Accommodation in the United Kingdom

Expats moving to the United Kingdom will find that the quality and affordability of the housing options available to them will vary widely, according to the area in which they intend to live. While in notoriously expensive London expats will struggle to find spacious, high-quality accommodation that doesn't bankrupt them, there remain areas of the UK where you can find lovely housing at a decent price.
 

Types of Accommodation in the United Kingdom
 

Accommodation in the UK is generally divided into the following classifications:

• Houses
• Bungalows (houses with one storey only, found particularly in coastal areas)
• Flats
• Maisonettes (flats with more than one storey)
• Bedsits (one-room apartments)

All these forms of housing are widespread throughout the UK, with flats, maisonettes and bedsits predominating in the more urban areas.

House-sharing, that is, renting an individual room in a larger house shared by others, is a popular option among expats in the United Kingdom – and is an avenue usually pursued out of financial necessity.
 

Renting Property in the United Kingdom
 

Finding a place to rent in the UK is a straightforward process, though it can be made more difficult by the speed at which the market moves. Expats should be prepared to move quickly when they see a place they like, as the competition for good-value rentals can be cut-throat. In some cases, it may even be necessary to commit to the property during the initial viewing. Usually, a 'holding deposit' (equivalent of one week's rent) will be enough to secure the property while your rental agreement is sorted out.
 

As far as finding a place to rent goes, expats can look into one (or more) of the following options:

• Local newspapers and magazines carry private listings – you'll be able to call the owner or landlord directly to arrange a viewing
• Websites, such as Gumtree, regularly publish rental adverts. These are especially good for house-sharing options (use “room to rent” as your search term)
• Real estate agents are a dependable source of information and help when it comes to looking for a place to rent – though they will charge a fee for their services should you arrange your rental agreement through them. Bear in mind, also, that UK real estate agencies do not share their listings with each other – so check all the agencies in the postcode that you're looking to move into, to ensure that you find the best deal. Expats are urged to check the National Approved Letting Scheme's website for a list of approved agencies and landlords.

Lease agreements in the UK are generally signed on a six-month or one-year basis, with an option to renew the lease should the tenant desire to do so. A 'six month break clause' can be negotiated for 12-month leases, allowing the tenant to back out of the full term after giving 30 or 60 days notice. Expats must be wary of this clause, however, as it cuts both ways – and since rental prices are attached to market prices in the UK, should these fluctuate, the landlord might look to break the rental agreement early, and get new tenants in, to charge them a higher monthly fee.

Note that you will also require six weeks' worth of rent as a deposit, and letters of reference form your employer and previous landlords to secure your rental agreement. You will also certainly be liable for your own gas, electricity, water, phone, Internet and council tax bills while renting in the UK.
 

Buying Property in the UK
 

Foreigners looking to buy property in the UK will need to broker the services of a reliable estate agent. Your estate agent will assist you in finding a suitable property, by providing valuation and surveying services – services which are provided to prospective buyers for free.
 

Once you've  found a likely property, your estate agent can also help you with conveyancing  (though you might want to get yourself a real estate lawyer to handle this side of things). Mortgages can be sought through any bank or building society – provided, of course, you're able to supply them with the appropriate documentation (evidence of earnings, letters of reference, etc.).
 

A final note, is that – in the UK – properties are classified either as freehold or leasehold. The vast majority of properties are classified as freehold.  The difference between the two is that if you purchase a freehold property, you own it outright; while if you purchase a leasehold property, you own it for the amount of time stipulated on the lease (usually 999 years).