Villas inside and out

Australia is not a place for short-stay holidays but can be a candidate for a long break. For most people, however, it is a candidate for a life changing relocation.

What to expect

Australia has always been a favourite with British and it is easy to see why. The quality of life is great and the weather is far better than we have here in the UK.

It is also a big country with so much to explore that it will take you a lifetime. Many Brits move to Sydney or Melbourne but, if you are young and adventurous enough, you can choose between sandy beaches, rain forests or deserts. Just beware of the spiders !

Moving there and purchasing residential or commercial property is straightforward. You just need to meet the residency and Visa requirements. Foreigners can purchase any type of real estate subject to approval from the Foreign Invest ment Review Board (FIRB). This is normally granted within six weeks but can take up to five months in exceptional circumstances.

If you are buying a new-build property in a residential area, it is likely that the permission will be automatically granted.

Australia has the same forms of ownership that we have in the UK and freehold titles are the most common.

Mortgages are now fairly readily obtainable. This increased availability has been a factor in increasing prices over the last few years. The mortgage market reflects that in the UK before the credit bubble. Most mortgages are re-payment over a number of years with the longer terms being the most common.

The banks expect strict proof of income and the ability to repay. Very little of the nonsense of self-certification, that so damaged the UK financial markets, found its way to Australia.

The buying process is not unduly complicated, and is far simpler than the arcane processes found in France, Spain and Portugal. Nevertheless, one would be strongly advised to find a local lawyer to avoid any silly legal mistakes.

As part of the buying process, it is worth giving consideration to taxes and inheritance issues. The tax system can be complicated and professional advice at an early stage is strongly recommended.

Where to buy?

Australia has something for everyone, but the choice is daunting. City life in Melbourne or Sydney is an obvious safe bet. But, if you are brave, then there is much more to Australia than safe bets.

For the same money, you can have a terraced townhouse in Sydney or a freestanding house with large garden in Perth. There is nothing unusual in this, consider a cramped flat in London and a spacious house in Newcastle.

One of the real benefits of Australia is its low crime rate. Again, this is reminiscent of Britain fifty years ago before our island became overcrowded and we lost out trust in our own identity.

I suppose it needs to be said that a downside of Australia is in its wildlife. One jokes about spiders but they can be a serious problem. Add to this the jelly-fish, crocodiles and various other creepy-crawlies and you then stop worrying about the sharks.

In reality, Australia is safe if you are sensible. Do not swim from unmanned beaches and do not assume that everywhere will be like Weston-super-Mare. Australia is one big country with a climate and life that stretches in infinite variation from coast to coast.

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