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Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 11:15pm On Apr 03, 2022 |
omopapa: I have attached the price history of my buy to let property. I'm the second owner. The first owner bought the flat brand new and I guess the property was overpriced/over valued as at 2007. New builds are notoriously overpriced, hence why those looking to achieve the best returns in property investment avoid them. Today, that same flat and others in the block have an open market value of at least 160k and those that have sold their flats recently achieved way above that figure. I haven't spent a penny on any home improvement apart from painting the walls when a new tenant moves in (I'm blessed to have had 2 longterm tenants in the last 6+years) and changing the original carpets which were off white in colour. My advice - do your research carefully, read the home/valuation report, read about the history of the area, find out if the area is notorious for crime (anti social behavior, vandalism,etc) and find out if the council is planning any redevelopment or rejuvenation around the area (e.g. demolishing houses in that area to build modern properties,etc) 6 Likes |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 2:21pm On Apr 02, 2022 |
Osoderi: Yes, you can get a mortgage at that age. Just that the term of the mortgage might be shorter - 15 to 20years. You can get a mortgage on that salary and any salary (even minimum wage);as long as you meet the lender's affordability criteria. See the link below for further information on how affordability is determined for mortgage purposes: https://www.mortgageadvicebureau.com/expert-advice/first-time-buyer/how-do-mortgage-affordability-assessments-work 3 Likes 4 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:38am On Mar 24, 2022 |
wonlasewonimi: Amex is literally one of the best credit cards out there. Its even better now. They've increased the validity of their companion vouchers and i believe they've reduced the spend threshold to get one. I remember we talked about this a few years ago. Glad to hear you were finally accepted. https://www.nairaland.com/4158866/living-uk-life-uk-immigrant/56#69928220 2 for 1 companion voucher. Avios for any penny spent. Cash back from certain retailers. "No questions asked" fraud protection (which i have benefitted from after my card was used for fraudulent software purchase). Another example of their world class service can be seen in the documentary INVENTING ANNA My credit limit is now close to 20k and I have declined any further increase 9 Likes 6 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:23am On Mar 12, 2022 |
Safeob27: Your husband is right. Trade finance is a niche sector and there is a higher chance he would secure a role in London as someone new to the country without any UK work experience. Most banks, oil companies and boutique brokerage firms have their trade finance desks based in London. His experience is niche and if he's got a good Cv, if he has had exposure to the different systems/tools (e.g dow jones, refinitiv,etc) and he's able to proof his worth at interviews, he shouldn't really struggle to land a job fairly quickly. A quick search on job boards further confirms this as 90% of trade finance jobs advertised on indeed and LinkedIn are based in London. Tell your husband not to limit his job search to banks. He should consider oil companies (bp, shell), consulting firms (mckinsey, pwc, Accenture, deloitte, etc) including boutique firms like baringa partners and other brokerage firms (not just the big known names) as well as shipping companies. The good thing about his experience is that he has got transferrable skills and he can pivot to risk and compliance roles such as Sanctions officer, sanctions manager which is a big deal at the moment. Trade based money laundering is one of the major risks which a lot of firms try to identify, deter and mitigate so he should also consider a career in financial crime. Top tip: to give him an edge in the Cv screening process, ask him to take out anything Nigeria from his work experience. E.g. if he works with standard chartered, lagos he should remove lagos. If and when asked at interviews which of the locations he worked, then he can mention Africa. It appears your husband has done his research very well, so please, don't argue with him and consider the move to London. I give him thumbs up. Na man he be As soon as he gets the UK work experience and he's well settled, you can move out of London. I know I wave the Scottish flag on this thread with pride but London is actually one of the best places to get a career break or the first step in the career ladder if you can ignore the associated high cost of living. Wishing you both the very best and may God give you the wisdom and intuition to make the best choices. 12 Likes 2 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 11:50pm On Mar 11, 2022 |
fatima04: The key strategy for securing US visit visa as a first time applicant resident in the UK is to demonstrate recent travel history within Europe. Unlike Nigeria, the consular officers don't really care about or ask for bank statements. What they look at is recent travel history (flipping the pages of your passport), the information provided on your online application (your job title, your gross income and detailed explanation of your job description/roles/responsibilities) and your attitude, confidence and answers provided during the interview. People have been in the UK for 1 to 4 years and they've never bothered to visit anywhere in Europe as tourists yet they want to fly all the way to America to visit Times Square ?? In summary, apply for schengen visa and visit any European country of your choice at least once or twice. Then apply for US visa as a TOURIST with an intention to vist a city known as a tourist location. e.g. New York for 7 to 10 days. Current students - speak to your international office and they will provide you the letter you need to apply for schengen visa. Those with part time