YOUR HOME IN THE UK

One of the major decisions you will have had to make is what to do with your residence in the UK, assuming that you are an owner occupier. Many people decide to sell up in order to finance the purchase of a home abroad. Since there are several excellent books on buying and selling houses and flats in the UK, eg Which way to buy, sell and move house (Consumers’ Association), this matter is not dealt with here.

What if you decide not to sell immediately? Some people like the idea of keeping on a UK base – at least for the time being – in case their venture abroad does not turn out as they planned. Below are some suggestions.

Leave the accommodation empty

This is fine provided you can afford to maintain two properties and your UK home is in a part of the country that is reasonably secure. However, your insurance company may increase the premium, and if you have a mortgage, your bank or building society might have qualms. In any case, both organisations should be informed.

Ask someone to look after it for you

This is a sensible option provided you have someone in mind – a relation or friend who might live in it, a helpful neighbour, or an organisation that offers houseminding services, such as Animal Aunts or Homesitters Ltd.

Let it

This is a way of paying for the upkeep of the property and perhaps financing a mortgage, too, providing the lender approves. It is always best if you can find a tenant whom you know and trust, but most people have to settle for strangers. You can either advertise for a tenant yourself or appoint a letting agent to do the work for you. You should check what services the agency can provide.

If you live in an area with a large educational institution you could contact the accommodation officer who may be able to take charge of the letting for you in much the same way as an agent.

If you rent your home in the UK, you will have few problems to attend to. Make sure, however, that you give your landlord plenty of notice of your planned departure.