We have compiled below a sample of the most-often-asked questions about each of our services. From finding a property to rent or to buy to finding a school for your child(ren) as well as applying to a UK university, we hope the below helps towards an understanding of how these services work in the UK.
If you require more initial support, please do get in contact for a complimentary phone call.
RENTING
FAQs
Probably not. Experience has taught us that most countries have a different way of finding properties to rent or buy.
The UK does not have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) like the US. We do have some on-line portals, e.g. Rightmove and Zoopla, but they do not list every property available to rent or buy.
As a relocation/property agent, we already have a well-established network of trusted agents and owners across London that we can contact directly to find out what properties are available. This also includes properties that are not advertised as well as properties that are due to come to market soon. This means that we can often show you a property before it actually comes to market and get it agreed for you before anyone else sees it.
For both properties to rent and properties to buy, we only receive a fee from our client. We do not receive a fee from the letting agent, sales agent, landlord or owner for finding a tenant or purchaser.
In a nutshell, our knowledge, network and expertise. We know London inside out; down to the street level in some areas. We have a direct relationship with the best agents and owners in London. We liaise, on your behalf, with all the agents saving you the time and stress of registering with each and every agent. We send out your search and only select those properties that meet your criteria to send on to you for you to pre-select to view. During the accompanied Home Tour, we advise on the pros and cons of each property. We help you to construct and submit your offer and support you during the entire process until it is agreed in writing by both you and the owner. We advise on all matters relating to the rental or purchase of a property until the AST is signed for a rental property, or until solicitors are instructed if you are buying a property.
Online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla are a great way of gauging the market and seeing what sort of properties are available in a certain area and at a certain price. However, due to the speed of the property market in London, they can become out-of-date and not all agents advertise on these portals. We work with all the best agents across London whether they have advertise on an on-line portal or not.
Rental properties tend to be advertised up to 2 months before they are available. But this can vary. Some properties are available immediately and some are advertised as available more than 2 months hence.
In London, we tend not to do that. There is a lot of work involved for agents – both owner and tenant - in getting an offer agreed so we recommend that only one offer is submitted at a time. It normally takes up to 48 hours to get an offer agreed but can be agreed in minutes if the offer is agreeable to both parties.
In the UK, making an offer is not legally binding. You can make an offer and have it agreed by the owner but that still doesn’t mean you are legally obliged to rent or buy the property.
AST stands for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This is your rental or tenancy agreement.
In short, yes. There are often unforeseen circumstances which necessitate having to leave a rental property before the end of the tenure or using a break clause. In such a case, the landlord will usually put the property back on the market to find another tenant. However, you are still liable for all rent until a new tenant is found and they sign a new tenancy agreement. You may also be asked to pay the agency’s marketing costs of the landlord.
There are two deposits: a 1 week holding deposit when your offer is agreed and a 5 weeks’ damage deposit when you sign the AST.
In England and Wales, an AST is usually signed for a minimum of 12 months, to a maximum of three years.
You do need a UK bank account in order to pay your rent and your utilities and council tax.
You can search for and agree a property before you have your visa but for rental, you need to show your right to stay and/or work in the UK before you will be handed the key to the property via the Right to Rent checks.
Yes. But that may be on a short-term basis. Short-term lets are up to 6 months in length. Rents for short-term lets are up to 40% higher than long-term rents.
That depends on you! There are many amazing areas to live in London. It depends on many factors as to which is the best for you, e.g. your commute, the amenities and feel of the area, transport options, access to parks, budget, etc.
The Right to Rent checks are carried out by the letting agent once the tenancy agreement has been signed and before you collect the keys to the property.
Stamp Duty and Land Tax. This is payable when you buy a property. It is also payable if you rent a property and the rent paid over a period exceeds £125,000.
Other than the monthly rent, tenants need to pay for council tax, gas, electricity, a water supply and an internet connection.
BUYING
FAQs
In short, yes. There will be bank, solicitor and AML checks undertaken as in all property purchases.
It depends on how long it takes to find the right property, get it agreed and how fast both the seller and buyer’s solicitors can get the contracts signed. This can take a few months or as little as a few weeks.
You should speak with your bank, financial advisor or an independent mortgage broker.
It is the UK term for a solicitor who specialises in the buying and selling of UK property.
It is generally recommended that you do. If you require finance, a homebuyer’s report will be requested by your lender.
When you exchange contracts on a property you are buying, it means that you are legally bound to buy that property and complete on it. At exchange, a percentage of the property purchase price is paid. At completion, the remainder of the full property purchase is paid. You can complete and exchange on the same date or on separate dates.
EDUCATION: Schools
FAQs
Most probably, yes. The UK has many different systems itself depending on whether you are at school within the state, private or international sector.
There are many differences but apart from different curricula, the main difference is that there are no fees at a state school. State schools are also non-selective apart from state grammar schools.
Entrance tests for UK state grammar schools are taken several months, if not years, in advance of year of entry. Entry to a UK state grammar school is very competitive.
UK state primary and secondary schools are non-selective. Some private and international schools too are non-selective.
Yes, we do have some schools in London and the south east that offer the AP curriculum.
Yes. Most international schools offer the IB curriculum in both Sixth Form and Middle Years. Increasingly, UK state schools are offering both the A’level and the IB curricula in sixth form. Some UK state schools, but not many, offer the IB Middle Years program.
Absolutely. That is one of our prime services.
In theory, yes. The practicality is that most schools are oversubscribed so how close you live to your school(s) of choice will affect you being offered a place for your child.
It depends on the school but yes, if the school has a place available and is non-selective, some private and international schools will offer your child a place. For those private and international schools that are selective, your child will have to sit an entrance exam.
That is part of our expertise. We can help you identify the best state schools in the areas you would like to live and arrange school visits and meetings with the Head Teacher. We can apply to each school on behalf of you and your child(ren).
It depends on the school and the age of your child.
Yes, we have several international schools in London and in Surrey offering a combination of the IB and AP curricula.
Fees differ from school to school across the UK. In London, fees for private and international schools can range from between £15,000 and £30,000 per annum per child.
This is a personal choice. Many parents themselves attended a UK boarding school and want the same for their children. For many parents living and working overseas, a UK education is an investment in their child’s future. Attending a UK boarding school offers an excellent education as well as a network of friends and colleagues for life.
EDUCATION: Universities
FAQs