or full time jobs - you need your payslips. Fat account balance is not required for schengen visas. As long as your account balance equals the multiplication of the daily subsistence (i believe its around 30euros a day) and the number of days you plan to stay in Europe. E.g. you plan to visit for 5 days, all you are required to evidence in your account is minimum 150 euros. Cheap tickets are available from budget airlines especially for journeys during the week. Cheap accommodation can be sourced from the likes of booking.com and lastminute.com. Affordable travel insurance can be purchased from price comparison sites. Its standard 2 years for Nigerians even for renewal. Ghanaians get 5 to 10 years when they renew. To the best of my knowledge, Dropbox doesn't apply in the UK. Cc aopecy hustla SamReinvented mintyx 48 Likes 30 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 9:02pm On Mar 11, 2022 |
hustla: Yes, I've heard Turkey sell quality and affordable clothes. I have also seen it for myself as I used to have work colleague who was a Swiss resident and national. He would travel from Swiss to Turkey regularly to shop for work clothes. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 8:56pm On Mar 11, 2022 |
Safeob27: What's your husband's field/experience in banking? Let us know, so we can advice accordingly. That said, the US investment bank, JP Morgan have a large operational office in Bournemouth. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:36pm On Mar 11, 2022 |
Chreze: 1. Register a company or register as a sole trader 2. Open a business bank account 3. Get the required mandatory license/registration required (if applicable for your business activity) 4. Get business insurance (professional indemnity, legal cover, etc). This is very important 5. Prepare a contract. Free templates are available online. Its best to get the contract signed by both parties to avoid a situation where you deliver goods and you do not get paid 6. As soon as the business starts trading actively, get yourself an accountant 14 Likes 5 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:18am On Mar 11, 2022 |
Re yankee visa for legal UK residents with passports that are not visa exempt, I'll share the tried and tested strategy tomorrow. Hopefully it hasn't changed. 10 Likes |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:16am On Mar 11, 2022 |
SamReinvented: https://peritusprivatefinance.co.uk/ Request to speak to a gentleman named Vick He provides mortgage advice/services for properties in England and Scotland 2 Likes 2 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:04am On Mar 11, 2022 |
Mellady: Of course yes. It depends on the location and the value of the property. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 12:01am On Mar 11, 2022 |
fatima04: Leave them to keep arguing oh Ajo is bae. I know people that are using it to break into the property ladder. Imagining ajo is 12 months (1k each) and you pack last and then for the next cycle, you pack first. Thats 24k neat within 13 months That's a deposit for a house in the bag. The caveat is to do it with people you trust and consider credible. I can't wait to pack mine in July I intend to put 4k straight into my shares and stock lifetime ISA and invest the rest in shares and crypto i must join Lexusgs430 and wonlasewonimi in the largesse they've been getting from shares and crypto 12 Likes 6 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 11:51pm On Mar 10, 2022 |
LagosismyHome: For buy to let, the process is quite similar to a residential mortgage. The major differences are: 1. The deposit required (25% minimum of the house value) 2. Stamp duty (if this is not your first property) 3. Stringent affordability test (the bank will apply minimum 8 - 10% interest on top of the standard mortgate interest rate as part of their affordability test to see if you can afford the mortgage should interest rate increase for any reason) 4. Rental valuation report. This is separate from the home valuation report. It is compulsory and is only accepted from a registered letting agent. The rental valuation report details the estimated rental value of the property and similar properties at the same location. Usually the report will have a lower and higher end rental value. The banks always go with the lower value. The monthly rental value is assessed against the monthly mortgage repayments. If the difference is marginal (e.g. mortgage is £700 a month and projected rental income is £600 a month), the bank won't agree to the mortgage. 13 Likes 5 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 4:35pm On Mar 10, 2022 |
Temi231: https://peritusprivatefinance.co.uk/ Request to speak to a gentleman named Vick He provides mortgage services for properties in England and Scotland 5 Likes 4 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 4:35pm On Mar 10, 2022 |
ukay2: https://peritusprivatefinance.co.uk/ Request to speak to a gentleman named Vick He provides mortgage advice/services for properties in England and Scotland 26 Likes 17 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 11:16pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
