Kudos to Airpeace. For the doubting Thomases, an alternative to BA high fares is here. Nothing beats direct flights unless you are on a stopover tour activity.

Meanwhile get BA Amex card, Get an improved welcome offer "10,000 avios" instead of 6k. I get a few as well for the referral.

https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/ba-classic-credit?ref=eJIKeOmLX1&XL=MNANS


For illustration, free 10,000 avios + £430 (other combination of avios + cash available too) can get you a London-Abuja-London seat on BA which is above £1,000 in cash fare.

You are welcome

dustydee:


Here:
https://www.trading212.com/invite/Fyx9HL2z

Done.

Thanks

Please who has a Trading 212 invite link, that free share is very key.

fetomowo:


I seem to understand the question differently. Is there any single (unmarried or an individual) person who have bought a house here?

While we wait for the single people who have bought to respond, it will also help to ask the unclear area so direct answers can be provided.


Buying as a couple goes to solve the primary affordability question. Two incomes will pass the stress testing and affordability inquiries easier than 1. But if one person is a high earner and can meet his repayments by having a larger deposit or stretching the tenor if age permits, that's fantastic.

There are also other reasons behind people's preference to buy as a couple.

Finally!!

After 8 months time wasting, we Completed @ 5.38% with a new conveyancer in only 9 days.

75% LTV to keep repayments low and manageable in this high interest regime. About £200 less than current rent.

Thanks to everyone for contributing to this thread.

Estroller:


Reach out to your lender via your mortgage broker if you have one for an extension, they will usually extend your offer by about 3 months.

What a journey so far.

lender rejected an extension, saying product has already been pulled off the market.

I called conveyancer after getting new offer at 5.38%. many unprintable words after, i couldnt log into the legal process portal. The evil lady deleted my case after wasting 7 month of my life and costing an extra 98 pounds monthly in the new offer

Estate Agent reached out, told her i no do again.

Solumtoya:
Finally Completed, Keys in my hands.

Found the property in September and reserved. Completed in December.

Barclays 2 year fixed at 5.53%, 12% deposit and 2-year residence in UK.

God has been very kind.

Thanks to all for the beautiful contributions here and especially to Lexus and Ticha for reminding us this is doable and should be done.

Will share my lessons learnt ASAP.

congratulations.

Please share lessons sharpally.

Well well, This thread came alive in the blink of an eye. Congratulations to all who have closed deals and best of luck to those in process.

Been following, learning and waiting to share good news but I am dealing with a Conveyancer from the pit of hell. My offer 4.1% 5 year deal (75% LTV) is now looking like it will expire in my hands.

Ahead Ahead finally.

Viruses:
Does the free version of testi app give notifications. The notification button is disabled and requesting for upgrade to premium.

Don't bother upgrading. Paid version hasn't given anything notification wise in months and only showed a test date that is weeks after the original far date (Manual search and not notification)

On the flipside, Friends in other cities have gotten closer dates with the free version. So it's more a question of city size and rate of cancellation than free vs paid version.

Solumtoya:


We learn everyday. I didn't realise I could apply for limit increase. Thought I would be offered like most Cards. I saw your post and applied to increase to £10k and it was granted. Now I don't have to struggle to stay below 25%.

Need to plan to use my points. I have over 100k points and a Companion Voucher. With this, I can travel to Dubai or further with my family for FREE.

Last week, I stayed at a lovely hotel and got £75 refund based on the offer on the AMEX Card.

Lastly, I don't know if it's a special offer but if you use my code, you get 8,000 points while I get 6,000:

https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/jEDIDASmvK?XL=MNMNS

Ahh, you have already hacked the Amex/Avios levels well. Its easily the most rewarding card in the market. I only pay with another card if absolutely neccessary. Apart from the CV, another sweet spot is using the 4 free lounge access on the "free for 1st year" gold card and terminate in the 11th month. Man dey carry take away cooler join body sef.

bigtt76:
Forget this olokodaran .....Abeg what happens when I sign up for another CC? Would affect my chinkili credit score? I want to build my total credit limit to £4000

In my experience, it didnt. Though i only applied for a new one 1 full year into my Amex journey. got into barclaycard when they were running double welcome bonus and i couldnt resist.

but if a higher limit is your only target, you can apply to increase your amex limit every 90 days by up to X3 built mine from 1k to 5k and then afterwards, they started writing to me offering limit increases without me needing to apply.

on another note, BA Amex Companion Voucher is sweet. two people can go abuja and come for 160GBP.

hustla:
Please does anyone know it the baggage allocation for BAs hand luggage is 23Kg also

2 x 23KG for regular bags and

Hand luggage - 23Kg

Just want to be sure

Diff experiences on different occasions.

Abuja is more restrictive. They sight your hand luggage and tell you its too big or heavy or what not without showing you an official document where the weight is written. You will speak grammar tire.

