Hi
Does anyone have any tips for the preparation for moving back?

It looks like we will be moving from US back to UK after 15 years here.
Our son will be 18 when we move back
( waiting for him to finish high school ) and hopefully will be starting Uni over there.

Is there any way we can start getting our credit rating up over there now in preparation?

How long does it take to get a mortgage over there after being out of the country for so long or does it all depend on the deposit amount you put down.

Are there any hints and tips of "things to look out for"

Thanks!

1) The OP should consider applying for US citizenship before returning to the UK if not already done so.

2) UK bank account - the OP can try and set up an UK bank account in the US before the big move. Please see link below -

https://www.us.hsbc.com/1/2/home/per...g/open-account

3) Make sure the family's British passports are all up to date. You will need to renew your British passport before moving back to the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

4) Once in the UK, arrange for an appointment to get a NI number for your son.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

5) Your son will be charge international fees at British universities if he had not lived in the UK for three years or more before the start of the university course.

Thanks for the reply!
We are on the awful E2 visa so no chance of any change of status, that is why we are thinking of moving back as he will age out at 21 - better to move on and start Uni in the UK while he is younger and get his qualifications there.

We have a UK bank account HSBC which we have had for years ( actually since i was 18 !)
Will try and apply for his NI number next year when he is 16 or does he have to be in the country for that?

Im wondering about credit and if we will ever be able to get a mortgage

You may be able to check your UK credit at

Credit Club | Check Your Free Credit Report & Credit Score

Your son will need to be in the UK when he applies for his own NI number.

Thanks for that - I had a feeling he would have to be there - x

Thanks I will have a look , my credit in the US is excellent ( surprised myself!!)
would be nice if it went over to the UK!!

I don't believe it will transfer.

We've had an HSBC joint account since 1986 and returned last year after 29 years away. When we went into the bank to change address and let them know we were back in the UK we asked for a credit card and when they checked our UK credit report we were told that mine was good enough for a card but not my wife, although she would receive a card on my account and within a few months would qualify on her own credit record if she wanted a card in her name. Not really sure why the difference between the 2 of us, although I had been in receipt of a UK private pension for a few years and had been making voluntary NI contributions for some years so had a recent record with HMRC and DWP. (the pension is a whopping £220/month).

Thank you ! Yes I will see what our credit rating is over there and maybe we can somehow get a credit card and build it up over the next couple of years in preparation.
This has given me some insight - thank you