₦airaland Forum

ehizario2012:
For me, the key take away is that relocation/Japa should be seen as a means to an end and never an end in itself. I'll say Nigerians (especially those without settled status) in the UK should be interested in politics back home, who rules, who wins elections etc because there's indeed no place like home. I'll say Nigerians in the UK should save save and save/invest for the rainy day, keep developing yourselves and earning transferrable skills/degrees, live a modest life and approach mortgages with caution. No place like home.

.

I agree with all you said asides that approach mortgage with caution. Regardless of what happens, I can always sell/rent my house if I have to go back home or activate Japa 2.0. In the mean time I would be staying in a property that elevates my quality of life while paying less in mortgage than I would have in rent. Despite what comes up, I am happy we got on the property ladder 12 months ago , value has gone up by 35k. Each to his own sha. Make everybody do wetin work for am.

dannytoe:
Instead of reforming tax distribution, improving social care policies and stopping illegalls arriving on small boats and restricting graduate visas to graduates from STEM courses like it's done in the USA.
Far worse; Labour is now trying in a haste to compete with reforms hardline and far right immigration policies like proposing 10yrs ILR route for all currently on skilled worker visa , however, on a desperate measure painfully.

Now - despite the fact that we have a major shortage of care workers, Labour is now going to ban the recruitment of overseas careworkers who are willing and want to do this work. I'm not sure what Labour is aiming for here, It seems they are intent on losing the next election. I can't imagine too many pensioners voting for Labour and pensioners can well determine the outcome of a general election in the UK.

Based on current trend it seems like Farage might be the next PM, as a smart politician that he is, he is already painting Starmer as flopper referencing his initial stand on immigration in 2020 as reference, except some miracle happens like how Trump gave the Liberals a new lease of life in Canada. While I detest all that reforms stands for, I would like for them to get into power as I believe they would flop and flonder. If the current whitepaper is implemented I believe the legal migration numbers would go down and at that point they (reform) would have to look for ways to attract people in to do the work citizens wouldn't do, that oxymoron would make for a good laugh. Most skilled people are already looking at Japa 2.0/3.0 even if it just for the sake of giving them middle finger . Its really annoying when you already 3 years in on skilled work visa, with 2 years to ILR in view then you realize the goal post might soon be shifted. No be their fault sha na Naija leaders cause am. Anyways for those looking at options, You might want to look into EB2 - NIW which gives US green card without need for Job offer, The requirement is not stringent as EB-1A only that it has longer waiting times than EB 1. Of the 6 criteria for EB2, you need to show at least 3 of the criteria. Make God help all of us. God no go shame us for this Oga Charlie Land.

lavida001:
They have only perfected the art of espionage. All they do is spy and improve on it. Most of their student in the west are spying for their country.
Ultimately, may the best spy win as the us and the west do thesame.

They didnt really need espionage as they welcomed Tesla into China without the stringent regulation they gave to other western coys, practically saved it from looming bankruptcy and in process got insight into its manufacturing process. "A few minute later", we see a booming EV market with state of the art, price competitive vehicles. One can simply draw the parallels and arrive at a conclusion

justwise:
...maybe half of the current value, anything Elon or Trump touches now dies. Tesla as a brand is dented at the moment. As long as he keeps hanging around with Trump he will keep going down in value.

Its incredible how Tesla can go from one of the best companies to invest in to the state it is now in just a few weeks. Elon's actions and timing is very bad because even in his own words before his recent alignment, he was already facing fierce competition from the Chinese EV car makers (BYD, Li autos, Zeekr, Changan etc) that he dismissed a few years before. Have you seen the state of the EVs from China, they are extremely innovative, with loaded features for half the cost of EVs from the west. China's gone from a copy cat manufacturing state 20 years ago to making and leading innovative strides in AI, robotics and EV. Its amazing how D Trump is just making the case for China's rise, alienating America's goodwill with its allies (Canada, EU) and pushing them East. The next four years are going to be very interesting.

Gerrard59:
It is because they are kith, aka they are white people. Also, the US through the Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe. So, they see themselves as one. The reason they are shocked at how Donald and his team are treating them. But when some of us praise China for what it has achieved and how it has behaved so far, we get criticised. It amuses me to read Black Africans criticise China. Without Chinese technologies, many Africans would not enjoy modern technologies. And oh yes, the entire debacle sweetens my heart. It is hilarious for the EU that has cursed out at China to go begging. Well, China cannot be bullied or intimidated - they said so themselves. I am extremely proud of Chinese elites! Very proud of them!

Anyway, this century is for China. People should get used to it.

