"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

Support the show

“If I wouldn’t live in it or invest in it myself, I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my clients either.”

With thanks to Minihan Group Australia for sponsoring this episode. 

In this episode, Karen chats to Janice Minihan from Minihan Group Australia. Janice is a licensed real estate agent in both Queensland and the UK who supports clients across the full spectrum of the property journey - from finding your first rental when you arrive in Brisbane, to helping you buy your first home or build your property investment portfolio to set up your financial future.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, we cover:

• The current state of the rental market in Southeast Queensland
• Why the property buying process in Queensland is faster (but not always simpler)
• How to avoid being scammed when trying to secure a rental
• Key things to look out for when choosing where to live (like flooding risk, air conditioning and public transport)
• Whether to rent or buy when you first arrive in Australia
• Janice’s thoughts on how the Brisbane property market is likely to change
• Tips for investing in property for long-term financial security
• Managing your UK property from Australia (and why you need a specialist property accountant to help)

Whether you’re planning to rent, buy, or invest - or you’re still unsure - Janice brings a practical and reassuring perspective based on her personal and professional experience on both sides of the globe.

Additional Resources

• Find Minihan Group Australia in the Move to Australia Directory
• Visit Minihan Group Australia's website - you'll find a wide range of free downloads on buying, renting and investing. 
• Need tax support across the UK and Australia? Check out GM Tax in the Move to Australia Directory

You'll find the full show notes and transcript over on https://smartstepstoaustralia.com/episode-33

Support the show

"We know pets are part of the family, and we want the journey to be as stress-free for them as it is for you."

In this episode, I chat to Andy Simons, owner and director of Transfur Animals, a UK-based pet shipping company specialising in relocating cats and dogs to Australia.

We cover everything you need to know about moving your pet to Australia, including timeframes, costs, crate requirements, quarantine, travel conditions and how to ensure your pet is physically and emotionally ready for the journey.

Andy also shares some important advice about breed restrictions, vaccinations and common mistakes pet owners make when they don’t start the process early enough. If you're considering bringing your furry friend with you when you move, this episode is packed with practical tips and insider advice to help make it all go smoothly.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen and Andy discuss:

• What animals can (and can’t) be brought to Australia
• Key timelines and why early planning is essential
• Quarantine rules, including the difference between 10 and 30-day stays
• Travel conditions for pets (they fly better than you might think!)
• What affects the cost of pet transport
• Emotional and physical preparation tips for your pet
• How to compare quotes and choose the right pet shipping company

Additional resources

• Find Transfur Animals in the Move to Australia Directory
  
  
• Get a quote from Transfur Animals

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

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"No place is absolutely perfect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work towards building your dream lifestyle."

Trying to decide where to live in Australia? Whether you’re choosing between Brisbane and Perth, city or regional, beachside or bush, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you find the perfect place for your new life Down Under.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this solo episode, Karen shares her own story of choosing where to move in Australia and walks you through the questions you need to ask to figure out which location will best suit your dream lifestyle.

In the episode, we cover:

• How to decide between cities or states (even if you’ve never visited them)
• Key factors to think about: weather, job opportunities, house prices, transport and more
• What to do when your head and your heart are saying different things
• How to weigh up lifestyle trade-offs and what really matters to you
• Why you don’t need to get it “perfect” the first time - you can always move again

Additional Resources:

• Get the Discover Your Perfect Place: Where to Move in Australia mini course
• Listen to Tracy's episode about moving to Mackay and then moving again
• Join the free Move to Australia Facebook Community
• Read the blog post about choosing where to live in Australia
• Get the Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle

You can find the full show notes and transcript over on SmartStepstoAustralia.com. 

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

Support the show

"You can always make more money… but you can never replace the time."

Wondering how much it really costs to move to Australia? This episode is a must-listen if you’re starting to plan your relocation and want to avoid hidden surprises. From visa fees and shipping to car seats and pantry staples, I walk you through the major expenses involved in relocating and setting up your new life Down Under.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this solo episode, Karen shares the essential costs to consider when planning your move to Australia. Whether you're relocating solo or with your family, this episode shares the financial investment and what to expect, so you can create a realistic budget and plan ahead with confidence.

In the episode, we cover:

• The cost of a visa (including extras like medicals and skills assessments
• Whether it’s worth paying for a migration agent
• What costs you need to budget for
• Why your first few weeks will be some of the most expensive
• Additional expenses like airport taxis, car seats and arrival accommodation
• Set-up costs once you land, from new furniture to pantry basics
• How to decide if it's all worth it (spoiler: it was for us!)

Additional Resources:

• Get the Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle
• Blog post about the costs of moving to Australia
• Get shipping quotes
• Research pet shipping
• Find relocation agents in the Move to Australia Directory
• Send My Bag – get 5% off
• Go Walkabout one-way insurance – get 5% off
• Get the Carly Car Subscription offer and listen to episode 26 about the benefits of a car subscription
• Shop for flights to Australia
• Discover the pros and cons of using a migration agent
• Free Move to Australia Facebook Community
• Home Affairs Visa Pricing

Find the full show notes and transcript at 

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

Support the show

"Try to approach it from a position of opportunities and be creative — think about ways you can make yourself eligible if you aren’t currently eligible for a visa."

