Moving To/Living In London Megathread - ALL QUESTIONS TO GO HERE

NewsMeQuick

x43r0 wrote: »

... little value for money on accommodation.

The longer I've been here the further out I seem to move due to better priced places (in Zone 4 now). I find it much better having disposable income and having to travel a bit than seeing all my money go out on rent

Yep, it's an age-old question, with being central, you pay more, if you move out farther, you get more. Zone 2 is fine too, ideally no more than a 30-minute commute. I've had the chance to live abroad a few times before and I've experienced both.

As for value for money, I've seen decent studios in Kensington for £800. And yet I've seen pricey hamster cages sharing with half a football team farther out and nothing to show for it I just don't get that. I'd take the bright, modern studio any day.

I haven't seen an enormous difference in rents for £800 or £1,200 in many neighbourhoods (Z1/2) so far. In other nice cities I've lived in that got you much bigger rooms, classy furnishing, share with 1 person not 5 and well-kept, central locations. I haven't seen any statistics in London, but for younger professionals, would half of gross salary on rent be standard? That's what I've normally paid.

NewsMeQuick

BrokenArrows wrote: »

Where will you be working and what sort of lifestyle do you want to lead?

As mentioned those are very pricy areas and most stuff there is pretty old.
You can rent a whole apartment for 1100 per month in zone 3-4.

If you want newer builds then start looking at canary wharf, Stratford in the east. There is a huge amount of building going on there with lots of new builds over the past few years.

Cheers for that, I'll take a look at those newer builds. I adore historical architecture, I had the pleasure of living in Italy and it's really wonderful. But, it can mean smaller spaces...

Lifestyle...I expect to get back into rowing. I'll take classes and go to meetups downtown. I adore cultural events so I'll regularly go into the centre for galleries, museums, plays etc. I think I'll enjoy tasting every park, garden and courtyard I find.

Working? That'll depend but interviews I've had were as central as you get. My background is writing and editing and I'm aiming for that again. That can be used in creative ways in business and research, though I'd like news again.

callaway92

You've lost your marbles if you want to budget for £850 a month and are thinking of living in Mayfair etc.

You're going over without a job sorted and you are looking at those places? Crazy

Scarinae

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

I haven't seen any statistics in London, but for younger professionals, would half of gross salary on rent be standard? That's what I've normally paid.

I try to keep rent to under a third of my take-home salary, but then I've always shared houses and flats. Sharing also cuts down on your bills. I've looked into living alone but have never managed to justify the cost, for the moment I'd prefer to save that money.

BrokenArrows

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

Cheers for that, I'll take a look at those newer builds. I adore historical architecture, I had the pleasure of living in Italy and it's really wonderful. But, it can mean smaller spaces...

Lifestyle...I expect to get back into rowing. I'll take classes and go to meetups downtown. I adore cultural events so I'll regularly go into the centre for galleries, museums, plays etc. I think I'll enjoy tasting every park, garden and courtyard I find.

Working? That'll depend but interviews I've had were as central as you get. My background is writing and editing and I'm aiming for that again. That can be used in creative ways in business and research, though I'd like news again.

Depends on what your earning. Obviously if you are going to be earning minimum wage your % is going to be a lot higher than someone on 60k.

But ya, i think you would be better off finding a cheap house share for the first 6 months until you get settled and get a job and figure out what areas of the city you like. It will save you a lot of money and you wont be signing a 1 year lease for a location you might not enjoy. House shares are also good way to get to know people and create an immediate circle of friends.

NewsMeQuick

callaway92 wrote: »

You've lost your marbles if you want to budget for £850 a month and are thinking of living in Mayfair etc.

You're going over without a job sorted and you are looking at those places? Crazy

There are a fair few studios in those central areas for £850/900 a month that are pretty decent and monthly on EasyRoommate. How is that lost marbles? I didn't say I want a grand apartment to myself on a one-year lease in those areas.

I threw neighbourhood names out there that I've been poking around at online and mentioned a figure I'd like to run at. That's it.

Cheers for the constructive advice. Really helpful.

Scarinae wrote: »

I try to keep rent to under a third of my take-home salary, but then I've always shared houses and flats. Sharing also cuts down on your bills. I've looked into living alone but have never managed to justify the cost, for the moment I'd prefer to save that money.

A third is a very nice number. I'll look into it. I've shared a lot too and will very likely do that for a while at least. It's easier to set-up that way.

BrokenArrows wrote: »

Depends on what your earning. Obviously if you are going to be earning minimum wage your % is going to be a lot higher than someone on 60k.

But ya, i think you would be better off finding a cheap house share for the first 6 months until you get settled and get a job and figure out what areas of the city you like. It will save you a lot of money and you wont be signing a 1 year lease for a location you might not enjoy. House shares are also good way to get to know people and create an immediate circle of friends.

