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Australia is actually culturally quite similar to the UK. So, it is an easy place to fit into the way of life. The main cities are all attractive and cosmopolitan, and Sydney in particular is a very exciting place. If you are not a permanent resident then you must get permission from the Government before you can buy a property in Australia. The Government wishes to increase the supply of housing and so decisions will be granted with this in mind.
For most of the big cities you are never very far from the beach, and all that sunny weather is a wonderful contrast to the UK. Houses seem to be competitively priced - and much more reasonable than in the UK, although prices have risen considerably in the last few years. So, if it's a complete change of location you're looking for then perhaps Australia fits the bill. Lonely Planet Guide to Australia
Ask a ProfessionalThere are investment prospects in Australia, but it is essential that you seek independent expert professional advice before undertaking any property purchase. There are lots of things to bear in mind, including local laws and regulations, taxes, surveyor's assessments of the building, financial currency exchange, dealing with interbank transfers, volatity of the housing market, etc. etc. Any property purchase is a major undertaking. It may seem obvious but it's well worth going on holiday to a country several times to see if you like it.
Surge in InterestThe interest in purchasing property abroad has increased at an amazing rate in the past five years, fuelled in the UK by a booming domestic housing market making overseas properties seem good value for money. Also, TV programmes like Channel 4's `A Place in the Sun' have made everyone realise that owning a property abroad is no longer just for the rich and famous. People are interested in purchasing a home overseas for a variety of reasons - enjoyment, investment, a new life, retirement, and more.For details of permission for foreigners to buy a property see Foreign Investment Review Board site. List of top Australian cities and their populations: 1 Sydney, New South Wales 4,254,894 2 Melbourne, Victoria 3,634,233 3 Brisbane, Queensland 1,810,943 4 Perth, Western Australia 1,477,815 5 Adelaide, South Australia 1,129,269 6 Newcastle, New South Wales 510,885 7 Gold Coast-Tweed, Queensland/New South Wales 482,037 8 Canberra-Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory/New South Wales 371,441 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 324,786 9 Wollongong, New South Wales 275,883 10 Sunshine Coast, Queensland 212,864 11 Greater Hobart, Tasmania 202,138 12 Geelong, Victoria 165,761 13 Townsville, Queensland 160,003 14 Cairns, Queensland 123,408 15 Toowoomba, Queensland 119,133 16 Darwin, Northern Territory 111,300 17 Launceston, Tasmania 103,200 18 Albury-Wodonga, New South Wales/Victoria 100,278 19 Ballarat, Victoria 88,777 20 Bendigo, Victoria 84,355 21 Burnie-Devonport, Tasmania 79,254 22 Bathurst-Orange, New South Wales 78,223 23 La Trobe Valley, Victoria (incl. Moe, Morwell, Traralgon) 74,924 24 Mandurah, Western Australia 74,010 25 Mackay, Queensland 70,686 26 Rockhampton, Queensland 69,126 27 Bundaberg, Queensland 60,936 28 Bunbury, Western Australia 56,180 29 Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 53,488 30 Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 49,678 31 Hervey Bay, Queensland 47,806 32 Mildura, Victoria 47,605 33 Shepparton, Victoria 47,218 34 Tamworth, New South Wales 43,261 35 Gladstone, Queensland 42,489 36 Port Macquarie, New South Wales 41,141 37 Dubbo, New South Wales 35,753 38 Nowra-Bomaderry, New South Wales 32,887 39 Lismore, New South Wales 31,311 40 Geraldton, Western Australia 31,199 41 Warrnambool, Victoria 31,083 42 Kalgoorlie/Boulder, Western Australia 28,850 [source: Wikipedia] All links and text on this site have been provided for information purposes - they are not recommendations. |