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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask where would be an option to move to?

181 replies

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 13:44

We’re starting to look into moving abroad for a better lifestyle and improved safety, and I’d really appreciate any advice from those who have already moved or are considering it.

Our situation:

  • My husband is a top 1% earner.
  • I don’t currently work (child care around school) but I have a master’s degree so can look to go back into work.
  • We own a 3-bed semi-detached house with a mortgage, in an expensive area due to my husband’s job we need this location.
  • We pay privately for healthcare and for our children’s schooling.
  • We don’t receive benefits (or receive reduced child benefit).
  • We consider ourselves community-focused—we volunteer, are involved locally, and have nice children.

Despite all of this, we’re being priced out. Food costs have increased, VAT is being added to school fees, and with Rachel Reeves’ upcoming budget, it looks like we’ll be taxed even more.

We also don’t feel as safe anymore. There was a stabbing of a teenager at the end of our road—not something you expect in what’s meant to be a nice area. It’s getting worse and I’m fine to say I don’t feel safe walking the dog on my own anymore.

So, for those who have relocated or are planning to—where did you go, and why? What should we consider?
We won’t be a burden to any country we move to—our intention is to continue paying for schooling and healthcare privately and to contribute positively to the community.

No need for negative comments- we love England and are both born and bred here but it’s not the same as when we were children and I just don’t want this for our children. We know it’s time to go.

OP posts:
Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:35

Holluschickie · 04/11/2025 14:31

Let people leave if they want to. We still have freedom of movement, I think.
I have left and come back a few times.

Yes- we love this country but i think it’s also fine to say it’s not where we want to bring our children up and our monthly salary only covers so much. All I can think when I see people leave is that good decent people who contribute well into the tax system, seem to be leaving and maybe that’s why the sticky reply’s come from.

OP posts:
Holluschickie · 04/11/2025 14:31

Let people leave if they want to. We still have freedom of movement, I think.
I have left and come back a few times.

Crikeyalmighty · 04/11/2025 14:31

@Wheretogotonow I think you have to be realistic about this - work is a priority - does your h do anything’s that’s fantastically useful elsewhere and in short supply because it doesn’t sound like you could look at nomad visa/ self employed options - and believe me they come with complications too -
Certainly in the EU unless you have European citizenship your H won’t be a priority unless it’s ‘real’ shortage occupation - because they prioritise other EU citizens - far less hassle and often a ready supply

so I think what he does is a real biggie because the easiest way is location transfer and sponsorship

as you don’t work it is all going to be job dependent - same applies for most places you are likely to be interested in by the way, even if non EU

Hyperion100 · 04/11/2025 14:28

Stop looking at social media and the news. Your "lot" will suddenly start feeling a lot better without 90% of the tory backed press telling you that you're living in a hell hole.

The UK is still one of the best countries on the planet to live in. Every country has its problems and the grass is not usually greener.

somanysugababes · 04/11/2025 14:23

I can’t believe money is tight when you’re a top 1% family! How do you think the remaining 99% manage?
I wouldn’t go to NZ - I have been reading about how they’re in a massive economic downturn and everyone is leaving to go to Australia as it’s better. Having lived in both for a short while I tend to agree with them - NZ is boring AF - beautiful, but too small and parochial. At least Australia is a bit more buzzy (Sydney & Melbourne at least) If you’re fluent in German and French I’d stay in Europe personally if you can get the visas (do you have EU passports?) - so much more to do and easier to get to other countries for work/ holidays etc

notatinydancer · 04/11/2025 14:20

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 13:57

Food bills , day to day life. We cant afford to keep paying out more . We dont have an unlimited pot. We use all our money each month. It’s not a way to live.

also your comment - we feel we need to keep more of our wealth- what wealth? We don’t have equity . We earn and pay each month - we don’t have a savings pot or magic inheritance money. We earn and it goes out.

