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Posts Tagged ‘moving to london england from canada’

Moving to London England from Canada

Thursday April 26th, 2012

 

Moving to London England from Canada is going to be a big move.  It’s not like moving across the country, even though the distances may seem the same. Your London relocation agent will be able to help you with moving to London England from Canada  to find an apartment in a few days, but there is a lot that you can do to make sure you’re fully prepared for your relocation.

Moving To England From Canada Tips

The first thing that you ought to consider doing is making an inventory or database of all of your belongings. Try and make it as detailed as possible so you know exactly what you have before and after moving to London England from Canada. Once you have a full list of everything that you own, you need to decode what you’re going to do with it. There should be at least five fields that you can assign to each item:

  • Trash. Throw it away if you know you’re not going to use it ever again. Don’t say you need everything. You have to be ruthless when you’re planning on moving to London England from Canada.
  • For Sale. Make a list of the items that you can sell. These will be your appliances and other big items that will not fit into a standard apartment.
  • For Storage. If you don’t want to give up your items then you can store them back at home until you decide what to do with them. Consider using professional storage. Items left with family could get damaged and ‘lost’ in the years that you will be away.
  • Transport. All of the items that need to be packed for transport for moving to England from Canada. Everything should be clearly marked on your inventory, so that you can supply your professional movers with a list to get a comprehensive quote up front.
  • Luggage. This is a useful field and will include all of the items and clothing that you pack to bring with you. All of your paperwork should be in your hand luggage. Consider packing a set of bed linen in your suitcases so you’re not scrabbling around in boxes on the first night in your new home.

Taking a little time to make this database will save you hours of time when you’re moving to England from Canada. The more the prepare up front, the easier it’ll be across the pond.

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Moving To London England With A Baby

Wednesday April 18th, 2012

Moving to London England Europe with a baby can be a complex process but with some tips on how to relieve the strains of relocation with young ones, you can get through things with ease. No matter whether your baby is new born, six months old or more, they will surely be a bit disorientated when they arrive in a new country with new surroundings. You can settle into the city of London with no fuss when you learn a few tips relating to relocation as a new mother.

Find Childcare Before You Move

After you finish moving to London England Europe, you will probably be starting work shortly after. It is essential to work as a way of earning an income to pay rent and support your family. It is worth finding out about childcare options prior to relocation because you will likely need this when things get hectic. If you do not organize this beforehand, you might have trouble in finding a nanny who can care for your baby, which could limit your ability to work. Because you will feel slightly uneasy about leaving your baby’s side when you first move to the city of London, you need to meet up with a child minder in the early stages. This will help you to build trust and will enable your baby to feel comfortable with that particular person.

Stock Up On Provisions

Your baby will need to be cared for in the best way possible when moving to London England Europe. If you do not have the appropriate provisions that you use in your current place of residence, your young one may find it troublesome to adapt. Because the United Kingdom stocks different items to Canada, Australia and America, it is imperative that you either purchase some British items online in the weeks leading up to your move or stock up on your baby’s belongings that you would normally use in your home country. This will help your child to feel happy rather than make things challenging for your relocation.

Find Mother & Baby Groups

A good way to settle in when moving to London England Europe is to locate some nearby mother and baby groups. This will help you to socialize and meet other like-minded mothers. Not only this, but you can guarantee that your baby will bond with other babies, which could help in the later years of living in the United Kingdom. Mother and baby groups will have members who have also relocated, just like you. This can help you to gain tips when moving to London England Europe.

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Moving To London England From Canada After University

Tuesday April 17th, 2012

Graduating from university is an exciting time in your life because not only are you prepared for your dream career but you are ready to take the next step in life, so if you are moving to England from Canada, you should start organizing things for what is about to come. There are many things to take into account when you relocate, most of all, the price of living. Canada and London are two contrasting places and because of this, the cost of bills and living expenses will differ greatly. By understanding what you need to think about before moving to England from Canada, you will not be out of pocket.

