Homesick and need MN to find solution

[homesickforuk]

Changed my name because details will out me!

I'm self employed and live in Brussels. My work is totally location independent, it's handy being in Brussels and I enjoy being here but I can work from anywhere.

Really like my life here but I miss my friends and social scene back in the UK so so much. And miss England generally.

I need to figure out how I can do both. I have all my tax and pension stuff set up here in Brussels. I guess ideally I would live in the UK one week a month. Because of the eurostar its completely doable.

I make fairly good money but am bad with it if you see what I mean but that will probably change if I have a focus.

I own no property. Am in my 30s.

I need help figuring out how to live this double life and it keeps coming back to the idea of property. I should be looking at buying somewhere, but what would be the smart choice to enable this lifestyle I want?

If i buy in brussels, it will be easier because I have my bank account here, pay tax here, etc.

If I buy in the UK, it will be much more expensive and difficult: how will I get a mortgage as a self employed person not currently paying tax in the UK (I am british)? On the other hand owning somewhere in my UK town would feel more "right" and make me feel happier like I really am splitting my life.

I also dont know what to do about voluntary NI contributions. Should i pay them?

Please if anyone can give me some advice or maybe ideas I havent had yet, that would be great.

I think you probably need to speak to an accountant who can advise on non-dom tax laws, but I'd suggest initially looking for a serviced apartment to rent one week a month, and do that for a few months to see how things go.

What you don't want to do is end up being liable for full tax in both countries (effectively paying double) so it's important to get yourself set up right.

No help per se, but I used to be an Independent Mortgage Adviser and wanted to confirm that your income not being UK taxable will significantly limit your choices in terms of getting a UK mortgage, I'd definitely speak to an independent adviser to get an idea of what your options might be, that may help you make informed decisions about the other ideas you have. I have no idea what the Mortgage market is like in Europe but you might even find it's a better option to get a mortgage in the country you pay tax, in order to but a holiday home overseas. This will also mean you're less affected by currency fluctuations on a monthly basis regarding mortgage payments. If you're looking at UK lenders it will be specialist lending arms / UK banks with a strong overseas presence (eg HSBC used to be strong in this area, but my knowledge is rusty).

@FruitBadger

Thank you for your advice!

Its true I have a double whammy bad situation in the banks' eyes, being both non resident PLUS self employed.

I think ill embrace both your and Ford's advice and start by renting for a week a month plus investigate holiday home mortgages where I am.