Relocating to a new Country is always challenging with the many tasks ahead such as opening a bank account, finding a school for the children and of course securing a good property to settle in. When it comes to settling in the UK, having a permanent address is key to everything. Without it you are unable to open a bank account and you certainly cannot secure a school placement for your children in a state school.
If you are relocating to the UK with children and you are flexible with the area, it is always advisable to do a search about the quality of the schools in that location. This is true particularly of large cities. In London for example you need to live within a certain distance from the school in order to qualify for the application criteria.
Property search websites normally include a useful feature on the map with the schools available in the area with the corresponding rating.
Once you have selected your location, you can start looking at the average price for the property you need and book appointments for when you arrive. Prices tend to be higher in areas with good schools.
It is pointless to book the appointments too early because properties in high demand areas will go quickly.
During the current restrictions there is also the quarantine to take into consideration as viewings will need to take place after the initial self isolation.
The minimum duration for a long term contract is 12 months with a 6-month get out close, or 6 months with the option to renew after the initial 6-month period.
The rent is normally paid one month in advance and the standard for the security deposit is 5 weeks.
The main criteria to be able to rent a property is to be able to afford it, so Landlords require credit checks and proof of income high enough to cover the rent comfortably.
When it comes to people relocating from overseas, the procedure is slightly different because the applicants will not have credit rate in the UK and often they are not employed at the time of the move so they cannot present an employment letter.
In this case the credit check is not required, but the standard request is the payment of a large part of the rent in advance. The amount of rent required upfront depends on the landlord and it is subject to negotiations, however the recurring figure is 6 months. On a 12-month contract some landlords will try and ask for the whole year in advance, but this is quite high and it is usually negotiated down.
Ultimately landlords need to make sure that the tenants can afford the rent so be prepared to present bank statements and any employment income you may have.
The documents required for the rental contract are:
- Passports
- Visa or entry clearance
Proof of Investment letter
Properties come furnished or unfurnished. The quality of the furnishing differs according to the price, but often the furniture included is quite basic. Whether the property is furnished or unfurnished it always has a fully equipped kitchen with appliances.
Landlords tend to advertise their properties with multiple agencies, it is important to keep that in mind when you find a house that you really like as you might need to be prepared to move quickly to secure it.
The housing sector is working normally even with the current pandemic restrictions so you will be able to book appointments and find your new home as soon as you arrive.
If you have selected a company to help you with relocation then you will be able to have everything in place to start the process and a list of properties to view as soon as you are able to do so after entering the Country.