It’s fine we want to move - if the lifestyle doesn’t suit us we can leave I don’t need a lecture on being happy to pay more and more! I’m not interested in that.

Edited

Your husband is a top 1% earner. How can you be so skint?

vivainsomnia · 04/11/2025 14:18

Because you don't think Australia is experiencing price inflation too?

You seem to approach this in a reacting manner rather than a proactive logical way. It's not just about escaping but also where you can build your life what will give you a better lifestyle for your family. Money is only one aspect.

Like many, you might realise life is not so bad in Britain after all...

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:16

Holluschickie · 04/11/2025 14:15

Germany as you speak German? I know a couple of people who have moved there and love it. They both work in tech with a large phone company.

Yes we both speak fluent German- thank you for the suggestion- and insight. That might be a good option and they have international schools

OP posts:
Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:16

GloriaMonday · 04/11/2025 14:12

Dubai

DH worked there for 5 years- said it’s a bit hot day to day. Or it would have been our first choice.

OP posts:
Holluschickie · 04/11/2025 14:15

Germany as you speak German? I know a couple of people who have moved there and love it. They both work in tech with a large phone company.

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:15

Bushmillsbabe · 04/11/2025 14:13

How do your children feel about moving? I know mine would hate to leave their friends and grandparents but everyone is different.
We are considering moving to Ireland where DH is from. Lower taxes but higher costs so will be fairly even economically. But the sense of commuinity, safety, values feels much better than where we are now.
New Zealand would be my other option if not so far away. Tolerant of others, beautiful landscapes, outdoor living. Have you been there for an extended period to get a feel for it

They’re happy to/ eldest very interested in politics and travel and often comments we should move. We haven’t considered Ireland but I have an Irish passport so it may be easier. I’m asking AI and it’s given Portugal as an option. And new Zealand. And thank you for your reply- very useful

OP posts:
Bushmillsbabe · 04/11/2025 14:13

How do your children feel about moving? I know mine would hate to leave their friends and grandparents but everyone is different.
We are considering moving to Ireland where DH is from. Lower taxes but higher costs so will be fairly even economically. But the sense of commuinity, safety, values feels much better than where we are now.
New Zealand would be my other option if not so far away. Tolerant of others, beautiful landscapes, outdoor living. Have you been there for an extended period to get a feel for it

GloriaMonday · 04/11/2025 14:12

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:06

Im not asking for help to stay here thank you though- I’m asking where to go.

Dubai

childofthe607080s · 04/11/2025 14:07

In case anyone cares , whenever tax increases are considered the impact of people moving away to hang onto cash is always considered so that the net effect should be positive

its fascinating that there are towns on the Scottish border , less than a mile from English towns , yet higher paying tax people live in the Scottish town - not everyone is motivated by greed and selfishness I guess . Not everyone is happy that people freeze and die of mould in one of the richest countries in the world

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:06

GloriaMonday · 04/11/2025 14:04

  • My husband is a top 1% earner.
Earns over about £185K
  • I don’t currently work (child care around school) but I have a master’s degree so can look to go back into work.
Go back to work then.
  • We own a 3-bed semi-detached house with a mortgage, in an expensive area due to my husband’s job we need this location.
Can't do much with that as I don't know what 'an expensive area' means or where he works.
  • We pay privately for healthcare and for our children’s schooling.
Why?
  • We don’t receive benefits (or receive reduced child benefit).
Try the food bank.
  • We consider ourselves community-focused—we volunteer, are involved locally, and have nice children.
Most people think they have nice children.

Im not asking for help to stay here thank you though- I’m asking where to go.