Fair point about salary and percentage. Yeah, I definitely won't sign a one-year lease any time soon. Also, references seem to be a big thing there, at least from what I'm reading. So, a house-share would help to get settled and get the lay of the land, plus it allows time to build a local reputation (work, credit and accom.). I've been very good friends with the bulk of people I've lived it, a total bonus really.

You really hit the nail on the head with Canary Wharf, lots of very nice shared accom. there in the range I was looking at - and monthly. Wonderful.

NewsMeQuick

In terms of work, did it take people long to get off the ground?

I tend to do agency-given contracts to bring in money initially and aim for something permanent therefafter.

Is it hard to break into the UK's civil service?

roycon111

I'm looking at moving to London at the moment and I have done a few interviews over there already but most of the recruiters I've been working with don't seem to work in Corporate Finance/TS/Private Equity type roles but more so on audit and financial reporting side of things because I'm coming from an accounting background. Does anyone know of any good recruiters who specialise in these areas by any chance? I have tried Goodman Masson and Robert Walters already but haven't had much luck. Any help would be much appreciated.

ciaran67

NewsMeQuick wrote: »

Yep, it's an age-old question, with being central, you pay more, if you move out farther, you get more. Zone 2 is fine too, ideally no more than a 30-minute commute. I've had the chance to live abroad a few times before and I've experienced both.

As for value for money, I've seen decent studios in Kensington for £800. And yet I've seen pricey hamster cages sharing with half a football team farther out and nothing to show for it I just don't get that. I'd take the bright, modern studio any day.

I haven't seen an enormous difference in rents for £800 or £1,200 in many neighbourhoods (Z1/2) so far. In other nice cities I've lived in that got you much bigger rooms, classy furnishing, share with 1 person not 5 and well-kept, central locations. I haven't seen any statistics in London, but for younger professionals, would half of gross salary on rent be standard? That's what I've normally paid.

You can also go further out but still have a 30 min commute. I grew up in East Putney/Wandsworth area so was always more inner London and had the tube but also lived in Surbiton for a while. Its a lovely area with great pubs and restaurants on the river and not far from Kingston. Surbs has a none stopper straight into Waterloo, where I parked my bike and rode the last 2 miles to work in Hatton Garden. Dragging a queue jumper of a bus made me get the bike

15YemenRoad

I know this has been asked before, but the answer seems to change year to year so would be great if someone knew:

How does an Irish person open a UK bank account without proof of address?
Are there any banks that will just accept Passport?

Found a website offering bank setup for foreigners but looks like a scam

Muzi5434

15YemenRoad wrote: »

I know this has been asked before, but the answer seems to change year to year so would be great if someone knew:

How does an Irish person open a UK bank account without proof of address?
Are there any banks that will just accept Passport?

Found a website offering bank setup for foreigners but looks like a scam

When I came to the UK a year ago, I opened my account with Lloyds bank and they only required my passport and no proof of address. This may have changed and best to ring up a branch and ask.

15YemenRoad

Muzi5434 wrote: »

When I came to the UK a year ago, I opened my account with Lloyds bank and they only required my passport and no proof of address. This may have changed and best to ring up a branch and ask.

Gave them a call there and they no longer offer that unfortunately.

Tempted to pay the £35 to this agency place to sort it but not sure how they'd be able to get around the bank proof of address requirements.

Banbha32

I had a nightmare with RBS trying yo open my account!!! My flatmate moved over and opened with Lloyds not a problem so go with them id say!

bswan

Have not had one of these accounts, but it might be of help...

http://bankinfouk.com/products/view/216/HSBC_Passport

BrokenArrows

Go to some major high street where you will have pretty much every high street bank.
Walk into each one until you get a bank account.

Do you have a job? Supply the contract you were given. Something with your salary on it.

Paddico

Can anyone suggest the best websites in which to rent a room in a shared household?

jenjoeful

Paddico wrote: »

Can anyone suggest the best websites in which to rent a room in a shared household?

spare room.co.uk is definitely the way to go

silvervixen84

Gumtree is also good and there's a Facebook group called Irish in London that always has rooms available from members.

Paddico

jenjoeful wrote: »

Paddico wrote: »

Can anyone suggest the best websites in which to rent a room in a shared household?

spare room.co.uk is definitely the way to go

Using spare room and responces are very poor. Gumtree isnt want it was 10-15 years ago, no repsonses and £70 to advertsie a featured ad whihc I sometimes think is a disadvantage
Thanks for the Irish in London one. Any other suggestions. tried craigs list and very few adverts in there

BrokenArrows

Paddico wrote: »

Using spare room and responces are very poor. Gumtree isnt want it was 10-15 years ago, no repsonses and £70 to advertsie a featured ad whihc I sometimes think is a disadvantage
Thanks for the Irish in London one. Any other suggestions. tried craigs list and very few adverts in there

There is a facebook group called "Irish In London". Its very active and people are always posting rooms and asking for rooms.

ancapailldorcha

Are there any areas that people particularly recommend or would advise against?

rainbow kirby

It really depends where you're looking - it's hard to generalise areas broadly as the tone can change drastically within around 200m!

