An Expat Talks about Moving to London, UK

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

London

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I was pretty well prepared, so I don't think this really applies....

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CORNERSTONE Relocation

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

I did a lot of research before I came over on neighbourhoods, transport, etc. Commutes can be brutal here, so it's worth putting in the time on this.

Also, I found the Junior League of London's book, "Living in London," immensely helpful. It explains so much about Council Tax, housing, schools, cooking, TV licenses, the healthcare system, cultural and leisure activities, etc. It also gives recommendations for shops and services and translates "American" to English. Though geared toward American expats, I would recommend it to anyone moving to the Capitol. The book can be purchased by calling +44 (0)20 7499 8159. The cost, including shipping, is Euro 16 in the UK, Euro 17 in Europe, and Euro 20 overseas. More details on www.jll.org.uk

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in a flat and is very typical of London. However, most people here are encouraged to own their own home at an early age, so the rental market can get fairly tight at times.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Relocation Company - There are hundreds of Estate Agents and no multiple listing service. The Relocation Agency called around to all the Agents in my desired areas and set up all the appointments to see flats. This is a huge time saver! There are many good websites as well: www.primelocation.com and www.findaproperty.com are two of the better ones.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

I moved from Manhattan and I think the rental prices are comparable. However, the cost to buy is currently pound for dollar - or more - compared to Manhattan prices - be prepared for sticker shock.

The majority of rental flats come fully furnished - so decide beforehand what type of housing you are intested in, and store the things you won't need.