Temi231: I shared the info below last year on the old thread. Its still very relevant with the exception of the stamp duty holiday which was closed last year. https://www.nairaland.com/4158866/living-uk-life-uk-immigrant/523#98157720 =================== I have a lot to share but I will start with pricing. Houses are usually advertised as FIXED PRICE, OFFERS IN THE REGION OF and OFFERS ABOVE A CERTAIN PRICE. Before you place a bid or even consider buying a property, the first thing you should look at and read carefully is the valuation report (called the Home report in Scotland). This report is prepared by a valuer registered with the Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors and it details independent checks carried out by the valuer on the property, the reinstatement value of the property and most importantly, the value of the property in the open market. The value of the property as stated in the valuation report should be compared with the starting price advertised by the sellers and the price at which similar properties have sold within the same area for a particular period. Please note that there isn't any bank that will lend you money (mortgage) that is higher than the value of the property stated on the valuation report. A lot of first time buyers make this mistake/false assumption and when they realise they can't fork out the difference, they pull put of the purchase and the sale falls through, leaving them with legal fees and disgusted sellers, etc. For example, if a property is valued by the valuer as £300,000 and the seller asks for offers above £300,000 and he accepts a bid of £350,000, the bank will lend up to £300,000. This means the buyer would have to put down a deposit of 15% of £300,000 (most lenders are currently not accepting deposits below 15% because of the current economic uncertainty due to covid) and the £50,000 difference will come from the sellers purse plus additional legal fees. So in total, the buyer is putting down £95,000 as deposit. Its very important not to get carried away with bidding wars and pay over the value of a property. My first purchase was advertised as fixed price and I was able to get £1000 knocked off as the property didn't come with a fridge/freezer and washing machine. Personally, I have never bought a property above the value stated on the valuation report. I take my time, do my research and get the one that fits my budget. grin When bidding/buying a property, calculator is your best friend. grin you need to have a budget and stick to it. During bidding, start with £1000 above the guide price and instruct your lawyers to keep in regular touch with the seller's solicitors until you agree on an acceptable bid or you walk away. My most recent purchase was advertised as asking for offers £10,000 below the value of the property. I started bidding by adding £1,000 each time and after some back and forth and assurances to them that missives will be completed within 5 weeks, they accepted a final sale price which was exactly the value as seen on the valuation report. I will also suggest leaving an impression with the sellers during viewing. I have a friend who bidded for a property but the sellers accepted a lower bid from a young couple because they said my friend was buying the property for investment unlike the young couple that were just starting out with a baby on the way. If you are not the first time buyer of the property, I will suggest you look at the previous sale price and how much the property has appreciated or depreciated in value throughout its history. You can do same for similar properties in the area and this will give you an idea on the potential future value of the property. Set up property notification alerts on zoopla,, rightmove, espc, etc and arrange a viewing as soon as you see a property you like. The earlier you put in a bid before other buyers, the better. You do not have to wait until your lawyers put in an offer on your behalf. Let the selling solicitors know that you would like to put in an informal note of interest and your solicitors will be in touch. You also have to consider legal fees, mortgage advisor fees and stamp duty fees. Stamp duty fees are so annoying. What you pay depends on if the value of your property is above a certain threshold and whether or not its your first home/main home. There is currently stamp duty holiday which i believes end in March. Finally, interior decor of a property is key. It can influence the value of a property and attract big spenders to purchase the property. If you have other questions, tag me and I'll respond. 46 Likes 27 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 10:38pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
specialenvoy: Yes, you can. I currently have 2 mortgages. My source of income and affordability tests were based on my contract jobs. I used very good mortgage brokers/advisors that sourced the lowest possible interest rates for me though. Anything is possible if you have a very good mortgage broker that knows his stuff. 9 Likes 4 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 10:34pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
specialenvoy: Yes, you can get paid using your registered company where you have to pay corporation tax, etc or you can use an umbrella company. If you decide to use your registered company, get yourself a good accountant. Asians or Nigerian accountants are usually good. 1 Like |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 10:09pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
Temi231: Its not just about having a deposit. The bank looks at affordability. That is, can you pay your mortgage monthly through the term of the mortgage without defaulting? You need to have stable and regular income to demonstrate affordability. If you have a job that covers your expenses including the monthly repayments, then you are good to go. 1 Like 2 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 9:19pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
specialenvoy: Linkedin. Set up varied job alerts and make sure you visit the "jobs" section on the app to view jobs and apply. 2 of my 3 recent roles have been via LinkedIn (the first I saw on my feed because someone I was following reposted and the second, the recruiter contacted me directly via linkedin). The 3rd role was via indeed - it was advertised and I applied. I'm currently interviewing for another role and it was also via LinkedIn (I was redirected to apply for the role on monster.com). 5 Likes |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 8:48pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
specialenvoy: Outside IR35 is better as you are able to claim expenses which means your take home pay is much more depending on your tax arrangements. Eg. Getting paid minimum wage every month and taking a lump dividend payment at the end of the company's financial year. Regarding the frequency of wage payments, it depends on the recruitment agency. Some pay weekly but majority pay monthly. Some crazy ones have 45-60 days payment policy especially for roles outside IR35. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 2:16pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
