Down under or Thai? Aussie mum trades Oz for Land of Smiles

[webfact]

What would you do if the dream of owning your home seemed to be slipping away? For one Aussie mum, the solution was packing up her family and heading for exotic shores, trading Oz for the Land of Smiles.

 

Natalie Coulson, a 45 year old mother of one, had enough of Sydney’s spiralling property market. The fear of a lifetime of renting and slogging away at a tedious 9-to-5 was more terrifying than the prospect of moving abroad. In a bold twist of fate, she and her family left their three-bedroom duplex in Manly and embarked on a daring adventure in Thailand.

 

“It’s risky but living in Sydney was a bigger gamble.”

 

The Coulson clan – Natalie, her 60 year old partner Fred, and their five year old son Alex, decided it was now or never. After 10 years of overseeing the Sydney seascape, they waved it goodbye, lured by the promise of palm trees and affordable mango sticky rice in Phuket.

The family had been coughing up AU$1,295 (29,260 baht) weekly for rent alone and their aspirations of home ownership were growing increasingly out of reach. The solution? Relocation. An overseas property hunt beckoned, and Thailand’s sun-soaked beaches answered.

Sipping coffee amidst the tropical breeze, Natalie revealed she had made the right choice.

 

“Australia’s a nanny state now. Phuket feels more like the Australia I remember – the carefree 1980s but with modern conveniences.”

 

Natalie Coulson and her partner Fred enjoying the best of Thailand

In July, the family bade farewell to surf, sand, and Sydney. The irony? Joining the real estate market in Thailand was smoother than expected.

 

The Coulsons now own a four-bedroom haven in an expat-friendly enclave, all for a cut-price AUD$1.2 million (27.1 million baht). Compare that to what they’d pay in Manly, and it’s an absolute steal. A kicker to the deal: in Thailand, you can buy a house, but leasing the land it stands on is the norm.

 

“It might sound odd, but it’s how things work here.”

 

While their Phuket dream home gets built, the family rents a luxurious three-bed pad with an overflow pool and panoramic vistas of the ocean for a breezy AUD$920 (21,000 baht) weekly.

 

“It’s posh, yes, but we get far more bang for our buck than in Sydney.”

 

The Thai lifestyle offers a new tapestry of experiences – think affordable markets, delicious street eats, and a pace of life that feels like a quaint country town. Artful and pragmatic, Natalie is juggling her Sydney-based marketing business and exploring possibilities left open by leaving her government contract behind. Meanwhile, Fred, previously a business analyst, is pivoting to a marketing guru role, taking advantage of new Asia-based ventures.

 

“We’re making a go of it.”

For the Coulsons, life in Phuket is liberating yet challenging. The language barrier poses occasional hurdles, though English’s prevalence offers a bubble-like respite at times. They diligently learn Thai – baby steps, as Natalie puts it – to forge genuine connections with locals.

 

And what of the day-to-day? Groceries are now a fraction of Sydney’s price, with market-fresh produce dramatically reducing their weekly bill to around AUD$50 (1,132 baht). Casual dining out is a steal too – fantastic meals for mere dollars are a joy they’ve quickly embraced.

 

Despite all the savings, one thing’s undeniable: the perks don’t just stop at a lower cost of living. Thai life offers tranquillity, a bonus respite from Sydney’s frantic rush. The Coulsons cherish the international school’s offerings for young Alex – an opportunity for him to thrive amidst vibrant ex-pat diversity.

 

Still, the adventure isn’t without its hurdles. The absence of Sydney’s efficient public transport is felt as they navigate their new home by car. Visa renewals are another reality check but, undeterred, they’re in it for the long haul, said Natalie.

 

“Thailand’s near enough that we can pop back to Oz whenever.”

 

Natalie’s advice to other Aussies eyeing the possibility of an overseas leap? Do your research, explore your local options, and ensure that the call of foreign lands matches your lifestyle aspirations.

 

After months of melty mango shakes and sun-soaked explorations, the Coulsons are certain: they’ve struck gold. Australia’s Hall of Shopping or late-night Sydney cinema treks might rankle as distant memories, but the promise of new culture, new beginnings, and new adventures prevails.

For Natalie and her brood, it’s clear: Thailand’s not just a change of address – it’s a fresh start. Where others tighten their purses, fearful of the unfamiliar, the Coulsons have bravely embraced a life that looks like a perpetual holiday but means the world to them.

 

Now, who said you can’t have your mango sticky rice and eat it too?

 

by Bob Scott
Picture courtesy of Natalie Coulson

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-10-08

 

 

[BritManToo]

17 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Coulsons now own a four-bedroom haven in an expat-friendly enclave, all for a cut-price AUD$1.2 million (27.1 million baht). Compare that to what they’d pay in Manly, and it’s an absolute steal. A kicker to the deal: in Thailand, you can buy a house, but leasing the land it stands on is the norm.

 

“It might sound odd, but it’s how things work here.”

 

While their Phuket dream home gets built, the family rents a luxurious three-bed pad with an overflow pool and panoramic vistas of the ocean for a breezy AUD$920 (21,000 baht) weekly.

