British Expats - Purchasing a house

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- Moving back or to the UK (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/)

- - Purchasing a house (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/purchasing-house-947020/)

Re: Purchasing a house

Oh wow, that's really good to know! My understanding was we'd have to pay at least 6-12 months upfront.

Re: Purchasing a house

You MIGHT have to do so - depends on what the agent/landlord requires.

You should at least budget for paying first/last and security deposit.

Re: Purchasing a house

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExBritFL (Post 13173270)

Sorry to jump onto this thread, but we are going through a similar process . My daughter got accepted into an independent school that starts in Sep 23. Our lease in the US expires in June which was our date to move.
However, I am learning how challenging it will be to rent in the UK right now so we are maybe planning a trip over within next few weeks to find a house to buy, start the process and come back here to pack our things and see out the lease.
I'm putting in A LOT of hours in research, calls to estate agents and new build developers and still can't find anything that we love. Technically, renting would be best but finding the right property to rent that will accept pets and be suitable for our family is proving to be a challenge.

I've been looking for 3 months and I haven't found anything I love. The real estate agents are slow in responding and with no MLS it's been an arduous process. I would prefer not to rent as I know where I'm going to live and I have spent a great deal of time in the UK. I am currently looking at a new build with a June completion date, there is not much available in my price range. It's much more difficult than I had anticipated, I spent 3 weeks in January and going back in March. I am considering making an offer without seeing the actual property.

Re: Purchasing a house

Quote:

Originally Posted by christmasoompa (Post 13171223)

Anybody can buy a house in the UK, you don't need to be resident. But you would pay extra stamp duty if you're not yet resident, this can be claimed back later on but it something to factor in. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-of...n-uk-residents There's also extra stamp duty if it's a second home i.e. if you're keeping a property in your current country.

How long have you lived abroad for? If it's more than a few years I wouldn't buy personally, it's a very expensive mistake to make if you decide you don't like the area after all! I'd rent first and then take your time buying (which would also avoid the extra non-resident stamp duty as above).

Good luck.

Good to know that the extra stamp duty can be claimed back. Depending on when I exchange contracts, I might be shy of the 183 days residency requirement. I will ask my conveyance solicitor to clarify the situation. Although I had the whole country as a moving option, Iâ€™ve put an offer on a house that is only 12 miles away from my childhood home - I agree that renting is a good option if youâ€™re not familiar with the area you want to go to. Iâ€™ve noticed that many towns have changed dramatically over the 30 years Iâ€™ve been away. There are so many new builds on town outskirts. Donâ€™t buy until youâ€™ve had a chance to drive around the area.
On an aside, does anyone know how long the US authorities take to process the voluntary return of a green card?

Re: Purchasing a house

I come back from NZ last year.
Moved to north notts and just bought house before Xmas.
what high school is your kid going too if itâ€™s near Mei could help with easy local transport routes or what areas ect
I went through the whole process you are going through renting a house for a year checking local areas ect