Thinking about moving to Australia, but don’t know where to start? This episode is your practical roadmap to help you go from “can I move?” to “I’ve got my visa!” It’s a comprehensive overview of the key stages you’ll need to work through if you want to make your dream life in Australia a reality.

In this solo episode, Karen shares the six essential steps involved in planning your move to Australia. From figuring out if you're eligible, to understanding the emotional and financial decisions involved, to finally receiving your visa, this episode walks you through what to expect and how to get started.

In the episode, we cover:

• Why the first question isn’t should I move, but can I move to Australia?
• Where to find reliable visa information (and why you shouldn’t rely on outdated websites or Facebook groups for important visa advice).
• Why using a migration agent can save you stress, time and, potentially, money.
• What goes into the decision-making process (and why it took me five years!).
• How to start budgeting and understanding the true costs of a move.
• The different stages of the visa process, including skills assessments, English tests and EOIs.
• What happens after you receive your visa grant.
• How to stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the admin involved.

Additional Resources 

• Find migration agents in the Move to Australia Directory
• Get the Ultimate Emigration Checklist Bundle
• Blog post about the costs of moving to Australia
• Blog post about the steps involved in moving to Australia
• Podcast episode 2: The decision-making process
• Free Move to Australia Facebook Community
• Home Affairs visa options

You can find the full show notes and AI transcript over at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-29

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

Support the show

"I know it can be a bit weird to adapt to if you're moving from a country where it's normally cold and chilly and snowy over the Christmas period. But it is different and if you embrace those differences, then I think you will come to love it too!"

With thanks to Tonya Davidson from Davidson Property Advocates, Chris Noone from Carly Car Subscription, Fiona Mayers from True Blue Migration Services and Dianne Horton from Buyers Collective for sharing their festive tips in the episode. 

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast 

In this episode, Karen shares Christmas tips to help you embrace the festive season in Australia. In the episode, Karen talks about: 

• Embracing Christmas in the sun!
• Ways to stay connected with family.
• How to make the most of the summer weather.
• Plus there are festive tips from Move to Australia Directory members: Buyers Collective, True Blue Migration, Carly Car Subscription and Davidson Property Advocates. 

Additional resources

• Listen to episode 5 - 11 tips to stay sun safe in Australia
• Read the blog post: Celebrate Christmas in Australia 

Find the AI-generated show notes over at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-28

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

What is your priority when you're moving here? Is it the schools? Is it a house or an apartment? Do you love the ocean do you love the countryside? What are your must-haves?

With thanks to Buyers Collective for sponsoring this episode.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast:

In this episode, Karen talks to Dianne from Buyers Collective. In the episode, we cover: 

• Dianne's journey from renovating and flipping homes into becoming a buyer's agent and setting up Buyers Collective. 
• What is the process of buying a home in this area?
• How a buyer's agent can help you find your dream home.
• What the lifestyle is like in South East Queensland down to Byron Bay in New South Wales.
• What do house prices look like in the area.
• What to look for in a home in this region? What to be aware of (bush fires, floods, insurance risks)? 
• Is now still a good time to buy? 

Additional resources

• Find Buyers Collective in the Move to Australia Directory
• Book a Discovery call with Dianne from Buyers Collective
• Email Diane for her First Steps to Buying a Property Guide: [email protected]

 Get the full notes and transcript at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-27

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Australia is quite different to many other countries and a lot of the makes and models [of cars] are different and the way you use your car is different... 

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast

In this episode, Karen talks to Chris Noone, CEO of Carly Car Subscription. In the episode, we cover: 

• What is a car subscription and how is it different from a hire car or car loan.
• How often can you change your car when you're on a car subscription?
• Why a car subscription is particularly suitable for someone who is moving to Australia (or for relatives coming out to visit for a few weeks)
• What fees you need to budget with a car subscription.
• How cars are so different in Australia and how this allows you to try before you buy so you can make sure you aren't rushing into the wrong decision (like Karen did!).

Additional resources

• Use discount code: SMART225 to get $225 off your first month's car subscription
• Find Carly Car Subscription in the Move to Australia Directory
• Visit Carly.co

Find the full show notes and transcript at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-26

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

Support the show

Just do it! [Moving to Australia] has been the best decision I've ever made...Nothing has to be permanent so if you don't like it you can always go back.

With thanks to Hoxton Wealth for sponsoring this episode.

Welcome to the New Life in Australia podcast 

In this episode, Karen talks to expat Emma Norton Selzer who is Head of Australia for Hoxton Wealth. In the episode we cover: 

• How to be in a stable financial position for your retirement after relocating
• Ways you can maximise your superannuation
• How the Hoxton Wealth app can give you an overview of your financial situation
• When to consider transferring your pension to Australia
• When to begin your international financial planning - before you move or after you've arrived in Australia?
• Why it's important to just 'do it' and give your new life a go! 

Additional resources

• Connect with Emma Norton Selzer on LinkedIn
• Find Hoxton Wealth in the Move to Australia Directory 
• Find out about upcoming events, seminars and webinars on Hoxton Wealth
• Visit MoneySmart.gov.au

 Find the AI-generated show notes over at SmartStepstoAustralia.com/episode-25

Support the show