London Bills

There are many bills to bear in mind when you are moving to London England from Canada. Broadband, TV, mobile phones and landline phones are just some of the things you must set money aside for. When you relocate, it is worth speaking with a relocation agent who can find the lowest-priced phone package to suit your needs. This could save you hundreds per month. As well as these bills, you must cover utility costs such as energy bills and basic living bills. If you plan for these payments, you can afford them every single month while still putting money away for personal expenses. It may be a good idea to move into an apartment with a friend or family member. This way, you can split the cost of everything when moving to England from Canada.

Transport Costs

Transport will almost certainly be a necessity when moving to England from Canada. London is a busy city and you will need to get from place to place not only to meet friends and family but to attend study courses, work, shopping centers, etc. It will depend on where you live, but generally you should invest in an annual travel card to save money. These cards cost around £1208 for the whole year. Although this seems like a lot of money, it will shave off big amounts, rather than purchasing tickets for bus trips, the tube and taxis separately. Alternatively, think about spending £116 a month when moving to England from Canada for a travel card.

Rental Fees

The final thing to focus on when moving to England from Canada is your rental fees. Rather than arriving and finding the cheapest form of accommodation, you should set yourself a budget. Figure out your monthly outgoings and what your earnings will be. With the money you have left over, determine how much you can invest in a property. If you have £500 extra a month, speak with a relocation agent who can find somewhere for you for this price when moving to England from Canada.

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Tips For Moving To London Alone

Friday April 13th, 2012

As if traveling to a different country isn’t scary enough it can be even more daunting when you are preparing to do it alone, making It all the more worthwhile to get some tips for moving to London alone. When you gather some information relating to what to expect when you land in the United Kingdom with no one there to support you, you can begin to understand how to cope. Not only this, but getting some tips for moving to London will help you to make new friends and settle in quickly.

Planning Financially

The first one of many tips for moving to London will be based on your financial planning. There are many things that should be taken into account when you take the leap to live alone. Remember, that moving is a big step and will probably leave you miles away from any friends or family. Because of this, you need to discover how you will afford payments for rent, traveling, living expenses, etc. Many people underestimate just how difficult this can be when doing it alone, but in truth it can be troublesome if you do not prepare. Plan financially by estimating the costs for utilities, groceries, rent, gas bills, electricity bills, water bills and transport fees. By following these tips for moving, you will not need to rely on anyone else when you travel without company.

Stay Active Online

Some tips for moving to London that you will benefit from will be to stay active online. Using the Internet could help you to make friends before you even get to the city. Not only this, but you can find out about the events and festivals that are taking place in London, as well as the most favorable bars and restaurants to socialize in. Participate in forums or be active on social networking for the best result. By making use of the Internet and taking advantage of these tips for moving, you could make life-long friends or learn about other people’s experiences of moving alone.

Moving Your Items

It may seem like one of the unnecessary tips for moving to London but moving your items will actually be a vital part of the process. If you do not plan ahead, you will be stuck lugging items back and forth, which could risk damaging them and injuring yourself. Although you may have friends and family to help stack and unload belongings when you leave for the airport, you will be on your own the minute you get to London. Be sure to hire a moving company or meet up with online friends for some assistance to make the process easier. These tips for moving to London will make sure you fit in comfortably shortly after you arrive.

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Moving To London England From Canada

Thursday April 12th, 2012

Canada is a beautiful country with perfect seasons and a multitude of attractions, but if you are now moving to London England from Canada, there are some differences you will need to become accustomed to. London and Canada are two very different destinations and changes span further than just the weather. Many things will be running through your mind when you relocate, but there are some main issues you need to address as soon as you move properties, to prevent any hardships from occurring when moving to London England.

