“Most of these are all connected with the same theme!”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this week's episode, Karen gives a different perspective about living in Australia by exploring some of the worst things about living in Australia.

Of course, there are lots of amazing things about living in Australia, but there are also some things that aren't so good. Listen to this episode where Karen talks about her five worst things about living in Australia.

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.
• Join the Move to Australia Facebook community

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-41

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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“I don't think you regret giving something a try!”

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this week's episode, Karen answers this important question: Will I regret moving to Australia?

Karen shares an eye opening experience that really got her thinking about the concept of regret. If you've been wondering if making the move is the right decision for you, this short episode is just for you!

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find the full show notes and transcript over at, https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-40

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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“We assumed because we were eligible now, we'd always be eligible!”

Don't make these common mistakes with your move to Australia!

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this solo episode, Karen explores 10 common mistakes that people make when moving to Australia so you can avoid making them!

From listening to incorrect visa advice, skipping a leaving party and getting rid of all of your belongings, this episode explores some of the mistakes you should try to avoid when making the move.

Additional resources

• Visit the Move to Australia Directory to find migration agents and other services to help with your move.

For the full show notes and transcript, visit https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-39

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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“Do it with your kids, not to them. Include them!”

Moving to Australia with kids? In this episode, Karen chats with Tracy Collins about how to help children adjust to their new life Down Under. From choosing the right school and managing goodbyes to handling long-haul flights and building new routines, this conversation is packed with practical tips and personal insights to support your family through the transition.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

Tracy Collins is host of the UK Travel Planning and the Global Travel Planning podcasts. She has a background of moving internationally herself, and also has experience of moving to Australia with her daughter - plus she has a background in education and working with special needs children, so she has a wealth of experience to share. This episode covers:

• How to choose a school in Australia that fits your child
• Supporting your kids with leaving friends and family behind
• Long-haul flight tips for young children
• How to help kids settle into their new routine and social life
• The emotional journey for parents and children alike
• Why it's important to wait before planning a return holiday
• The power of involving your kids in every step of the journey
• And so much more!

Additional resources

• Listen to Tracy's other episodes on the New Life in Australia podcast: Moving to Australia and moving again, Housesitting in Australia and Planning a big holiday back to the UK.
• Read the blog post Tracy and Karen wrote together to accompany this episode
• Read this blog post about traditions in Australia and hobbies in Australia for inspiration.
• Check out Tracy's UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning websites.

You can find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-38

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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"I like to reference Sydney when they announced the Olympics 1990 to when they held the games in 2000, the government spent a similar amount on infrastructure projects...these things make the city a more desirable location. Sydney saw a growth across the metro locations of around 94% over that ten year period. If history is anything to base it off, Brisbane has a similar opportunity here. The Olympics will put Brisbane on the global stage."

With thanks to Buyers Collective for sponsoring this episode.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks to Jack from Buyers Collective, a buyer's advocate agency helping clients buy a home or invest in property from Brisbane down the coast to Byron Bay. We talk about:

• The impact of the Sydney Olympics on house prices and what this signifies for Brisbane
• How property values are likely to grow
• Major infrastructure projects that are planned or underway
• Tips for buying into the market
• Potential downsides of the Olympics coming to Brisbane
• Why research is key before making a move
• Opportunities for newcomers to Australia

…And many more insights for anyone interested in property and investment in the Brisbane area.

Additional resources

• Listen to Dianne from Buyers Collective on episode 27 of the New Life in Australia podcast about buying your home in Queensland the smart way
• Find Buyers Collective in the Move to Australia Directory
• Visit Buyers Collective website and book a discovery call with Jack or Dianne
• Read Buyers Collective's article about buying a home on the Gold Coast

You can find the full show notes and transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-37

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts! All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

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"Be flexible. Don't overplan. Work around the things you absolutely have to do. 28 days isn't a long time!"

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen chats to Tracy Collins from the UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning podcasts and websites all about planning a big holiday back to the UK after you've settled in Australia.

This episode is packed with practical tips and insights as Tracy and Karen share all of their knowledge about taking big long haul trips back to visit family, including:

• How to get around
• How to fit everything in
• Leaving your house behind for a month or more
• Methods for taking money
• The importance of travel insurance
• Staying connected while travelling
• Getting over jetlag
• What to pack for your flight
• And so much more

Additional resources

• Visit UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning websites
• Listen to Tracy's previous episodes on the podcast: save money with house sitting and the most downloaded episode of the New Life in Australia podcast to date: moving and moving again (about Tracy and Doug's experience of relocating from the UK to Mackay and then moving to Brisbane)
• Visit Tracy and Doug's UK Train Travel Tips Facebook group
• Read Karen's post about planning your big trip back

You can find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-36/

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

"I had these clients…they’d seen a property in Hawthorn. That area wasn’t in our brief…this is why we do a brief, so we aren’t tempted by shiny things. They told me they wanted capital growth, and that property wouldn’t provide that. Stick to the plan!"

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks to Tonya Davidson from Davidson Property Advocates all about creating a solid property buying strategy.

We cover:

• How to determine your property brief
• Negotiating on your dream property
• Why saving time and money is only part of the puzzle - it's also about getting the right property for your future goals
• Get to know your buyer's advocate - their values are important!
• Know what questions to ask
• Why data is so important
• Know which days to avoid making offers
• and so much more!

Additional resources

• Listen to Tonya's previous episode on the New Life in Australia podcast
• Find Davidson Property Advocates in the Move to Move to Australia Directory
• Visit Davidson Property Advocates website

You can find the full show notes and the transcript at https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-35

If you enjoyed listening, don’t forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts! All positive reviews would be really appreciated!

Find all of the migration and relocation services you need in one handy place in the Move to Australia Directory.

Support the show

"It always surprises me when I go to do viewings. People walk in and view and don’t have a conversation with the agent. You are there to present…always try and have a conversation with the agent and introduce yourself. If you love the property, tell them how much you love it. We always do that on behalf of our clients."

With thanks to E-Sterling Services for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen chats with Charles from E-Sterling Services, a Perth-based relocation agency, about everything you need to know to crack the Perth rental market as a new arrival.

We cover:

• Securing a rental before you arrive in Perth
• Choosing the right suburb for your lifestyle (and longer-term aspirations)
• How to present yourself to agents
• Creating a winning rental resume
• What identification you need
• Whether to consider paying above the asking price or offer months in advance
• Rental costs to budget for
• Preparing for move-in day
• Common mistakes to avoid

...and so much more!

Additional resources

• Listen to Charles' previous podcast interview on episode 19 all about moving to Perth
• Find E-SterlingServices.com.au in the Move to Australia Directory
• Read E-Sterling Services' helpful blog posts about moving to Perth

For the full show notes and transcript, visit https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-34

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