of time to find out the good deals etc, in terms of food and clothes etc.

If you are on a 457 the employer usually supplies you with a healthcare plan. But, as mentioned, you need to join medicare too. Google where to do it, you and all your family will get cards.

Well, had rental property in Perth for 13 months. At the last minute we decided to change and get a house with a pool, which we believe was a shock to the rental company. So, final cleaning of the house, we literally spent over 40 man hour cleaning the house from top to bottom. Ok, we know they will find something but we never expected a list as long as yer leg! The rental company, as they said, would go through the house with a fine tooth comb and they certainly did that. Picked up on everything that we thought we had! Stains on the garage floor, dust on the toilet roll holder!! Be warned!

Thousands of cars to select from but use these tips below:- 1. autotrader.com.au - look for a car you like (suv or whatever) get a rough idea of its price from that. 2. go to the dealerships, plenty in Perth, in fact, never seen so many in all of my life. 3. RAC will do a check on any car for you for $250 and make sure it is mechanically sound. 4. Now, if you like the car, you can stipulate that, purchase is pending good report from RAC 5. Finance - Stipulate, purchase is pending good interest rates coming back from finance company (we never done this but should have!!) 6. Whilst in the garage, use link below to, there and then, price the car you are looking at. Use this as the basis for your negotiation and even show the salesman it. 7. They will ask you for $500 deposit So, make sure you go through all the above first, for I don't fancy trying to get the deposit back, as they will resist big time. 8. Cars are more expensive here than in the UK, so be prepared! 9 If you dont know anything about cars, take someone who does with you. 10. Check paint work of car, check car seams and gaps in panels. Make sure no overspray anywhere (bumpers, window rubbers etc) as sure sign of crash damage. All panels line up correctly, interior is spotless, no wear and tear on pedals etc. Don't be embarrassed to go right through the car. Its your money!! 11. Best of luck. www.redbookasiapacific.com/valtool/index.php?dlrid=25

$66k in Perth? I think you will struggle. To rent a decent house, close to CBD will cost you minimum $350 per week upwards. Food is expensive too. I think if you are coming over here on a salary less than $150k you are struggling.

I came over here with nothing. Went to a few garage sales, picked up some second hand suits. Went to scratch and dent places picked up washing machines, fridges etc and all for less than $10k. You'd be surprised that you can survive without all the jumble you have in the UK.