Moving to UK from Malta, need your help.

[belthazor]

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,

[bellweather]

St Albans is lovely and many great schools too

You have a fast train into kings cross and it’s not too far from fen church street

[juneau]

Er - St Albans is one of the most expensive cities in the entire country! You might get a bedsit on a salary of £60k, but you won't get much more than that.

[juneau]

OP, being brutally honest here, I think you should think very seriously about whether this move is a good idea. Your expectations are high and the reality is that you aren't going to be able to afford to live in one of the lovely towns or cities you've earmarked. Unless you and your DH can at least double income I seriously suggest you stay where you are, as it sounds like your salary goes quite a long way in Malta.

[FluffyWuffy100]

I think it's totally doable to live in London on that income, just not in the fanciest areas like those she's shortlisted. But a two-bed flat in a decent suburb should be fine.

+1

[namechange34]

Imo your DH ought to be putting his efforts into negotiating his salary rather than his wfh days. That salary seems extremely low for a software developer (presumably with a good few years' experience) in London.

[AdaColeman]

I didn't know that about St. Albans juneau.
I only mentioned it because a friend has moved there recently, and sings its praises. He works not far from the Tower, which made me suggest it.

I mentioned Ipswich as I know that has some cheaper areas, but I wonder also if Chelmsford might interest you OP?

[PrettyInGreen]

Stay in Malta. Much nicer place to live .
And you can't get twisties here

[juneau]

This article www.independent.co.uk/life-style/uk-least-affordable-cities-house-prices-london-oxford-a7606326.html puts St Albans at number 11 with average house price at 8.7x average earnings.

[Geneticsbunny]

If he could stomach a few nights away during the week you could look further north. Sheffield is 2-3 hours from London on the train and 60k will get you a nice house in a good area with good state schools. Also a very safe feeling city.

[OVienna]

What @namechange34 says.

[Holly102]

I would definitely consider Sevenoaks. Lovely place and very friendly people. Short commute to London and can schools!!

[Discusting]

Skip the London idea and live in the East Midlands. Much more affordable and a train from Newark to Kings Cross takes 80 minutes.

You could probably afford a large 4 bed on that salary up here.

[Wishingandwaiting]

Sevenoaks on £60k salary???!!!

What planet are you on?

I’m in Tunbridge wells (30 mins from Sevenoaks) Two bed flat. £600k. In Sevenoaks that would be £700k

[Wishingandwaiting]

Oh family income £150k plus £60k bonus (pre summer divorce!)

[Angryosaurus]

As someone who lives in the East Midlands I’d say move from Malta to London not here! I think you could easily live in parts of London on that salary and I’m surprised people are advising you not to come :/. Try it for a couple of years and see what you think. Then if you decide to stay, and like sleepy rural villages consider the East Midlands

[Iggity]

The Hillingdon area (Ruislip, Hillingdon, Eastcote, Ickenham) are worth a look. Transport connections (met/pic/central lines and overground to Marylebone) are excellent. Primary schools are fab. I'm not sure about rental prices but a quick look on right move will help. Areas are safe and family friendly. Central line will get you into city in no time.

[Iggity]

Sorry should have said Hillingdon is West London. Zones 4-6 I think.

[Iggity]

This is a useful site: can be used for different areas.

www.home.co.uk/for_rent/ruislip/current_rents?location=ruislip

[AndromedaPerseus]

So take home pay= £3,500 per month
Rent for 2 bedroom flat in Richmond = £2000 (including fees/ service charge etc)
Travel= £50
Council tax = £120 per month
Household bills and insurance= £200
TV license/ broadband =£50
Food/groceries = £500
OP I think a 2 bed flat in Richmond is doable on your dh's salary but it doesn't leave very much leftover once all essential bills are covered