The Australian lifestyle is good value too. Here's a snapshot of what your dollar will buy across the country, based on average property prices from Australian real estate agents' information in each states capital city:

• Sydney $528,500 (£215,400)
• Melbourne $398,200 (£162,300)
• Brisbane $388,200 (£158,200)
• Adelaide $355,800 (£144,800)
• Canberra $488,800 (£199,000)
• Perth $503,300 (£205,200)
• Darwin $421,000 (£171,700)
• Hobart $258,000 (£105,200)

Source: www.homepriceguide.com.au Based on Residential Property Prices as at June 2007

Just imagine what you would get in the UK for the same money!