Your complete relocation guide to London – for non-UK residents

Securing accommodation that meets your needs is crucial to a successful relocation experience. Property markets in the UK, especially in London, are extensive and dynamic to suit the varying needs of its residents. With property prices ranging from £300,000 to millions of pounds, it is vital to have a clear idea of the size, location and amenities you are looking for in a residence.

At Benham and Reeves, we have put together a Step-by-Step Guide for overseas property buyers in the UK. We also have a tax guide and many other resources to help you understand the nuances of property ownership and renting. Additionally, as a founding member of ARLA Propertymark, NAEA Propertymark and other reputed industry bodies, we ensure you get all the relevant property services for a fair price.

We have 13 international offices and a dedicated China, Japan and Middle East Desk to make the relocation process convenient and provide expert property guidance for overseas buyers. Additionally, our 21 local branches across London can help you find the right property in the neighbourhood of your choice.

While healthcare services, including surgeries and other medical treatments, are free for UK residents via the
National Health Service (NHS), most visa applicants looking to relocate must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) along with their application fee.

Upon arrival to the UK, you must also register with a General Practitioner (GP), as that doctor will serve as your primary physician and refer you to specialists in case you need one.

Private healthcare is another option if you need quick access to specialist doctors and additional services like dental or optical procedures that NHS may not cover. However, private healthcare in the UK can be more expensive, and if relocating for work, you should always check if private health insurance is covered. If not, getting one is highly recommended.

To avail yourself of any goods and services in the UK, you must make GBP payments, for which a UK bank account is necessary. Some banks, like HSBC, Barclays, etc., have overseas branches and provide international banking services to their customers. However, to open a new bank account, you will need proof of valid ID (passport) and proof of local residence in the UK (utility bill, tenancy agreement, etc.). Moreover, you also need a local bank account to receive your salary and other social benefits provided to citizens in the UK.

Taxes are an integral part of living and working in the UK. Familiarising yourself with the different taxes, such as income tax, council tax, and value-added taxes (VAT), is necessary to ensure you follow and pay taxes on time to avoid penalties.

• Income Tax: All individuals earning an annual income above the personal allowance limit of £12,570 must pay taxes in the UK. Your yearly earnings will determine your tax band and how much you have to pay. Currently, private income in the UK is taxed as follows:

• Council Tax: Unlike income tax, which has standard rates across the UK, local authorities levy council taxes for the services offered in the region. The amount of tax will vary based on the value of your residence and its location.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is a form of consumption tax levied on purchasing goods and services in the UK. While a standard VAT rate of 20% applies to most goods and services, essential items like healthcare, fuel, etc, have a reduced rate of 5%. Most childcare products are exempt from VAT.

Apart from these ordinary taxes, property buyers and sellers also have taxes like stamp duty land tax (SDLT), capital gains tax (CGT) and inheritance tax. Consulting a professional tax expert to minimise tax obligations is always advisable.

Currency exchange plays a significant role when converting funds from your native currency to GBP for big-ticket purchases such as buying property. While many banks, agents and online platforms offer money transfer services, we suggest comparing the exchange rates between different service providers to get the best conversion rate and associated fees. You can also consider forward contracts to lock in the rate and hedge against exchange rate fluctuations.

The UK has one of the world's best public transport networks, which features extensive railways, bus routes, taxi services, airport terminals, river taxis, trams and even dedicated cycle routes. If you wish to travel privately by driving a car, you can apply for a provisional driving licence that may require you to pass a driving test. You will also need mandatory car insurance to drive in the UK.

However, most UK residents, especially in major cities like London, where road congestion is common, use rapid transit systems like the Underground, DLR and Elizabeth Line for quicker commutes to their offices and universities. Checking the best possible route and mode of transport via online portals like Google Maps, Transport for London (TfL), National Rail, and Citymapper are helpful tools for navigating local transport in the UK.

A comfortable bed, dining set, sofa, chairs and other furniture items are essentials for every home. While many rental properties, especially studios and one or two-bed apartments, may come furnished by the landlord, larger family homes may require new furniture. There are many retail options for furniture; however, as someone from a foreign place, you may not know the exact fitting or design requirements. Working with a professional furnishing company, like our partner InStyle Direct, can ensure you get a complete range of design-led furniture packs delivered and installed at your property at an affordable cost.

If you plan on relocating to the UK with your children, you will need a fair understanding of the education system to ensure you pick the right school for them. Since education is mandatory for all children in the UK, you can consider any one of the following options:

State schools: Funded by the government, state schools offer free education for children aged between 5 to 16 years. These schools follow a national curriculum, and admission mostly depends on the local housing catchment area. State schools are a good option if you permanently relocate to the UK and have kids just starting school.

Private schools: Also known as independent schools, private schools in the UK charge tuition fees for teaching and differ from state schools by providing a more extensive syllabus and many extracurricular activities. Admission to these schools may have different criteria and require additional fees for other academic programs and events.

International schools: For expat parents who intend to move back to their native country after spending time in the UK, international schools are preferable as they offer globally accepted curriculums such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or American courses.

Lastly, making new friends and bonding with others in your new locality and social spaces is essential for a smooth transition into a new country. Fortunately, the UK has plenty of expat residents who come for a short or permanent stay, making the social fabric very welcoming of foreigners. Finding like-minded social groups and participating in community-building initiatives will help relieve some of the homesickness felt during such times of transition.

If English isn't your first language, improving language proficiency can help you communicate better with your neighbours. Joining volunteer programmes such as nature clubs or other community service groups can be a good start to meeting new people who share the same interests and passions as yours.

Smooth and successful relocation with Benham and Reeves

As a leading estate and lettings agent with a legacy of over 65 years, we have helped thousands of expat investors and overseas property buyers looking to relocate to the UK. Our comprehensive range of international property services makes it easier for those relocating to successfully find, buy, furnish, and rent their properties. For those relocating to London, our local knowledge and expertise are a valuable resource for a fresh start in the capital.

While these are some general steps and a checklist to help with a stress-free relocation process, researching in detail for specific requirements that pertain to your application and individual circumstances will surely help. All said and done, moving to the UK can be a pleasant experience, and we are here to support you with all your property needs. Contact us for information on buying property and relocating to the UK.