Finding A Job In The City

Primarily you will need to find a job when moving to London England. You might choose to find a new occupation before you move, which is a desirable idea. By doing this with Internet research and updating your resume, you can guarantee that an employer in the city will get back to you before the big moving day. In this case you will fall on your feet and be able to start earning an income as soon as you arrive. Alternatively, you might have a lot of things going on that prevents you from job seeking before you move. In this instance you should update your resume and hand it out to potential employers when you get to London. Find some stores or establishments related to the industry you want to work in and keep applying for jobs so that interviews can be set up when moving to England.

Choosing A Neighborhood

A tough part of moving to England will be deciding on what part of the city to reside in. This is home to more than 7 million people, which just proves the vast size of this city. Because the city of London is so large, there are many areas you need to take into consideration with North, East, South and West London. Based on your requirements, it may be worth hiring a relocation agent to help you come to a conclusion. You will need to bear in mind the place you will be working, where your children will be attending school if you have any, how you will commute from place to place, what atmosphere you are hoping to get, etc. With some in-depth research, you can narrow down the options of what neighborhood to choose when moving to England.

Organizing Documents

Before you leave Canada, start gathering your documents to prepare for moving to England. This includes flight details, passports, visas, bank documents, etc. Without these details ready you could delay your relocation, which could cause you some serious issues. A relocation agent will help to organize every single piece of paperwork when you are moving to England.

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Living in London – Tea for Two!

Wednesday June 15th, 2011

Immersing yourself in fine English traditions can be a whole lot of fun when you’re living in London. When you’re moving to London one of the first English traditions that you have to experience is ‘Tea and Scones’. If you want to show off that you know a bit, call it a Devonshire Tea instead of just Tea and Scones (Or Cornish Tea). Cream Tea is another common name for this popular practice. Tea and Scones is the kind of thing that’s become so ingrained in the British culture that you could go to any tea room across Britain and be offered a proper English Tea with Scones. It’s also popular outside of Great Britain and you could go as far as South Africa and be able to be served a Cream Tea.

Here then are the best places in London to get a proper Cream Tea:

The Ritz – First of all, we’re talking about one of the oldest and most recognized hotels in the world. The Ritz isn’t so much a hotel as it is an institution. And much the same could be said of their Tea’s, with five sittings a day, from 11:30 to 7:30.

The English Tea Room, Brown’s Hotel – None more English Tea Room than this. This place comes with  specially wood-paneled rooms and a pianist offering some music,  all for that classic, “olde worlde” feel (they’ve done the same at the Ritz. Pianists really do add to that high tea feel!).

The Mandeville Hotel – This place is as traditional as they come. How traditional? When they serve the tea, it’s brought in blue china cups for the men and pink floral cups for the women. That’s how traditional.

The Savoy – Much like the Ritz, the Savoy is another London hotel that’s pretty much an institution.  Again like the Ritz, you’ll have someone tinkling the ivories just to give the setting some ambiance.

And lastly, because I have a major sweet-tooth, go to The Metropolitan. All the other places I’ve mentioned have a fine selection of cakes and sweet treats but when I saw a photograph of the offering at The Metropolitan, that was enough for me to call ahead and make a booking.

Moving to London and acclimatizing to your new home doesn’t have to be that hard, although you will pile on the pounds if you make afternoon tea a daily ritual!

 

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Moving to London with Children – The Benefits of International Schooling

Monday June 13th, 2011

I’ve read articles before about how moving abroad is good for you—it expands your mind with new perspectives and can cultivate adaptability and problem-solving. Today in particular I just found some survey results by ACS International Schools that may interest you if you’re relocating to London with children and needing to enroll them in school. ACS alumni attest that attending an international school successfully developed their “soft skills” (e.g., critical thinking and time management) to a greater extent than those enrolled in UK schools with prescriptive curricula geared toward national qualification exams. A majority of ACS’s past students felt better prepared for entering the workforce, as they’d developed an enhanced cultural awareness. This diversity in perspective likely contributes to the other key qualities they cited in the survey, like effective communication and an inspired curiosity that encourages asking more questions. Over half the respondents also mentioned self-management, and I can certainly understand how this intrinsic discipline can emerge at any school abroad when one is having to make a go of all-new surroundings and peers outside the comfort zone of home. Braving a new world can be empowering and foster such maturity and independence, for children and adults alike! ACS provides this video in which Educational Consultant Rebecca Grappo further speaks to the benefits of international schools in particular:

