Should I buy or rent a home in UK?
If you have not spent a lot of time in UK, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"Buying a home in England is often a sound investment, however it is important to consider the full range of available options before making a decision. Evaluating the potential benefits between buying versus renting will help you decide which route to take. Buying a property will involve higher upfront costs, but rents can be unpredictable and can rise over time. Investing in a property provides long-term security, as you will own your home and can eventually reap the financial rewards from it; however some commitment is needed to financially maintain it. On the other hand, renting allows you to "try out” different areas and enjoy the convenience of not having to pay for maintenance and repairs. Both options can provide advantages, so it is important to evaluate what best suits your lifestyle and financial situation," remarked another expat who made the move to UK.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to England?
- Where should I setup a bank account in England?
- Will I be able to find a job in England?
- What is life like in England?
- What do expats in England appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in England?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in England accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in England like?
- What are healthcare services like in England?
- What are medical services in England like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in England?
- What are emergency services like in England?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in England?
- How are local medical facilities in England?
- As a foreigner living in England, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Should I buy or rent a home in UK?
If you live in England, newcomers to England would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.