Moving from London to Perth requires careful planning and understanding of both the practical and emotional aspects of relocating to Australia.
Quick Checklist
- Valid passport
- Australian visa (check eligibility on Department of Home Affairs)
- International health insurance
- Bank accounts in both countries
- Tax clearance from HMRC
- Shipping arrangements for belongings
Timeline Planning
| Timeframe | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 6 months before | Apply for visa, research housing, begin job search |
| 3 months before | Book flights, arrange shipping, notify UK authorities |
| 1 month before | Cancel UK utilities, arrange temporary accommodation in Perth |
Housing in Perth
Perth’s housing market differs significantly from London’s, with more spacious properties and outdoor living spaces.
Popular suburbs for UK expats include:
- Subiaco – urban lifestyle, good transport links
- Cottesloe – beach lifestyle, family-friendly
- Mount Lawley – cultural hub, restaurants
- Joondalup – affordable, good schools
Cost Comparison
While Perth’s overall cost of living is lower than London’s, some items may be more expensive.
| Expense | London | Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apt) | £2000+/month | AUD 450-600/week |
| Public Transport | £150/month | AUD 120/month |
Weather Adjustment
Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters – quite different from London’s weather.
Work and Employment
- Update CV to Australian format
- Research salary expectations (Seek.com.au)
- Network through LinkedIn and professional associations
- Consider timezone differences when job hunting remotely
Banking and Finance
Set up an Australian bank account before arrival through banks like Commonwealth Bank or ANZ, which offer online applications for migrants.
Healthcare
Register for Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) upon arrival and consider private health insurance for additional coverage.
Transportation
- Public transport: Transperth (transperth.wa.gov.au)
- Consider buying a car (cars are essential in Perth)
- Convert UK driver’s license within three months
Support Networks
- British Expats in Perth Facebook group
- Perth British Club
- Meetup.com groups for newcomers
Contact the British Consulate in Perth for additional support: +61 8 9224 4700.
Education
Perth offers excellent educational opportunities for families with children.
School System Differences
- Australian school year runs January to December
- Four terms instead of three
- Different age cutoffs for year groups
- Must apply for schools in advance
Cultural Adjustment
Understanding Australian culture and social norms helps smooth the transition.
- More relaxed work culture
- Outdoor lifestyle emphasis
- Different public holidays and celebrations
- Sports-focused social activities
First Week Essentials
- Register with Medicare
- Get Australian SIM card
- Open local bank account (if not done)
- Register with local GP
- Obtain Tax File Number
Life Administration
Important services to establish upon arrival:
| Service | Provider Options |
|---|---|
| Internet | Telstra, Optus, iiNet |
| Electricity | Synergy, Western Power |
| Mobile Phone | Telstra, Optus, Vodafone |
Conclusion
Relocating from London to Perth requires thorough preparation and patience during the adjustment period. Success depends on:
- Careful advance planning
- Understanding local systems and culture
- Building new social networks
- Maintaining flexibility during transition
With proper preparation and a positive attitude, the move to Perth can offer an exciting new chapter with excellent quality of life, beautiful weather, and unique opportunities.
FAQs
- What’s the typical cost of moving from London to Perth?
The average cost ranges from £4,000 to £8,000 for a typical household, including shipping container costs, insurance, customs clearance, and basic relocation services. Air freight is significantly more expensive. - How long does shipping household goods from London to Perth take?
Sea freight typically takes 6-8 weeks for door-to-door delivery. Transit time can vary based on customs clearance and shipping schedules. - What visa do I need to move to Perth?
Common options include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Employer-Sponsored visa (subclass 186). Each has specific eligibility requirements and processing times. - What’s the time difference between London and Perth?
Perth is typically 7 hours ahead of London during UK winter time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead during UK summer time (BST). - How do I transfer my UK driving licence to a Western Australian licence?
You must convert your UK licence within three months of residing in Western Australia. Visit a Department of Transport centre with your UK licence, proof of identity, and proof of residency. - What are the quarantine restrictions for bringing items to Perth?
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Wood products, food, plants, and soil are heavily restricted. All items must be declared and may require treatment or cleaning before entry. - What’s the process for bringing pets to Perth?
Pets require import permits, vaccinations, microchipping, and must undergo quarantine (typically 10 days). The process should begin at least 6 months before moving. - How do I set up banking and transfer money from the UK?
You can open an Australian bank account before arrival. Major banks like Commonwealth, ANZ, and Westpac offer international money transfer services and migration banking packages. - What healthcare coverage will I need in Perth?
Register for Medicare if eligible (through reciprocal healthcare agreement with UK). Private health insurance is recommended and may be mandatory depending on your visa type. - How do I transfer my UK pensions and tax affairs?
Notify HMRC of your departure, consider UK pension transfer options (QROPS), and seek professional advice regarding tax implications in both countries.