If you and your family of school-age children are renting an apartment is one thing and sending your kids to a school quite another where relocation logistics are concerned. You might consider the possibility of an international school, so I’ll write more on this topic as the week continues—stick with us!

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Buying a House for Your Relocation in London (Part 2)

Saturday May 28th, 2011

Hi there, Weekend Warriors getting geared up to move to London! Over the last couple weeks, I’ve discussed the international relocation matter of deciding whether to rent or buy a house in London and, if buying, what that process may entail. Last week, I’d specifically mentioned how the internet can be a good resource for kick-starting your research into home-buying. Remember, you’ll want to undertake the critical viewing steps in person here in London, but until you can get here, your computer can help you know where to begin.

The Times Online offers “A Basic Guide to Mortgages” that you can peruse for better understanding of such, especially if you’re a first-time buyer unfamiliar with the lingo and concepts. The government also offers a HomeBuy equity loan scheme for first-time buyers that earn less than £60,000 annually and can’t otherwise afford to buy a home in their area. This equity loan covers up to the remaining 30% cost of a property when at least 70% of it is already paid for through deposit and mortgage. I am assuming any London resident could be eligible, expats included, but be sure to enquire on this to be certain if you think you’d otherwise be eligible for this option (more information can be found at www.direct.gov.uk).

Another consideration to look into is the Stamp Tax on purchases/transfers of UK property. This is a duty ranging from 1-5% that is payable on properties valued in excess of £125,000. First-time buyers also catch a break here as of March last year through March 24, 2012, during which time they’re exempt from the 1% stamp tax on properties costing between £125,000 and £250,000. Bear in mind, however, that “first-time buyer” applies not only to someone who hasn’t previously owned property in the UK but anywhere in the world. I’m not kidding. I also have no idea how they follow up on this to verify, but that’s what they claim, anyway. At any rate, the stamp tax is what homeowners in the UK find a real kick in the pants (or trousers, as the Brits would say).

Finally, if you’re wanting to feel out what types of housing is available in what neighborhoods and at what prices, a few online resources are www.findaproperty.com, www.rightmove.co.uk, and www.zoopla.co.uk.

Good luck with your research, and, remember, if you’re still considering renting a London apartment as you explore your buying options or would even just like more information on certain London neighborhoods and what to expect in local properties, London Relocation Ltd. (the 2010/11 winner of Re:locate Magazine’s Rising Star Award!) is an invaluable resource that you can consult via phone or online.

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Living In London – Outdoor London

Tuesday May 24th, 2011

Just as soon as you have settled into your new apartment, you need to consider getting out and spending the long summer days enjoying the good weather. If you are used to an outdoors lifestyle, you may think that moving to London will give you no opportunity to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Yes. London is a massive city, but it is also one of the greenest cities in the world. A stroll round one of the many parks and open spaces will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting and you want to get your adrenalin pumping then why not try some of the adventure sports and activities that are available in or close to London.

Paintball

This is an extremely popular sport/activity for young Londoners and there are a number of excellent paintball facilities close to the center of London. Paintballing is a great way to meet people, and have a day of fun in the outdoors. You will get dirty; you have been warned!

Kayaking

You don’t even have to leave the city to enjoy this sport. With the River Thames winding its way throughout the city you can explore the city from a totally different angle. The kayak season is from April until October and this adventure starts from Regents Park and lasts for about two hours. It’s great if you’ve never wobbled your way into a kayak before and for people who live for the thrill of rafting and kayaking.