AltCtrlDel: As lexusgs430 has suggested, travel to the US and do all your shopping. Its cheaper than you think. If you travel off peak, you can get return BA flights from London to New York for around £350-£400. Prior to the pandemic, I would travel to the US at least twice a year for vacation and stock up on casual/office wear. Talk about using one bird to kill two stones. My username says it all. You get the best RL outfits for the best prices in the US. If you do not hold a foreign passport, getting a US visa is very easy. You just need to understand the "common" strategy that applies for UK resident applicants. 6 Likes 2 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 2:11pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
Santa2: The school next to the school of the year 2 child might be your best option. Based on my experience, such "side by side" schools usually open early and close earlier than the other school (15 to 30mins difference) as this reduces human and vehicular traffic around the school environment and it gives parents with kids at both schools from the same household ample time to pick up and drop off their kids. 2 Likes |
Family / Re: Am I Spoiling My 7-year Old Son? by Ralphlauren(m): 2:07pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
Teettyllayho: Shouting on a child is emotional abuse. You need to stop it. You can talk him in a calm manner clearing highlighting what he has done wrong. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 2:04pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
mrnairaland1: Not sure to be honest but I think you can continue your studies with the tier 2 visa. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 2:01pm On Mar 09, 2022 |
Uzonma: I'm guessing this is a contract job offering a day rates? If yes, then ask for a salary illustration from both the umbrella company and whoever administers the Payee system. Compare the take home pay offered and then make your decision. Based on my experience, you are better off with the umbrella (although they have their charges called "margins" ) when compared to the take home salary being offered by the payee payroll system. Most agencies have more than one preferred umbrella company, so I'll suggest you ask for salary illustration from all of them before you decide on who to go with. 5 Likes 2 Shares |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 10:38pm On Mar 05, 2022 |
Santa2: Your child needs to resume school ASAP before the school reports your family to social services. Last thing you want is the police at your door "conducting a welfare check" on your child and social services extending their magnifying glass in your family's affairs. If you need financial support or assistance with transport costs, speak to the school and/or the council. That said, lack of finances to transport a child to school is not an acceptable legal reason to keep a young child away from school. Some schools have waiting list of over 2 years and there's no guarantee your child will be offered a place till he/she starts secondary school. Are you saying your child will not attend school if this scenario plays out? Refusing to take your child to the school that has offered you a place will not force the nearer school to grant your child preferential treatment and allow he/she skip the waiting list. 4 Likes |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 9:40pm On Mar 03, 2022 |
Pearlyfaze: Call capital cars Edinburgh and they will give you a quote depending on the size of the cab you are looking to book. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, let them know and they can book a 7 seater or any other suitable vehicle for you. Another option is to check uber. The app should give you a quote. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 4:00pm On Mar 03, 2022 |
Pacypatty: Did he do biometrics for the new visa category? Was he issued a new biometric card? If a "visa change" has been done, then he should have received a new biometric card from the home office. He needs to speak to his employer and obtain further clarity. |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 10:10am On Mar 03, 2022 |
bluebella: He is just bluffing. He can't throw you out and neither can he summon the police to throw you out. This is a civil issue. Just make sure you do not get confrontational,physical or aggressive with him. If he attempts any aggression against you or lays a finger on you, feel free to call the police and try and get some video evidence. Tell him he has to give you till May to move out. You are happy to pay him the extra 60 quid in the interest of peace and remind him that you've been responsible for all bills. Let him know that you are aware renting council property is illegal (not only will the council take the flat from him, they will also prosecute him and recover all lost income) and if he STRESSES you, you are going to involve the council as they are best people to settle the issue since they are the owners of the property and you are both "tenants". 8 Likes 1 Share |
Travel / Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ralphlauren(m): 1:42pm On Feb 26, 2022 |
Temi231: Argos sells a wide range of thermal curtains which are ideal for bedrooms. Rugs - check carpetright. 2 Likes 4 Shares |
Religion / Re: Please I need help. My life is crashing by Ralphlauren(m): 11:06am On Feb 26, 2022 |
Freedom2022: The forex account is your problem. You need to close it down immediately and unsubscribe from news articles, WhatsApp groups or anything related to forex. Forex trading is literally gambling. You have a huge gambling problem and you are unfortunately in denial. The day you accept that the root cause of your problem is your forex 4 Likes 2 Shares |
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