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

Edited 1 hour ago by BritManToo

[JoePai]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

But she can own a home legally in Thailand - it's just the land she can't  🤣

[MikeandDow]

No foresight  No Oz pension, no work,  land of scams  what more can you want for 

[lordgrinz]

I get a kick out of people with rose-colored glasses.

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

I get a kick out of people with rose-colored glasses.

Imagine if her hubby accidentally kicks a doctor, Phuket authorities inspect the build and find it illegal in some way, then they get deported minus their $1.2M AUD.

Why would anyone take such a risk, shouldn't they have at least rented for a few years?

[lordgrinz]

13 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Imagine if her hubby accidentally kicks a doctor, Phuket authorities inspect the build and find it illegal in some way, then they get deported minus their $1.2M AUD.

Why would anyone take such a risk, shouldn't they have at least rented for a few years?

 

With a child, I would bet their first issues will be like mine, lack of safety for themselves and their child when walking or driving through the Kingdom of lunatics.

[Gottfrid]

Sounds to me, that they are in for a surprise later in their Thailand life. maybe we will read about that too. 😉 

[dyertribe]

I wonder what visa they actually have ... probably Elite

[wombat]

Tell me again what visa she is on please?

[Owiee]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

You can buy a house in Australia for $1.2M AUD, but would need to be out in the Western Suburbs, l guess she did not wish to be that far 30-40 kilometres from the Northern suburbs where a lot of snobs live, with 1.2M you can easily get a housing loan too, me thinks there is more to this story. 

Edited 42 minutes ago by Owiee

[Patong2021]

She will find out the hard way. Let's visit with her in 2 years, then 5 years and if she lasts, 10 years.

She will eventually tire of the lack of potable water. Drinking out of plastic bottles with all the micro plastics, having laundry that smells rank after the heavy laundry detergent perfume wears off  etc.  is  her future. 😁

[Jack Hammer]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

I think they want a champagne life on beer money. In Sydney, you can purchase homes  in decent suburbs for 1.2 million.  Also, you can rent from $600-$800 indecent suburbs

In six months time, ask this couple what they think of “utopia “ Phuket

[fvw53]

She does not mention anything about health insurance

[wadsy]

So they are paying 90,000 + baht a month rent on a 3 bedroom apartment? Nearly 1,100,000 baht a year? 

Edited 37 minutes ago by wadsy

[Dakhar]

Ahhhh

Nothing like living in "tax limbo."

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

Missing from the article is how much Fred is enjoying the local massages.  Seems the old boy is wisely keeping tight lipped.

[Nemises]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Natalie Coulson, a 45 year old 

 

her 60 year old partner Fred,

15 years age difference is not enough.
 

Minimum allowable age difference in Thailand is 25 years. 

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

 

She's comparing to Manly, a very popular expensive seaside area on the outskirts of Sydney where owning a home today would send anybody bankrupt. 

 

Housing developments in Phuket are also very expensive.

 

I agree there must be many locations in Thailand where the costs of nice houses are much lower. 

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The Coulson clan – Natalie, her 60 year old partner Fred,

Oh dear, over the many years I've seen these lovely couples and their families emigrate to Thailand only for the man to find and befriend a young Thai beauty. 

 

Fred's looking pretty good for a 60yo.

A few cosmetic changes, hair colouring, possibly surgery, face lift etc.

 

A vain guy could be looking for a younger filly. 

 

Edited 19 minutes ago by SAFETY FIRST

[natway09]

Something here is not quite right unless they won Lotto or are very wealthy.

10 years from now where do they think the money stream is coming from ?

 

[Zack61]

A ticking time bomb. 

[ronster]

Do they speak russian !

[Gottfrid]

52 minutes ago, dyertribe said:

I wonder what visa they actually have ... probably Elite

Yeah, if they never going to work more in their life.

[Luka77]

The that’s why left the U.S the cost of owning a home with large mortgage wasn’t appealing to me anymore.. being strapped to a job just to pay the mortgage.. No thanks.. I rather not work anymore and pay 10k baht for a condo because when I die I can’t take the home with me anyways..

[Polaky]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

 

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

There sure is, but not in sydney, Queensland upper regions can be had for 500k inland on small acreage, or around 650k closer to the sea, there are certainly many options without resorting over to Thailand, this will be their worst decision ever.

[madmitch]

The article makes it all sound so easy. I'd like to know how they spend a mere 1100 baht a week on food and essentials as well as the visa issues. And I wonder where the five year old will go to school?

 

 

 

 

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Sounds a bit iffy to me, can't afford a house in Oz, so moves to a country where she isn't allowed to own a home legally. Not to mention Phuket, island of illegally built homes with land stolen from the government, by a dodgy Thai builder.

 

Huge risk of 100% loss.

Surely there must be places in Oz where you can buy a home for under $1.2M AUD?

I agree.

[john donson]

both farang, do they know the cost of international schools here? what will they do for work?   cannot rent a condo in aus?

[Korat Kiwi]

Good luck to them I say.  If they can afford that lifestyle then that's great. 

 

I hope their dream house gets built and the standard of work is top notch. 

 

There's a lot of wishful thinking but anything is possible here in the land of loan sharks and dodgy investors. 

 

Phuket wouldn't be my 1st choice but each to their own.