Country Walks and Ramble

This area is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside and if you want to get out of the city for a day, then the Home Counties offer some truly remarkable country walks and rambles. You can even explore the quaint English countryside on horseback if you want to spend some time getting back to nature while you are here.

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Living In London – Summer Sensations Part I

Monday May 23rd, 2011

If you’re an American moving to London then you’ve chosen the best time of year to make your pond hop. There is nothing quite like an English summer, and while you will find that it is packed with tourists from all over the world, it is  also the time of year when you will be enthralled and entranced by the pomp and ceremony of all that is British. When you’re living in London during the summer, the city comes to life and as a new Londoner; you’ll be able to do all the tourist activities when you arrive in the city and before you settle into your new London rental.

May Days

One of the highlights of the spring and summer events that take place each year, the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, also known as the Great Spring Show is one of the biggest gardening and design expo shows in England. Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kensington, the show is held from the 24th to the 28th of May 2011. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the show.

The Chelsea Flower Show is the most famous show in the country and has been named the most popular and famous gardening event in the world. The Chelsea Flower Show is considered by some as the start of the London social season, so if you’ve just started living in London, and want to get onto the social swirl then the Chelsea Flower Show is the place to start.

The capacity of the show is governed by the limited space, and for this year you’ll probably only be able to purchase cancellation tickets to the week long event. The show does not just highlight flower and plants. It is a riot of the latest garden design and landscaping talent from the world over.

If you are interested in gardening and garden design as well as nature in all its forms then you should have a look at some of the gardening shows held in and around London. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is renowned for the Festival of Roses and this year in particular there is a new exhibit called The RHS Edible Garden, which will tell you everything you want to know about growing your veggies and fruit. The Hampton Court Show is the largest in the world, and is on from 5 – 10 July 2011.

It’s a perfect day out in the middle of summer while you’re getting settled in.

 

 

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Buying a House for Your Relocation in London (Part 1)

Saturday May 21st, 2011

Greetings, Weekend Warriors researching your London move! Last week I addressed some pros and cons of buying versus renting in London. To follow on that thread, today I’ll share some considerations if you are highly interested in purchasing a house when you relocate to London.

The actual task of househunting is not going to be any easier than the flat-search, I would think, so a London relocation agency that deals in sales as well as lettings would be an efficient way to maximize the property portfolio you view. Otherwise, your process is going to be similar to the flat-search—research the applicable estate agencies, contact them with your criteria, and make sure you’re on their contact  list for when any opportunities arise. And as with looking for London apartments to rent, looking for houses to buy should be done in person; yes, the internet is a useful tool for gauging exteriors, interiors, and their attached price tags, but you want to be in London when you carry out your serious search, which is a reason why last week I recommended that you consider renting first so you can be here a while to realistically evaluate neighborhoods and properties.

In general, mortgage lenders may grant you up to four times your income as an individual (or up to three as a couple), and if you’re a new borrower, you may be entitled to a discount. Where deposits are concerned, you’ll want to at the very least pay down 10% of the property value if you want to take advantage of more competitive mortgage rates. The more you pay down, the better the rate you’ll get, though, so if you can pay 20% or more, you’ll be in better shape. You will also want to pay for a survey that validates the value of your prospective property is worth the asking price to improve chances the lender will agree to the loan. And along with researching mortgage lenders, look into solicitors that can help you handle all the home-buying paperwork.

And then there’s that crucial step of making the offer – Please consult my previous posts “Renting London Apartments: The Current Low-Down on LDN” Part 2, which discuss the sealed bidding and positively rotten “gazumping” practices that could be involved whether buying or renting housing, posing risk to your offer actually being accepted. In either case, you’ll want to enhance your “proceedability”—that is, show yourself as a candidate who will ensure the sale will proceed efficiently and without issue, which involves factors like proof of your financial soundness and ability to transfer funds to the UK.

