I love England, I really do. As we are only a small island we have absorbed the world and look outwards unlike some countries that become trapped in their own vastness and let the rest of the world melt into insignificance.

Despite this, it is a great many people's dream to live abroad. The temptation of moving to warmer and more predictable climates is a strong incentive to the weather worn Brit, desperate to escape from the rat race culture and office work ethic that is defining our country. Holiday programmes like 'wish you were here' have gradually been replaced by documentary style moving house programmes that reflect the growing trend of young families looking to take flight, start a new life and 'Escape to the Sun'. One of the most popular destinations of choice is Australia. Australia is about as far away as you can get, yet the paradox of being in such a different climate without having to adapt to a new language or drastically different culture is a huge incentive. To Brits, Australia looks like a warmer Britain but cleaner, with more barbecues and bigger spiders.

Modest families on a middle class wage can afford much more house with their money in Australia and also look forward to lower heating bills thanks to the warm, dry climate. For families that wish to reduce carbon footprints it's an even more attractive proposal. Saving carbon in England conjures up connotations of living in round limestone blocks with a grass roof and composting toilets rather than solar water heating for your swimming pool. Aside from the flight over you can feel smug about the fact you will be using far less energy. Even things like hanging up the washing to dry outside rather than sticking it in the tumble dryer because you're worried about damp can be liberating. Just watch out for parrot poo and lurking eight legged creatures before you take down your outdoor fresh bed sheets.

With as much variation as you would find in an entire continent, Australia is a mixture of ancient culture and new venture. The box fresh feel of cities like Sydney merged with a varied and hostile landscape once solely inhabited by the Aborigine people is a fascinating sight.

According to website shelteroffshore.com The Real Estate Institute of Australia have published statistics showing that British buyers have bought over £1.2 billion worth of property in Australia last year with a 300% increase in Britons moving to the country in the last five years. I think it's safe to assume most (if not all) of these properties were bought to live in rather than holiday in as it's rather a long and expensive way to go for a holiday a couple of times a year. The economic situation may encourage more people to move away to a warmer life down under, trading seals for great white sharks and great big heating bills for barbequed shrimps.

Sarah Maple writes about energy management http://www.greenproject.com.au/ and green loans http://www.greenproject.com.au/.