OP posts:
GloriaMonday · 04/11/2025 14:04
  • My husband is a top 1% earner.
Earns over about £185K
  • I don’t currently work (child care around school) but I have a master’s degree so can look to go back into work.
Go back to work then.
  • We own a 3-bed semi-detached house with a mortgage, in an expensive area due to my husband’s job we need this location.
Can't do much with that as I don't know what 'an expensive area' means or where he works.
  • We pay privately for healthcare and for our children’s schooling.
Why?
  • We don’t receive benefits (or receive reduced child benefit).
Try the food bank.
  • We consider ourselves community-focused—we volunteer, are involved locally, and have nice children.
Most people think they have nice children.
Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:04

randomchap · 04/11/2025 14:02

Then go.

But may I just advise that you get your own job, relying on your husband is risky. You might not be married forever, try to have your own money and income.

Yes and I started this thread asking where. There will be people on here who have left and im interested in them. Our friends in similar positions have gone to Holland but I would like other options .

OP posts:
childofthe607080s · 04/11/2025 14:04

If he can work in Australia then off you pop

although why he can’t live in a cheaper house in the uk but can do the same job for the same wages in Australia is beyond me

stackhead · 04/11/2025 14:02

Take a look at the housing prices in near the economic areas in Australia or New Zealand and then take a good look at the cost of groceries etc... and it might not work out as much as an economic win as you think.

Are you under 40? Does your DH have an in demand profession, a company may sponsor him, but getting the whole family over is another matter entirely.

Middle east is probably your best bet depending on age, sector, medical history as it's a bit easier to grab a visa, but whether it's better is entirely personal opinion.

randomchap · 04/11/2025 14:02

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:00

Oh yes I can’t stand labour- please don’t think it’s a thinly bash- it’s a massive bash .

we want to go and I’m after people who have actually left and where to? Why would we keep working for a shit lifestyle in this country. And shit safety for our children. We have the means to leave and can

Then go.

But may I just advise that you get your own job, relying on your husband is risky. You might not be married forever, try to have your own money and income.

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 14:00

randomchap · 04/11/2025 13:59

A thinly disguised Labour bashing thread. All the hits. High tax, tax on private education, feeling unsafe, etc

Oh yes I can’t stand labour- please don’t think it’s a thinly bash- it’s a massive bash .

we want to go and I’m after people who have actually left and where to? Why would we keep working for a shit lifestyle in this country. And shit safety for our children. We have the means to leave and can

OP posts:
randomchap · 04/11/2025 13:59

A thinly disguised Labour bashing thread. All the hits. High tax, tax on private education, feeling unsafe, etc

Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 13:58

childofthe607080s · 04/11/2025 13:56

Being a top 1% earner but you need to live where you do for your husbands job- how easy will it be for him to get a new job? At anything like his current salary ? That should be your starting point

do you have basic maths skills? It might be that you can make your money go a lot further if you brushed up on some basic skills

most of Europe have fewer very high paying jobs as they have - less income inequality and obviously the states is a much less safe place to live

We’re wondering new Zealand or Australia - though is very far to come back. But he can do his job there with no problems transferring

OP posts:
Wheretogotonow · 04/11/2025 13:57

JacquesHarlow · 04/11/2025 13:54

Despite all of this, we’re being priced out.

Priced out of what, exactly?

Food costs have increased, VAT is being added to school fees and with Rachel Reeves’ upcoming budget, it looks like we’ll be taxed even more.

I'm sorry to hear that you feel you need to keep even more of your wealth, so you can afford all the discretionary services you feel you're entitled to, inexorably, forever.

Sincerely, another fellow "1% top earner" who doesn't have an issue with paying tax.

Food bills , day to day life. We cant afford to keep paying out more . We dont have an unlimited pot. We use all our money each month. It’s not a way to live.

also your comment - we feel we need to keep more of our wealth- what wealth? We don’t have equity . We earn and pay each month - we don’t have a savings pot or magic inheritance money. We earn and it goes out.

It’s fine we want to move - if the lifestyle doesn’t suit us we can leave I don’t need a lecture on being happy to pay more and more! I’m not interested in that.

OP posts:
Daisymay8 · 04/11/2025 13:57

Well to work in London means big mortgage and probably also commuting time and costs

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