Lagos gives you the dimensions for size only, weight is as long as you can carry it on your back or hand. So put your heavy things in carry on.

Most importantly, one 500 here and another 1000 there can blur the lines and make it easier.

koonbey:


Still not a first time buyer o.

Any person that has owned a property, anywhere in the world, no matter how they came about it, is not a first time buyer.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/feb/28/will-inheriting-a-house-affect-my-status-as-a-first-time-buyer

The only way, apparently, is if the inheritance was never transferred to them personally but was maybe sold by the executors/administrators of the deceased's estate. But if you have ever been registered as owner of a property - no dice.

Shebi owning a peice of land back home doesn't qualify as House.

Or having an incomplete building project wey still dey pre-roofing stage.

Jlaw1:


I really didn't want to stretch our very polite debate, hence the reason for my initial cheeky response.

However, after reading the hypothetical stats in your post, I couldn't resist the temptation of one FINAL reply on this subject matter.

I came into the UK for a teacher training program. Before the end of the program, I and all nine of my Nigerian cohorts all got sponsored teaching jobs. That's 100% of us.

In that same year, I was acquainted with about 11 Nigerian/African students in Church (please note, I'm no Church boy), who were studying different courses in IT, Engineering and Health. 8 of them got sponsored jobs before the end of their programs. That's north of 70%. .

Just want to point out that the sample you are working with is drawn largely from Roles we have already agreed to be the only ones sponsoring based on the shortage occupation matter.

Draw your sample from folks in Banking which by virtue of its being one of the highest employers of youthful labour in Nigeria and come back and tell us how many have been sponsored.


The truth remains. Healthcare, Teaching and Big Company tech are the major professional jobs sponsoring easily. The rest of them either don't want the stress, or want you to wither be extra outstanding during the recruitment (CV as well as interview brilliance) or will require you come in and be extra on the job before thinking of it.

Most (majority) of us did care as students, took PSV, have been applying while paying bills with Care and as the clock winds down, we are considering Care visa eventually.

The constant knocks we recieve no dey help.

Akhat:
We just finished our first semester exams, but but the school has said we won't be going on holidays, rather we will commence our dissertation and then resume second semester in september. And they stated clearly that the summer period is not a holiday period, therefore we not to work more than 20hrs.

I can relate.

But then, whatever sacrifice you have to make, pls do only the internship. A combination of earned annual leave and unpaid leave should get you covered for the 10 weeks. The internship is valuable as well as the need to not breach the 20hour rule

elengine:
Good evening everyone. Pls is there a separate group for mortgage discussion or I can go ahead to ask any question here regrading mortgage. Pls I will like to have the link so I can join.

Cheers

You can ask here, but sifting through replies might be hard.

That said, there is a mortgage thread. https://www.nairaland.com/7534564/living-uk-propertymortgage-related/6

Abuja1914:
Good morning to everyone in the House.

Please, I want to confirm the best credit card one can apply for aside American Express?

I want you to guide me base on your experiences.

In addition to APR as pointed out by Onecoder, what you expect from CC usage should also determine.

APR is loosely is made up of interest rate and Annual fee or any other fee attached. If you get a free card and maintain strict discipline to always repay 100% before last date, then it doesn't matter if APR is 1000%. You will not pay anything for as many years as you hold the card.

Other factors to consider is are you looking for a

Balance transfer
Cashback
Points and miles
Discount and loyalty
Credit builder (not too important as they all do this eventually)

After considering this, you then have to look at acceptability. On this you have three major provider with many corporates forming co-branded cards with them.

Visa
Mastercard
American Express.
Of these three above, Amex has the poorest acceptance and you are likely to only use your Amex on Major retailers or smaller businesses. Major retailers have the size to negotiate favourable settlement charges with Amex. Micro businesses don't mind paying Amex the hefty fees as they are looking to get more high spending Amex cardholders to come spend on thier new and small businesses. Mid sized businesses especially those in tight margin sectors will likely outrightly reject Amex.

The reason this thread is heavy on Amex is that they have a higher risk appetite which translates to high acceptance rate. The other two are quite Conservative and will require applicants tick so many boxes before qualifying.

Remember, rejection on Credit cards applications are recorded and might have negative effects on your Credit Scores. So that's why folks play it safe and go for Amex, then they use wisely.

If you want an Amex, feel free to use this link. https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/eJIKeOdyMC?XL=MNMNS

For those who got the Amex gold last year and aren't interested in paying annual membership fees (Now £160) please watch your annual anniversary date and don't forget to opt out before the 30th date after the 11th month.

If you got the BA amex premium, you can opt out anytime as first year membership fee is refunded pro-rata.

If you just don't like plenty calculation and date checking, enjoy the Blue Basic Amex card with the link https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/eJIKeOdyMC?XL=MNMNS.

