So if you are considering making Great Britain your home, here are their tips to making your move as smooth as possible.
1. The UK has experienced a property boom over the past decade, and houses can be expensive. Know your budget, stick to it and shop around locations to ensure you are getting the best value for money.
2. Decide on an area and stay focused. Research thoroughly and try to picture yourself living there. Location is a crucial factor in your future happiness.
3. Have a flexible time scale. The housing market is vibrant here and if you lose out on a property, another one will be available. It will be very important for you to have a contingency plan such as the option of renting a property for a short time.
4. Prioritise your housing needs. It will be much easier for you to manage your search if you know the relative importance of being close to the shops, having off road parking, proximity to good schools, etc.
5. Use a specialist agency to conduct your initial search and develop your short list. If you live overseas from the UK then making repeat visits to view potential properties may be neither practical nor financially viable.
6. When you buy a property in the UK, depending on its price, you may have to pay a tax called stamp duty. How much stamp duty you pay depends on the price of the property. For example if you buy a home for under £125,000 you will pay no stamp duty whereas if your new home costs over £200,000, a 1% charge is added. Ensure you research how much you must pay before you agree to purchase the property.
7. Moving abroad with children can be a tough experience. Make sure you talk to them regularly about what is happening.
8. Pets are very sensitive to changes in the household. Prepare as well in advance for them as you would yourselves! Make sure you visit a vet well before the move who will carry out the necessary vaccinations and will be on hand to answer any concerns you may have.
9. Ask your lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation of the property before any contracts are signed. This is your new home, you don’t want to arrive to find that the roof is minutes from falling in!
10. Choose the right movers. Someone who is reliable and has experience of moving abroad. Research the company and check their reviews. Remember, it’s not just your possessions they will be looking after, it’s your life!
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