I've only lived in Kentish Town and Archway here and was happy in both (we're nearly 4 years living close to Upper Holloway station) - short (by London standards) commute to work on the Northern line to Old Street and close enough to a few good places to run and swim, also not too rough but being originally from Tallaght my standards aren't too high in that regard.

ancapailldorcha

rainbow kirby wrote: »

It really depends where you're looking - it's hard to generalise areas broadly as the tone can change drastically within around 200m!

I've only lived in Kentish Town and Archway here and was happy in both (we're nearly 4 years living close to Upper Holloway station) - short (by London standards) commute to work on the Northern line to Old Street and close enough to a few good places to run and swim, also not too rough but being originally from Tallaght my standards aren't too high in that regard.

I'd been told that a few times but it's only when I've gone for long walks around my local area that it sank in.

I'm living in West London and I get the Central line to work. Apparently, it is one of the busiest and there are nearby areas like Hammersmith and Harrow which might have quieter lines. I was also thinking of moving to Ruislip or similar as the rent would be cheap enough to offset the fare increase.

shrapnel222

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

I'd been told that a few times but it's only when I've gone for long walks around my local area that it sank in.

I'm living in West London and I get the Central line to work. Apparently, it is one of the busiest and there are nearby areas like Hammersmith and Harrow which might have quieter lines. I was also thinking of moving to Ruislip or similar as the rent would be cheap enough to offset the fare increase.

used to live in hammersmith. it's definitely not quieter. the piccadily and district are choc a block from there. hammersmith and city isn't too bad as it's the end of the line so you can just take the next train to get a seat if you want.

London is just crammed, wherever you are

theteal

I try to avoid the tube at the best of times, the current heat making it very much a last resort. Thankfully us East London/West Essex inhabitants get nice airy trains instead. Romford is the sweet spot, always get a seat in the morning (not a chance at closer stations), 25 mins to Liv St on the slow train. I'm not sure how it compares with rent prices in Ruislip but I'd have thought it be a bit cheaper - although with crossrail perhaps not anymore.

ancapailldorcha

shrapnel222 wrote: »

used to live in hammersmith. it's definitely not quieter. the piccadily and district are choc a block from there. hammersmith and city isn't too bad as it's the end of the line so you can just take the next train to get a seat if you want.

London is just crammed, wherever you are

Was hoping to avoid this. Was told a lot of the lines are much quieter

theteal wrote: »

I try to avoid the tube at the best of times, the current heat making it very much a last resort. Thankfully us East London/West Essex inhabitants get nice airy trains instead. Romford is the sweet spot, always get a seat in the morning (not a chance at closer stations), 25 mins to Liv St on the slow train. I'm not sure how it compares with rent prices in Ruislip but I'd have thought it be a bit cheaper - although with crossrail perhaps not anymore.

How bad is East London, exactly? It has a bad rep.

Ruislip looks to be nice but there's a commute involved. That'd be fine if I could get a seat in the morning.

theteal

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

How bad is East London, exactly? It has a bad rep.

Ruislip looks to be nice but there's a commute involved. That'd be fine if I could get a seat in the morning.

I've heard east London is bad, like the rest of london theres the odd news reports about kids with knives and the occasional moped theft but in 6 years I've never seen a thing beyond a drunken scuffle - and they were both Irish. I've said it before that Romford reminds me of Crumlin village I.e. mostly made up of hard working, take pride in your area sort but there are always a neck tattoo or three walking around - not perfect but much better than Dagenham and closer parts of proper east London.

I used to visit Ruislip quite a bit but I'm struggling to remember how long that tube journey is to central. Either way, I don't count a 20-25 mins train hop as a commute, it can take double that to get from my home town of walkinstown to Dublin city centre during busy periods and that involves a junkie infested Dublin bus.

ancapailldorcha

theteal wrote: »

I used to visit Ruislip quite a bit but I'm struggling to remember how long that tube journey is to central. Either way, I don't count a 20-25 mins train hop as a commute, it can take double that to get from my home town of walkinstown to Dublin city centre during busy periods and that involves a junkie infested Dublin bus.

How did you find Ruislip? I think the commute'd be fine if there'd be no bother getting a seat. It's one of the first stops on the Central line which is the busiest tube line.

theteal

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

How did you find Ruislip? I think the commute'd be fine if there'd be no bother getting a seat. It's one of the first stops on the Central line which is the busiest tube line.

My experience of Ruislip is confined to the ~1km walk from the tube station to the GAA pitch. Seems alright, didn't see much apart from streets and houses. That's actually South Ruislip now that I think of it, never been to Ruislip proper. Yes, I would assume you'd get a seat most days coming from out there.

silvervixen84

I lived in Ruislip for a year. Lovely area but at the time there was no night bus (don't know if that's changed) so if you missed the last tube you were screwed. I used to get from Ruislip to Victoria in about 50 mins.