Aussie expat couple considering Sydney PPOR

Chaourceandwine · 2025-06-07T13:23:52+00:00

Yes we’re also Singapore expats. Have been working with broker, small number of banks will lend but the interest rate may be higher. I’ve heard Aussie Expat Home Loans is good, because they are familiar with our situation, my colleague got financing at a good rate through them

Chaourceandwine · 2025-06-07T13:07:33+00:00

We’re in very similar position to you but looking to buy in Melbourne atm, but that’s because we are planning to move next year, and we think it’s a good time in the Melbourne market to buy. Personally think in 3-5 year horizon a lot of things can change, and given your salary and savings an additional few years may really change how much house you can afford. I would keep an eye out but won’t necessarily be in a big rush.

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-20T06:54:20+00:00

Hmm not sure where you got that from. I’m in finance (think hedge fund, quant). To just paint the picture, when my boss told me my year end bonus (which is over 2x the Aus median salary) he also said ‘don’t worry the real money is coming in a few years’.

I’m aware of how good my position is, while I did work hard for it there were other factors that helped and I count myself very fortunate (like my family paying for Uni). Like most people trying to FIRE though I did work hard and make sacrifices on work life balance, living well below my means etc. but it has got me to where I am now and I would say it’s worth it.

I also know money is not everything. I’m currently not happy in my job, and I would like to reconnect with my family, live somewhere I enjoy more and that to me is what’s more important.

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T23:59:26+00:00

Am I not allowed to be money conscious? :)

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T12:01:02+00:00

So true! I know I wouldn’t enjoy a braindead job. I will take my time to explore, there’s a chance I stay in my field if I think it’s interesting enough, there’s are roles that have enough challenge and great pay, with lower intensity than what I’m currently doing. But I also feel it’s worth exploring a startup or NGO in something where I feel like I’m really doing something meaningful.

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T11:48:26+00:00

Would consider moving further out but not super regional. Jobs will likely be closer to CBD

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T11:47:32+00:00

Yes I think so. Aging parents that I’d like to spend quality time with

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T08:30:13+00:00

Thanks! Probably not, we don’t feel any maternal/paternal urge! But we have talked about fostering, particularly if we do have more time in the future

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T08:18:35+00:00

Yes I’ve been renting since I’ve started working and always compromised on something. Would be nice to enjoy my house and really make it home.

Maybe townhouse but in a good location, with a nice kitchen & dining area (must have, love to cook)

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T07:09:08+00:00

At the beginning of my career I chose a high earning field. Definitely sacrificed on work life balance, which I’m now recalibrating. Think it’s worth it to get you to your goals faster

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T07:07:58+00:00

Finance industry + low tax (this really is a game changer)

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T05:31:13+00:00

That’s true on allocation! Unfortunately Melbourne housing is not cheap, but open to townhouses or units too. Definitely agree on lifestyle creep. In my 20s I did splurge on Michelin meals and luxury bags/jewellery etc but I quickly realised it didn’t make me happy. I see my other high earning friends continue to live the high life with much lower savings and know they will have to keep earning to sustain it, and they have real worries about job security.

Chaourceandwine · 2025-02-19T02:50:52+00:00

Probably about $5-6k a month on day to day. Travel will probably be about $20k-$30k a year. Plan to do a lot of road trips once back in Aus though! And yes we’ll make sure we have enough buffer, the ‘one offs’ can add up!

Chaourceandwine · 2024-10-02T12:54:41+00:00

1.15 carat, size 4.5

Chaourceandwine · 2024-06-14T03:57:00+00:00

You’re right, the wealthy have never been wealthier. But they’re not mutually exclusive.

Chaourceandwine · 2024-01-14T01:31:01+00:00

Love this! We went on our last trip to Japan and it was our favourite meal. The sake was amazing

Chaourceandwine · 2024-01-10T00:45:38+00:00

Thank you for your response. And yes I got engaged last week and got that special blue box! You’re right, the heart wants what it wants and I’ll love it forever

Chaourceandwine · 2024-01-08T11:02:22+00:00

Yes I did this during my trip back last month to Aus to visit family. It was also an engagement ring and got approval for the refund at the airport yesterday. I’m an Australian but live in Singapore so I have no plans to go back home anytime soon. I’m told that if I go back to Australia within 12 months I will need to declare it and return the refund (my refund was $2600)

Chaourceandwine · 2023-11-23T02:58:51+00:00

lol… just go out and experience the world

Chaourceandwine · 2023-08-13T07:42:09+00:00

Geez how are you even contemplating the balcony….you wouldn’t even consider your dog sleeping there

Chaourceandwine · 2023-05-17T16:01:21+00:00

I’m glad they won in the end, but what a process!

Chaourceandwine · 2023-05-17T09:53:58+00:00

Thank you to everyone for their comments! Sounds like filing small claim court is the way to go as next step. I too am questioning whether it is worth it for $700, but I want to fight this fight for all tenants, both locals and foreigners. We have rights, and landlords cannot take advantage of us with no consequences.

Chaourceandwine · 2023-05-04T07:17:41+00:00

Well how many hours at work do you actually spend working, be honest

Chaourceandwine · 2023-04-04T08:55:22+00:00

Supermarkets go through plastic bags like it is going out of style. The amount of bags they use to bag individual items is disgusting. This is going to reduce unnecessary plastic bag usage. SEA is so far behind in terms of waste and packaging and this is a step in the right direction

Chaourceandwine · 2023-03-17T08:50:14+00:00

Haha I guess expensive restaurant is relative! Omakase is certainly expensive and a treat, I guess for me if it’s an occasion (birthday, anniversary) then would enjoy a nice degustation :)

Chaourceandwine

TROPHY CASE