Realities behind the dream of an escape to the sun

Getting as far away as possible from the recession has become a big ambition for disgruntled Brits.

Australia has seen a boom in applications over the past two years, but many have been shocked to find that it isn't that easy to escape to the other side of the world.

The country that once encouraged 10 Poms has become increasingly picky about who it allows in.

It can take between six months and three years to get the relevant visa, and that's if you are lucky, says Tom Rowlands, of Down Under Live, which is staging an expo in Leeds next month.

But about 23,000 Brits managed to get in last year. Many were on the critical jobs list, which allows your visa application to be fast tracked. The list changes regularly, but at the moment it includes many medical professions, high school teachers, engineers, surveyors, gas fitters and floor tilers.

"Australia is by far the most popular place for Brits to emigrate to but many under-estimate how long it will take and not everyone will be successful," says Tom.

"The recession here has caused a big increase in applications so there is a backlog. Even if you are on the critical list, it will take at least six months to get the relevant visa."

Many dreams centre round swapping an average semi for a substantial beach-side pad with a pool and barbie.

But be aware that, initially, you can live the dream only if you rent. You aren't allowed to buy until you have full citizenship.

"A lot of people don't realise this. You can only buy off-plan

if you aren't a full citizen. You cannot buy second-hand property, so the best option is to rent.

"This isn't a bad thing because it gives you a feel for what you might want and where you might want to live," says Tom.

If you are in a position to buy, then property prices vary depending where you go.

In Sydney expect to pay London prices with Melbourne not far behind – and the exchange rate doesn't help. You used to get 2.3 Australian dollars to the pound, but now it is 1.8.

Tracey Boothman, who emigrated to Sydney four years ago, says: "It's a great lifestyle but property prices, in general, are quite high in Australia and very high in Sydney. A two-bed flat in this city will cost you 225,000 dollars.

"Period properties here tend to be workers' cottages, so they're very dark and incredibly narrow. In areas such as Paddington, a narrow cottage can cost around $1m to $1.5m. They're old and badly built, you can hear your neighbours next door and have very little hope of parking your car outside your house.

"Yes you can buy something cheaper, but just like the UK, it will probably not be in a perfect area, near good schools, transport. In reality, it's no different to the UK, it's the same problems except the sun shines."

Mortgage rates are also higher in Australia. Even now, they're around 6.44 per cent, the lowest they've been in years, and they are about to rise.

Having renovated two properties and preparing to do-up a third, Tracey also reveals that the cost of renovation and household goods is high.

"I'm looking for a kitchen and even a basic one seems to cost around $20,000," she says.

Though Sydney is desirable, its property prices are forcing people to look elsewhere. Northern Queensland, around the gold coast, is the fastest-growing region in the country.

"A lot of people within Australia are moving there for job opportunities, and it's also a magnet for Brits wanting to emigrate," says Tom.

Wherever you decide to go, be aware that it may not be the paradise you dreamed of.

"People do come back and the main reasons are that it is so far away and it's too quiet," says Tom. "But the majority stay and love all Australia has to offer, especially the weather."

Visit down under live

To look at property in Australia, visit www.realestate.com.au.

Down Under Live is at the Armouries, in Leeds, on March 27 and 28.

It has live seminar programmes on Australia and New Zealand running throughout the two days, including real-life stories of Brits who have already gone down under. There will be more than 30 exhibitors at the event.

Visitors to the show can apply for jobs across a range of industries, as well as talking a representative of the Australian state government who will be on hand to offer relocation advice. Free visa assessments will be on offer.

Tickets can be found on www.downunderlive.co.uk (under-16s go free) or by calling the ticket hotline on 01179 323586. They cost 10 in advance and 15 on the door.

Property Post has 10 pairs of tickets to give away. Just write and tell us what residents of Sydney are known as.

Entries in by March 8 to Sharon Dale, Property Post, Features Department, Yorkshire Post, Leeds, LS1 1RF. Usual YPN rules apply.