Hi all, I could really do with some sensible advice.
I'm British (born) and French (naturalised). I've always moved back and forth between the two countries and now I'm considering moving back to the UK.
I'm 35 and have never owned anything. I'm self-employed and make 40K, that figure never really changes. I can't figure out whether I should buy something in France before I leave or not.
Reasons for doing it are that being self-employed, it takes ages to build up a "profile" re the banks (am guessing it's the same in the UK?). Whereas salaried people can just show their last three salary slips, I'm having to produce three years worth of accounts. Seems a shame to scrap that and start all over again in the UK? Does that mean I'd have to wait three whole years after moving back before I could do anything? Guess on the plus side my deposit would be bigger. Also, I had this conversation with myself when I left the UK a couple of years ago, decided not to buy, and am now kicking myself. I plan on coming back to France at some point so it would mean I have something here.
Reasons for not doing it is I'm guessing this being France I'll be taxed to the hilt, plus it feels sad to be buying somewhere and then leaving it behind. Also I have no clue where I'd buy in France, I've bounced around loads. Would I buy a flat somewhere sensible like Lille or in a touristy place, or what?
Can anyone advise? I don't know what to do, my parents are pressuring me telling me I've already left it too late.