The complete guide to moving to the United Kingdom

Moving to the United Kingdom can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. With its world-renowned landmarks, a rich history and multicultural society, and excellent work and education opportunities, few places can rival the United Kingdom in providing countless possibilities for both personal and professional growth.

However, while providing many exciting and new opportunities, moving to the United Kingdom has its own set of unique challenges that come with living in a new country. At Crown Relocations, we’ve put together a useful guide that will give you everything you need to know about moving to the UK. As one of Australia’s premier international moving companies, we’ve got the experience and knowledge to help make your move overseas as seamless as possible.

Home

Buying a House in the UK

Yes, as an expat you can buy a house when moving to the United Kingdom However, there are a few things to keep in mind before doing so.

First, you’ll need to have a good credit history and a steady income. This is because getting a mortgage in the UK can be difficult for expats as you may not have a long-term work history in the UK.

Second, you’ll need to factor in the costs of buying a property in the UK, which can be high depending on the location you choose for your new home. These costs include stamp duty (a tax that is levied on property purchases), legal fees and surveyor’s fees.

Third, you’ll need to be prepared for the fact that the process of buying a property in the UK can take several months. This can be due to additional legal hurdles involved in purchasing a property as well as finding a lender that is willing to provide a loan based on a shorter credit history.

If you’re considering buying a property, it’s important to seek professional advice from a solicitor or estate agent. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Setting up home

When it comes to finding a place to call home in the United Kingdom, there are a variety of housing options available, from renting an apartment to buying a house. There are many factors to consider before finding somewhere to live including budget, the type of house you want as well as where you would like to live.

Once you have carefully considered these factors and decided on the type of housing, you can start searching for a place to live. Several websites can help you find accommodation in the UK, including:

Rightmove: This website is a good place to start your search for accommodation in the UK. It has a large database of properties available for rent and sale, as well as helpful articles on topics like renting vs. buying.
Zoopla: Another website with a large database of properties available for rent and sale. Zoopla also has a handy search function that allows you to filter properties by price, location, and other factors.
SpareRoom: This website is a good option if you’re looking for a place to live with roommates. It has a large database of rooms available for rent in apartments and houses all over the UK.

Transporting your belongings

Moving an entire household of belongings can be a daunting task, especially when it involves transporting them to another country. Crown Relocations is your trusted partner for moving to the United Kingdom. Our team of experienced UK removalists will handle every aspect of your move, from packing and loading to transportation and delivery.

When it comes to transporting your belongings, your items will be transported either by sea freight or air freight depending on the volume of your items and how quickly you need them. As one of the largest household personal effects shippers in the world, Crown Relocations is able to secure highly competitive sea freight rates. You can also choose to send ahead key essentials such as clothing, toys or even kitchen equipment through our door-to-door air freight service. We understand that moving to the United Kingdom can be a stressful experience, which is why we strive to provide you with peace of mind by taking care of every detail. Whether you’re relocating for work or personal reasons, Crown Relocations is here to help you make a smooth transition to your new home.

Utilities

In the UK, utilities are typically paid monthly. The most common utilities are broadband, water, gas and electricity.

Broadband (a high-speed internet connection) is usually fast, and most providers offer unlimited data plans, so you won’t have to worry about exceeding your monthly data allowance. Connection usually takes place quite quickly.

Water, gas and electricity are all provided by utility companies. It’s important to compare different tariffs before signing up for a service, as the prices can vary significantly. You can use a comparison website like uSwitch to compare different deals.

Finances

When moving to the United Kingdom, it is essential to get your finances in order so that you can support yourself and your family.

Open a bank account in the UK: Before you move, research and choose a bank in the UK where you can open an account. This will make it easier for you to manage your finances and make transactions once you arrive.
Set a budget: Moving to a new country can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider all your expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, and lei-sure activities, and plan accordingly.
Consider the exchange rate: Currencies fluctuate constantly, so it’s important to keep an eye on the exchange rate and look for opportunities to exchange your money at the most favourable rate. You can do this by using an online currency converter or consulting with a professional. For more information, visit our Foreign Currency Transfer

Lifestyle

Getting around

The UK has an excellent public transport system, which makes getting around the country easy. The best way to travel long distances is by train, which will take you to all major cities and towns.