If you are new to Amex and want the free one, same link applies.

The good news is, those that did the gold last year are still eligible for the welcome bonus of 8,000 avois on the basic.

Remember to spend responsibly and always clean up to avoid interests. The closer to 0 on your balance, the better for your credit score.

Thank You @Semmyk.

I look forward to learning everything from this thread.

Lexusgs430:


You no wan make sunak see money fix this crumbling ship............

The ship grow small last November ooo (0.1%). Though them talk say na from Pub activities during worldcup matches, not INTL student tax.

hopefully, the growth continues.

hustla:





Just for regular yoruba guy pepper blending and maybe fit fam juice when belle don big but choi na expensive things i dey see here o

Thanks for the reference

If you consider price like me, and blends pepper and soft fruits only, Get an affordable George home blenda from a nearby ASDA. The good thing is, i have changed mine there after 9 months (the offer 2 years). if you have the reciept, you can get cash back. if you dont, you get a swap for exactly the same priduct.

folks i stayed with got an expensive one that also packed after blending beans, so cheap one with a no fuss warranty claim does it for me.

Amarathripple0:

This!! Public funds are pretty much a charity case. We shouldn’t be dragging these benefits with the people who really need the support. I understand that paying a large percentage of one’s salary in taxes isn’t ideal, but unlike the "giant of Africa," we can actually see how the money is spent.

Valid points you guys have there.

My own issue with the PF thing is the potential for it to spoil ones plans over time of one inadvertently accesses it.

Things that look like it is dangled everywhere. It is tiring to always have to analyse and come to Nairaland to repeatedly seek clarification on the same thing.

rinzylee:
Away from problems and worries......can we catch the brighter side of life in this UK once again??


Biko someone should share a vacation story or a recent achievement here.


UK appears to be quite lax on immigration checks.. I was shocked no one talked to me from Gate 5. I felt funny.


Has anyone toured the whole shengen countries here? I dey reason am

The brighter side is very important. Before person head start to touch.

On the immigration checks, I believe a lot is done in the background. Returning from Naija on my last trip, there was nothing in my 6 bags that hadn't been opened. Everything had a pin prick leak.

They scan... watch on CCTV... profile randomly and selectively while trying not to hold up the lines at the points of entry.

Bourne007:
Remember remember, the 5th of November Gunpowder, treason and plot!

...I see no reason, why the gunpowder treason, should ever be forgotten...

Film wey i use play play eye watch, It all makes sense now.

Amarathripple0:
I know it has been discussed here before but I can’t seem to find the thread.
Please what are the tips to getting a car here in the UK, Also how do I calculate the tax I would be paying etc. Thanks in advance

for tax, you can manage this one. requires the full Vehicle Reg No:

https://searchvehicle.co.uk/search/?q=gov+uk+road+tax&v=0&category=noneroadtaxgov&mt=p&oq=gov+uk+road+tax&gclid=CjwKCAjw_b6WBhAQEiwAp4HyICMA36A2ofUhPIeOy1OljwtUlruGxyrNr9kLV9Idh9dmDSG2NioEhRoC0FEQAvD_BwE&c=web&gd=SY1003925&stid=19829201

Lexusgs430:



You missed the IPTV news .............

Over correct news. Thanks baba Lexus for the plug. I dey enjoy the thing wella

sgtponzihater1:
Hi those who recently travelled back to naija via BA. They asked us to upload green card. I have uploaded the naija green vaccine cards front and back page, as well as the document from naija travel portal, But BA is rejecting this.

How can we navigate this?

Try scan your barcode on the green card, then take a screenshot of the result page, save and upload preferably as pdf.

This worked for me.

erico2k2:

you can build credit without credit cards.You are better off taking a loan than a credit card

One also is more likely to be approved for a low limit beginers credit card with poor credit than a loan.

Also, there are other reasons for taking a credit card apart from Credit Score.

Like it's also been repeatedly advised,
watch your spending,
only spend what you can pay back in full.
Watch your statement closing dates keenly.
Start with free cards without monthly or annual fees.

Follow these above, you will be fine.

Endlessgrace:


https://iq-online.net/book-uk/
You can book your appointment here.

Thank You.

On it now.

Please who can help with a link or plug for NIN enrollement in the Manchester Area as a prerequisite for Nigerian Passport renewal. We are also willing to travel far if that solves our problem.

The steps listed online insists on a "pre-enrollment" to be done online and all the portal has been unresponsive for two weeks now. Can we skip the pre-enrollment phase and just book an appointment/turn up for capturing anytime?

The person to be enrolled is a minor whose passport will expire in August.

Viruses:

How did you get past the 3 years residency address please?

Put in your current address. (UK)
put in your previous address. (UK)

Even if they both do not total to three years, (2 months in my case) you will no longer be asked for address details again.