My husband and I rent our apartment, so I can’t share any personal anecdotes about this process. But between the abundance of internet resources (a few of which I’ll mention next week)  and London estate agencies available to take your enquiries over phone or email, you can educate yourself one step at a time; just be sure you get started early enough to minimize any surprises along the way of your relocation.

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Living In London – Weekend Away

Saturday May 21st, 2011

 

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street

A lonely spinster sitting in her parlor, embroidering handkerchiefs? One of the greatest institutions that the world has ever known? Who was ‘The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ and why you will need her when you are moving to London?

So much to learn when you’re living in London and part of your adventure will be to get out of your cozy London apartment and explore the city of London while learning as much as you can about the fascinating history of London and England.

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was born during the war, one of the many wars, between England and France. In 1694, King William III, went down to his counting house and discovered that he was running a little low on gold bars. With the war effort gobbling up so much money, and knowing that his cash card would be refused at the ATM, he approached two gentlemen, who agreed to lend the King some cash.

As you all know, even if you’re not a King, if you take out a loan, you will have to pay it back along with interest. The loan agreement with William was to be paid back by taxing the public on the alcohol they consumed as well as a shipping tax on businesses. The original interest rate was to be 8% which would be paid back, in effect, by the British people.

(I would not suggest using this example when you’re negotiating a mortgage on your new London flat!)

Out of this financial transaction, The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was born. The transaction was the foundation for the Bank of England, and the moniker ‘The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street was given to the bank after a 1797 political cartoon by James Gilray which showed the Bank of England as a woman sitting on a chest of money. The Bank of England was the first private bank in the world and is still located on Threadneedle Street today.

While the imposing facade is definitely worth a look when you are living in London, it is well known that there is more of the Bank of England underground than at street level. Since 1973, the bank has employed a highly trained private security force, but until then it was guarded by the Brigade of Guards. Ever heard the expression, “It’s as safe as the Bank of England”? It refers to the absolute security of the bank throughout the years it has been in existence.

If you’re interested in money and the history of banking then you should visit the Bank of England Museum which is open on weekdays and offers a unique insight into the history of the bank as well as the history of money and especially the history of bank notes. The bank of England has always been the bank of the government of England and it is the lifeblood and the heart of the English banking system which has played such an important role in world banking.

My question still stands through…who was ‘the old lady of Threadneedle Street’?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there was at least one ‘old lady’ who visited the bank on a daily basis to ask for her brother. She did this for over 25 years starting in the year 1811. Sarah Whitehead lost her mind after her brother Philip, a former employee of the bank, had been executed after being found guilty of fraud. After her death, she was interred in the churchyard which became the Bank Garden, and some say that her ghost can still be seen visiting the bank every day…

 

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Living In London – Make Like A Tourist!

Tuesday May 17th, 2011

You’re in a unique position; living in London. You get the chance to spend time visiting some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions and at the end of the day you get to go back to your cozy apartment and know that you can do it all again tomorrow without having to catch a plane home again.

If you have just arrived in London then take the opportunity to explore the city and get to know your new home. If you looking for a tour with a touch of class then the Harrods Vintage Bus Tour is the perfect way to see the major sights in London and end you afternoon with a classic English High tea at one of the world’s most famous and elegant department stores: Harrods in Knightsbridge.

The Harrods Vintage Bus Tour is run a number of times per day and offers one of the most fascinating views of London from aboard the vintage bus branded in the distinctive green of the Harrods store. The tours starts at the iconic store in Knightsbridge and makes its way past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, which is where Price William recently married Catherine Middleton in true English pomp and ceremony.

With a photo opportunity at the London Eye and a view of the Houses or Parliament across the River Thames, you will continue the bus tour past Number 10 Downing Street, which is the home of the prime Minister of England lives; trundle through Trafalgar Square, along Pall mall and through Piccadilly and the famous Ritz Hotel. The tour ends back at the Harrods store where you can have a light luncheon in one of the restaurants in the store or a classic and traditional English High Tea in the afternoon, which will include the ubiquitous Cucumber sandwiches!

