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Original poster

Moving to UK from Malta, need your help.

94 replies

belthazor · 11/12/2017 08:24

Hi,

Nice to meet you all, I'm new here! - Basically I'm a 28yo mum, have two young kids (3yo daughter, and a 1yo son) and my husband works in software development in iGaming in Malta, we're both Maltese.

We're looking at moving to an area close or in London (20-40min commute, since my husband will work in central london). - We're looking for a safe (important) but yet not dead town to live in; we have shortlisted a few but we're not sure. - Schools are also very important.

Richmond
Walton-on-thames
Teddington
Sevenoaks/Tonbridge/Royal Tunbridge Wells - Area

We do like the idea of Kent, since its safer (seems safer anyway), but I prefer your opinions and personal experience!

Kindest Wishes,

OP posts:
OVienna · 11/12/2017 08:37

Budget is key. Can you give us some idea of that?

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 08:53

Sure, sorry forgot to mention. - Around 60K is our current income since I don't work at the moment to take care of the son.

OP posts:
eurochick · 11/12/2017 09:03

You e picked some of the most expensive areas possible there. On a 60k budget you might need to rethink. The south east is brutally expensive!

rainsbows · 11/12/2017 09:06

Hi my family are Maltese! We go there loads, love it.

Richmond etc are very expensive. Look at Surbiton - super fast links to central.

Angryosaurus · 11/12/2017 09:06

I think she means annual salary not budget! Are you planning to rent or buy OP? How many bedrooms do you need? Garden?

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:10

I'm aware that they're expensive but I know they're the safest and most reliable places. - but I would be open to other places of course! :) that's the reason I asked :D

OP posts:
Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:11

Yes that's annual salary not budget to buy (obviously)... I'll look into renting for a few months to get the vibe and then we'll see from there, but yes 60K GBP a Year (Salary) not a budget to buy etc.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 11/12/2017 09:12

When you say "safe" what do you mean op? Crime?

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:18

2 bedrooms are enough. - Yes I mean Crime and Family-Friendly environments. - Good schooling etc.

OP posts:
titchy · 11/12/2017 09:19

Ok your wish list is totally unrealistic. Something needs to be compromised on: budget, location or commuting length. Which? And which mainline station will your dh be coming into?

EvilEdna1 · 11/12/2017 09:26

Walton is more affordable than Richmond or Teddington. It's nice but not as fashionable an area as those. Some streets are much nicer than others as with all places. Primary schools are all good. At the moment there is only one secondary in the actual town but another is planned. Mixed reports on the existing secondary. A lot of kids so to neighbouring town's secondary schools.

origamiwarrior · 11/12/2017 09:28

If you are planning to rent with a view to buying, you kind of need to work out your budget for buying, if you don't want to have to uproot again because the area is unaffordable.

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:28

@titchy I don't mind compromising on commute length since my husband can work from home some days, although safety and education are the most important.

OP posts:
rainsbows · 11/12/2017 09:32

Are you looking for state or private education?

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:34

@rainbows I heard state schools are good, but again, I've never experienced state schools in the UK so I wouldn't know, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

OP posts:
EvilEdna1 · 11/12/2017 09:36

It might be hard to afford private schools in that area with that salary to be honest.

rainsbows · 11/12/2017 09:40

I live by some of the areas you've mentioned. Private primary here is about 12-16k

BitOutOfPractice · 11/12/2017 09:44

The vast majority of Britain is safe.

You will get more for your money in Essex than Kent.

Original poster
belthazor · 11/12/2017 09:59

So which places do you recommend I shortlist?

OP posts:
titchy · 11/12/2017 10:05

You need to say where your dh will be commuting into.

AgnesSkinner · 11/12/2017 10:06

On a £60k UK salary your take home pay will be around £3500 per month. Not sure how much you can borrow for a mortgage on that - possibly around the £300k mark? What you can afford to buy also will depend on how much deposit you have. And don’t forget that UK train fares can be eye watering too.

BitOutOfPractice · 11/12/2017 10:08

Yes where will your dh be working? Getting across London by tube is costly and time consuming.

AgnesSkinner · 11/12/2017 10:12

Mortgage amount may actually be quite a lot less - maybe around the £230k mark. Will depend on monthly outgoings and the lender.

xyzandabc · 11/12/2017 10:18

Central london is a big area, which underground station will be his neares to work?. Then people can give you a good idea of which areas go directly to there.

rainsbows · 11/12/2017 10:20

I'm in zone 6 so the furthest London zone from the centre but with good transport links. Properties here are upwards of £750k for a 4 bed.