An Expat Talks about Moving to London, UK

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

London

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Wish I had brought:

1) TV

2) Paintings

Wish I had left at home:

1) School books

2) Valuables (I was burglared in first week in London)

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

When you first move to London, you definitely want to live somewhere in the center, preferably the west end side of it, as this is where you will find the majority of other expats.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in a flat, which is typical for the vast majority of expats who live in central London. I have also juts purchased a house, however it is in Zone 3, maybe 7 miles south of central London, where house prices are still somewhat affordable. The majority of expats however live in central London, and only the hedge fund manager and investment bankers among them can afford to buy property in central London.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

I have moved several times since first moving to London. I now live near Marble Arch, which is very central (right next to Hyde Park and to Oxford Street). I've used Loot several times. More recently, I've been using London Property Watch.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing costs are definitely higher here, significantly so. To rent a 2-bed apartment in a central location, you have to count with at least £400 per week.