Another option for getting around is to drive. You can buy or rent a car. Keep in mind that driving in the UK can be challenging, as the roads are often very busy. If you do rent a car, be sure to get insurance that covers you for driving in the UK. You should also familiarise yourself with the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel.

Busy roads aside, driving is a great way to see the UK’s stunning countryside. If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving, it might be worth getting a sat nav to help you find your way.

Buses are also a popular form of public transport and are typically cheaper than trains. They can take you to places that trains can’t and most buses in the UK are operated by private companies.

Everyday life

Although everyday life in the UK shares similarities with other Western countries, there are some distinctive aspects that set it apart. For instance, the UK recognises unique national holidays that are not observed in other parts of the world.

With its diverse culinary offerings and abundance of historical landmarks, the UK has a reputation for offering a unique range of experiences for those who call the nation home. From exploring historical landmarks to hiking in the countryside, or finding your next favourite restaurant, there is always something to discover in the UK.

Transport

Can I drive in the UK?

If you’re moving to the UK from another country, you will need to check whether you can use your driver’s license for up to 12 months without getting a UK license. If your country isn’t listed, you will need to take a driving test. This government website helps explain the process.

Moving your vehicle

Since the Australian standards for motor vehicle registration align closely with those in the United Kingdom, importing vehicles to this market generally does not require modifications. Shipping your car with international moving companies, like Crown Relocations, can also be a financially viable decision, as the UK offer concessionary customs entry exemptions. To find out more about how Crown Relocations can help you move your car to the United Kingdom, visit our Vehicle Shipping page.

Education

School options in the UK

You can send your children to a state school – sometimes referred to as comprehensive or grammar schools. There are also private schools – confusingly referred to as a ‘public school’.

State schools are free to attend. Private schools are not free and are funded by tuition fees and donations. Private schools typically have higher standards than state schools.

Legal System

The UK has a common law legal system. This means that the law is based on precedent, or previous court decisions. The legal system consists of these courts:

The County Court (a civil court)
The Family Court
The Magistrates Court (a criminal court)

For more serious crimes, there are:

The Crown Court
The High Court
The Court of Appeal

The UK Supreme Court stands above the Court of Appeal as the ultimate court.

Employment, Visas and Permits

Finding a job is an important aspect of moving to the country and the good news is that there are plenty of employment opportunities – especially if you have skills in areas like technology, finance and healthcare.

The best way to find a job is to use a recruitment agency that can find you a job that matches your skills and experience. You can also search for jobs online on websites like Indeed and Monster.

You will need to have a valid work visa before you can start working in the UK.

The type of visa you need will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and how long you plan to stay in the UK. There’s more information on the types of visas available and how to apply for them on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

The working conditions in the UK are generally good and employees are entitled to several benefits, including paid holidays, sick leave and pension contributions.

However, it’s important to remember that the working hours in the UK are longer than in many other countries. The average working week is 37.5 hours, although some jobs may require you to work more.

Salaries in the United Kingdom are also generally good and depend on your skills, experience and location. For example, salaries in London tend to be much higher than in other parts of the UK.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of living is generally high, especially in larger cities like London, where the cost of rent, food and transport can be very expensive.

Health

The UK offers the National Health Service (NHS) which is paid for by National Insurance contributions – a percentage is deducted every month from salaries. There’s also a good range of private health insurance providers too.

Moving to the United Kingdom with Crown Relocations

Moving to the UK with Crown Relocations is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and experienced international moving company. As a trusted name for international home removals, Crown relocations is well equipped to handle all your needs when it comes to moving to the United Kingdom. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, we offer a range of services to ensure a stress-free move, including packing, storage, and transportation. From start to finish, our team of experts will assist you with the entire process, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.

Ready to get moving?
Get the quickest quote possible

We understand that waiting at home for a moving consultant may not be convenient, which is why we offer a simple video assessment using your smartphone.

You can choose between a guided live video consultation “Smart Consult” with one of our moving experts or a self-service video option. Either choice will provide us with everything we need to know to accurately assess and prepare your moving quotation.