Tirytory

I think parts of Manchester might be ok, and it would have strong public transport links which is great. Derby probably a cheaper area again, but more rural so less public transport and probably less jobs too although I might be wrong about that.

York is expensive, Devon I really know nothing about but I would surmise again public transport would be limited.

Tirytory

What else is on your list of wants for your new place? Where are your jobs going to be? What line of work etc?

Bahtatboy

The only real variable is rent and transport. Food, clothes, utilities, insurance, holidays and so on are going to be the same wherever you live--the information's already out there on those things.

There have been a couple of links to rental websites in this thread. That leaves transport. Don't believe Chris with his sweeping statements about transport being good in rural areas--in some it might be, but in others its dire (a bus once a week, literally); that may well be reflected in the house price. You've been given two concrete examples of actual rents (eg small 2-bed in Blackburn at 500), so find other examples by looking through the rental websites.

If you or your husband intend to work, that also needs to be factored in, in terms of location and transport. Nor suprisingly, pleasant-to-live urban areas within easy reach of major industrial or commercial centres tend to be more expensive. And schools--I paid a premium of about 30% on the price of my home to be in the catchment area of a good school; its all very well paying a low price for housing if you can make that place home, but sending your kids to a school filled with kids from the sink estate down the road is going to take the shine off things quickly.

Good luck.

chris955

To be fair I did expand on what I said and say that it was area dependant and would be difficult in the South or SE. My comments were in relation to this area and the North.

chris955

Generally speaking yes, no doubt but would exclude Devon from the list. Remember that if you come in under a certain income level you will also receive child and/or working tax credits and child benefits which pushes you over £2000 a month.

ottotheboar

If good public transport is important to you research the evening and weekend schedules.
Our village is four miles from Aylesbury and the buses seem to run weekdays in the mornings and afternoons taking children to school and a few people to work, outside those hours they are few and far between.
Possibly other parts of the country are better served.

WhoDearMeDearNoDear

Like everyone else has said: Yes, but it might be a challenge. Getting a house together is costly. All those little things like silverware, area rugs, and toilet roll holders add up quick. I hope you have a little savings. If so, you'll be ok. Best of luck!

formula

A 3 month wait before they can Tax Credits and Child Benefit if at least one parent isn't working.

The couple cut off rate for Working Tax Credits is about 18k, hence the financial requirement to sponsor a partner being set at 18,600. If both parents work, they may get some child care payments which is paid through Working Tax Credits. The Tax Credit benefit is based on the previous years income with a 5k/2.5K disregard, so I'm not sure how they calculate that for those coming from overseas and claiming?


Just be aware that it's all change though under the welfare reforms. A few will be better off under the new system and others won't. Universal Credits; the one welfare payment; is already being rolled out in part in some areas. UC will replace the income based benefits presently known as Child Tax Credits; Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance; Working Tax Credits; Income Support; Income based Employment and Support Allowance and Housing. Different requirements and much stricter conditions for those claiming UC. Although those parents who keep their own children and just need money towards childcare, will soon get a tax free lump sum instead of having to apply to the welfare state for childcare money.

pondhopper2014

*sigh* I feel like I need to take tutorial classes on "everyday life stuff you should know" - there's a business opportunity waiting for someone over there!!! I can't be the only one who feels like I'm going to an alien planet... I mean, yes, most everyone here is an ex-pat, but I'm just married to one... MY life has been in Canada. Ask me almost anything, I'd love to help... but when I get over the pond, Where do I start?!

Steep learning curve doesn't begin to cover it.