Welshman Tom Cowan Moves to Melbourne, Australia, to Save £50,000 for UK House Purchase
Tom Cowan, a 23-year-old from Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, embarked on a journey of over 17,000 km in March, moving to Melbourne, Australia. Unlike many expatriates seeking a permanent change, Cowan's move is a strategic two-year endeavour aimed at saving £50,000 to purchase a home in Wales.
His motivation stems from a profound desire to support his family, particularly his mother, stating, “Mum never went for a night out with her mates, never bought clothes for herself, she just gave me and our little sister everything she could to have as good a life as possible.” Cowan sees this as an opportunity to “give back and be able to improve our lives.”
Cowan, who completed a business management degree in 2025 with a negative bank balance, saved approximately £11,000 as a ground work labourer in seven months before his departure. In Melbourne, he secured a construction job, earning £20.50 per hour—significantly higher than the £15 hourly rate for similar work in the UK. His rent is also lower, paying £100 per week for a shared room compared to £140 for university accommodation in Liverpool.
His strategy involves maximising work hours and minimising personal spending. “I don't need new clothes or a fancy car. I don't want instant gratification – I want to be more comfortable in life, to be able to create more opportunities for myself and my family,” he explained. Cowan estimates he needs to save around £400 per week to reach his £50,000 target. He currently reports saving £2,000.
To maintain accountability, Cowan launched an Instagram page, which has garnered over 2,000 followers in six weeks. He documents his daily life, receiving advice and support from both Welsh and Australian followers. He also uses this platform to motivate his health and fitness goals, often utilising free outdoor gyms.
While acknowledging a future return to Wales, drawn by family and the landscapes of Snowdonia, Cowan remains focused on his current ambition. He finds satisfaction in working towards a tangible objective, stating, “The times I am happiest in life are when I have something to work towards.”
