Real Estate in England

"We chose our neighborhood based upon an area that a friend was already living in and recommendations from other US expats. About a month prior to our move, we came to London on a flat-hunting trip. With our relocation agent, we looked at about 20 flats in three different areas (St Johns Wood, Notting Hill/Holland Park, Kensington) over a two day period," said one person in London.

"There are several different options for finding a place to live in England. A good place to start is online classifieds sites such as Rightmove or Zoopla, where you can browse through hundreds of listings and narrow down your search by location, budget and preference. You can also search general property websites such as OnTheMarket, which provides details of rental and buying prices in a local area, or visit local estate agents or letting agents who will be able to provide information on properties in your desired area. Word of mouth may be another avenue to explore when searching for a place to live in England; ask friends or family members who may have information on available properties. Some estate agents also hold open house viewings that can be useful if you’d like to view properties in person," said one expat who made the move to UK.

"2 bedroom flat. Not sure if this is typical but it was what we could afford. Cost of living is very high and the exchange to the Canadian dollar is extremely prohibitive. Our kitchen is modern and different to home which we like. Our least favourite is apartment-living with neighbour noise and the lack of space - we went from a 1500 square foot home to a 600 sq foot apartment," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Abingdon.

"Expat homes and apartments in England typically have a modern, cosmopolitan feel and may feature up-to-date appliances, modern fixtures and comforts, and a mix of traditional and contemporary design elements. The kitchens are usually well-equipped and the bedrooms are comfortable and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Expats may also enjoy access to shared amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and recreation centers. While some opt for homely and comfortable furnishings, others may appreciate the high-end refinement and luxury of hotel-style apartments," explained one person living in UK.

"Housing costs are much higher here if you take exchange rates into affect. In US dollars a 600 square foot apartment in our home country would cost $500 while our flat here in US dollars is $1300US. To purchase a 1600 Sq foot new home in our home city would cost $125,000US while a home here for the same size would cost $365,000US. Incredibly discouraging," remarked one member in Abingdon.

"The average cost of housing in England is generally high, with house prices in London and the South East the most expensive in the country. In the rest of the country, house prices are generally more affordable, but still far beyond the means of many people," explained one expat living in UK.

"Buying a home in England is often a sound investment, however it is important to consider the full range of available options before making a decision. Evaluating the potential benefits between buying versus renting will help you decide which route to take. Buying a property will involve higher upfront costs, but rents can be unpredictable and can rise over time. Investing in a property provides long-term security, as you will own your home and can eventually reap the financial rewards from it; however some commitment is needed to financially maintain it. On the other hand, renting allows you to "try out” different areas and enjoy the convenience of not having to pay for maintenance and repairs. Both options can provide advantages, so it is important to evaluate what best suits your lifestyle and financial situation," said one person in UK.

"It's important to hire a qualified and experienced solicitor to ensure you understand all the legal aspects of buying property in England. Research the local area and consult with a Chartered Surveyor for advice on any potential issues with the property. Ensure you understand what local property taxes and other associated costs you may have to pay. Make sure you factor in any additional work you may need to do to the property and the associated costs. Obtain buildings insurance to protect your investment. Consider if you need permission to make changes or extend the property. You should also consider if the property has any environmental issues or if it is situated in a flood risk or conservation area. Finally, make sure you negotiate with the seller to get the best possible price for the property before going ahead with the purchase," remarked one foreigner who made the move to UK.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in England. Non-UK citizens are able to purchase residential and commercial property in England, as long as they meet certain criteria. This includes having the necessary funds to purchase the property, and obtaining the necessary permission from the UK government. In addition, foreign buyers may be subject to additional taxes and fees," said one person in UK.

"Many rental properties in England typically come with a refrigerator, oven, and washing machine. Most properties will also have kitchen cabinets and a hob (cooktop) for basic cooking. Additionally, some rental units may also offer an all-in-one washer/dryer, as well as freestanding dishwashers and other appliances. In some cases, a boiler or central heating system may also be included with the property," explained one foreigner living in UK.

"Properties come with a cooker and most rentals provide a fridge and washing machine," said one in Sheffield.

"Expats typically search for homes in England by looking online for rental listings, contacting real estate agents, and networking with other expats who may have knowledge of the local housing market. They may also look for housing through local newspapers, online forums, and social media groups. Additionally, expats may consider using a relocation service to help them find a suitable home in England," wrote one expat who made the move to UK.