In fact, the only thing you can do after taking tea, (one does not ‘have’ tea at Harrods, one ‘takes’ tea!) is to get some exercise by exploring the massive department store. Be aware that Harrods does have a strict dress code and shorts and sandals as well as sloganed t-shirts are not allowed.

Take time to make like a tourist when you are moving here, once you’re into the hustle and bustle of living in London you might not get another chance.

 

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Living In London – A Travel Card Or An Oyster Card?

Monday May 16th, 2011

If you’re an American moving here, then you’ll have to get used to fact that you’ll be using public transport while you’re living in London. Having a car is almost out of the question; not only is it exorbitantly expensive, it is also completely unnecessary. The Tube, which is the name for the London Underground (subway system) carry most of London wherever they need to go. Combined with an excellent train system and hundreds of buses, you’ll never be stuck without transport.

You might have heard about a Travelcard and an Oyster Card, and are wondering about the difference between the two. Most people living in London use the Oyster Card system. An Oyster Card will always be cheaper than a Travelcard in the long run but a Travelcard can be combined with some fantastic special offers if you’re new and want to explore the city before settling into your new rental.

A Travelcard is a temporary card and you do not have to pay a deposit for the card. When you’re Travelcard expires you can just throw it away and get a new one. There are a number of special offers and you can take advantage of the 2 for 1 admission to the some of the biggest  tourist attractions. If you’re travelling for 5 or more days then a 7 day Travelcard is better value for money than the same fares on an Oyster Card. However in the usual British tradition of making things confusing, a 7-day Travelcard comes loaded onto an Oyster Card!

An Oyster Card is a pay-as-you go card for all forms of transport, and it is a permanent card that you can use as and when you need it. If you’re going to be a regular commuter then you can load your pre-paid Oyster card with cash amounts or with Travelcards to take advantage of the cheaper fares.

 

 

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Whether to Rent or Buy for Your Relocation to London

Saturday May 14th, 2011

Welcome back, Weekend Warriors planning to move to London! Several weeks ago I discussed the international relocation issue of deciding whether to rent or sell your house in your city of origination before moving to London. Well, likewise you’ll face the decision of whether to rent or buy a house in your destination city—in this case, London.

I’d venture to say that most expats relocating to London rent first when coming over here. The reasons for renting are numerous. It gives you the opportunity to test out a neighborhood or a few before deciding where to make such a commitment as investing in property and settling there. Many expats that are transferred to London on work assignments have a finite timeframe they’re working within, which may relegate them to corporate housing or make it far more practical to just rent for the shorter term if it’s only a matter of months to a few years. Also, London is expensive (surprise, surprise). A two-bedroom flat could easily cost half a million pounds (and bear in mind the exchange rate with your home currency), so the average expat doesn’t necessarily have the capital to make a down payment and meet mortgage payments, especially if you do still have money tied up in a house you own back home.

It is certainly possible for expats to obtain a mortgage in the UK; however, there could be additional obstacles to this. A disadvantage of first moving to the UK is that you have no credit history here, so will require some time to build one up. Also, lenders might want to see at least a few months’ of UK payslips to guarantee your salary, which could delay your ability to purchase.

If you’re seriously considering buying a home, however, you might do well with initially renting apartment for one year with a six-month break clause. As this would imply, the break clause will give you the ability to get out of your rental lease agreement after only six months, so could buy you some time to research neighborhoods and houses and apply for a mortgage without committing yourself to a full year of paying rent elsewhere. You might also need the time to gauge how you and/or your family are settling in here and whether you’ll indeed be committed to London itself for the longer term. Not an easy decision to make, so make the most of this weekend and research your options thoroughly to make your London move an affordable and smooth one.

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