How to relocate back to UK

[Ickythumpego]

Hello! Does anyone have any advice or experience on relocating back to the UK from mainland Europe?
We have been settled here for many years but now the failing health of a loved one among other reasons means we have to go home.
We don't have a clue what to do. Any advice? We have to sell the house here, then how long would we need to bank in the UK before we could apply for a mortgage?

Does anyone have any recommendations of articles or web pages to read?
I would really love to hear from people who have experience of this.
Thanks.

DH and I are going to moving back to Ireland soon (from London) - we are going to keep the house for a bit and rent out - just in case it doesn’t work out back at home - easier to change minds and have something to come back to!! We would then see up when we are sure!

We’ve floated the idea of one of us going back ahead of the other to try and get a job - so when we have both moved at least one of us is already bringing in some money

We have luxury of being able to move back in with my parents until we get organised - can you do something like this ??

Don’t know about how long it would take you to get a mortgage - I’ve been researching the situation in Ireland and it doesn’t look good for us tbh - looks like we have no credit rating there at all as we’ve been gone so long - so we’d have to wait a while to build it back up! But I’d be happy renting for a bit after we’ve overstayed our welcome with the parents!

I’m from the mainland originally and it used to be 2-3 years of good credit history in England to get a mortgage. I got myself different direct debits, a credit card etc to build it up. Not sure if it’s different now.

Would the proceeds of the sale not be enough for even a small property where you’re moving?

Thanks. We also have no credit rating. I need to look into how to build it up. My DH already has a job and I am taking a year to update my qualifications as I've missed loads of changes while working in Europe, but I'll be back to work once I'm all updated.

It's all a bit scary.

I can imagine it being scary once you’re so settled somewhere but I’m sure you’ll find your feet quickly enough.

I think that to build up credit history, you‘ll need the council tax bill in your name, go on the electoral register, get bills in your name, phone contract, credit card (and use it regularly). If possible, get a loan or something on credit, eg a car or a sofa etc.

Thanks JoJoSM2 bit depressing that it might take 3 years! We have 4 kids so buying a small property would be useless.
I think I need to speak to a bank really. I'm searching on the internet and it's all so confusing.

How much equity will you have from your house where you are? Will you definitely need a mortgage?

I think you should talk to a bank or mortgage advisor. We moved home from US a few years ago and got a mortgage within 3 months. Before the financial crisis though so it may have changed.

Rather than a bank, find an experienced, switched on mortgage advisor. They’ll be familiar with a range of lenders and their criteria.