The bolded right there ..... D Trump is just fast tracking something could have taken 5 - 10 years. Alienating Canada and EU is free gift to China on a platter of Gold. It really is an interesting time to be alive

MsAnonymous:
Check the uk vfs website
For Nigeria you can simply walk in to submit your passport without any appointment. (The appointment is only for biometrics anyway). Alternatively, call the uk vfs office (their number should be on the website) and ask.

Thank you

affoncad:
You can submit ur passport for visa stamping at canada vfs centre in usa or any canada vfs centre in the world and no need send ur passport back to nigeria

I applied for canadian visit visa here in the UK, since april 2024. I just got approved, do I have to book an appointment to submit my passport or I can just show up.

Anyone knows if the new process of the Contactless Biometric Capture (CBC) App in the UK for Nigerian Passport renewal has commenced? It was meant to start in November 2024 but it seem people still go through physical capture in Nigerian High Commission.

idee91:
Hello everyone, please would like to get recommendations on insurance companies from Nigeria I can use to get travel insurance for my mother in law who would be visiting next month. Plan is for her to stay more than 3 months. I have checked Axa mansard, seems they don’t cover more than 90 days. Would like to hear your views

Try and call someone in Axa Mansard, I think they cover more than 90 days but the premium might be higher.

ehizario2012:
I'll need to renew soon too. Currently on Sky... But I've noticed their network isn't so strong in the farthest room upstairs. Any suggestions on a stronger provider?

Have you considered using an extender? I got one from amazon £17 sometime ago. Netgear

Lexusgs430:
The reason I would not use content home insurance, for certain claims..... 🏡😂

But have a bespoke policy, for certain electrical/electronic devices...... 😎

Infact, after this recent TV claim, my policy is now much cheaper (on the new TV)..... 😂📺

Same thing I did with DG.. But i didnt include TV and other gadgets, didnt think to include hoover till your post.

elengine:
Hello everyone. So my broker got me a building only insurance quote for 57 pounds per month.I got 24 pounds per month via compare go. Then I remember that it could be cheaper with my car insurance provider. So I tried admiral and I was given 20 pounds per annum. The reason I guess is because I have two cars insured with them.

Currently I pay 199 pounds for two cars and having added building insurance , I would now be paying 208k. This includes content, emergency repairs. It is still doing me like a magic. My question is, do people pay as low as this. If not so I can get more clarity from them and be sure the cover is for building.

I am waiting for the policy update on the app so I can verify it is actually true.

Thanks.

I got £14 for building insurance but used DG for white goods. I think am going to consolidate all my insurance next year. Lexus post has highlighted how important these thing are. Got my washing machine fixed last year on insurance, I for put my foot down make them change am.lol

missjekyll:
I wasn't being facetious. They speak Portuguese,French and Spanish. Gorgeous country. some biafrans fled there during the war

I reckon his enquiry would be in relation to a certain Baltazar individual

In other news..Looks like its gonna be a Trump presidency

Jamesclooney:
Anyone waiting for feedback from Canada after VAC appointment? Someone applied & had biometrics taken in London for visitors visa since March 2024 ( 7months & counting). No update on portal or email. Open to ideas on what to do next. This Canada people sef…their own too much sef.

Did mine in April.. no news yet.

[quote author=mex551 post=132200662]Good day my people. My. Lender trying to sell me and my wife decreasing term ,life insurance with critical illness cover for 268.00 monthly. I rejected it. Please what alternatives can I get. Help a brother [/quote

I rejected £50 monthly from Tom insurance (no complex medical history) so you should see better deals out there.

Jannyfranc:
Hello everyone,is it possible to withdraw visa application for dependant you have paid both IHS and Visa application. Reason is to correct error in the form,then fill it again?please direct me on the process involved.

I had same issue when applying for dependant but what I did was to fill and pay for another application, then withdraw the previous one after that. I had the option of varying the previous application but didn't want to take the risk . Got full refund for visa fee and IHS as decision had not been made on the earlier application.

Jamesclooney:
Testimony time

(Ushers please be on standby with the offering basket )

The Lord built (bought) us a house!!!!

Signed, sealed and delivered. The bunch of keys dey our hand now. Very heavy lol.

Jokes apart, just an appreciation post for everyone ‘s contribution on here (as well as Chidera Peters on YouTube). The guidance received from this forum has been invaluable. Visited over 12 developers/sites; didn’t care about the fuel burnt because a house is a big deal and even if I didn’t like some houses/location, it helped us narrow it down as we discovered what we liked/didn’t like.

KEY DETAILS
House type - Newbuild
Developer - Persimmons
Lender - Halifax (90% LTV)
Incentives - 5% deposit boost plus flooring package
Mortgage rate - 4.97% ,5yrs fixed (although rates dropped to 4.87% when it was 2 weeks to completion)
LISA bonus - £6k (my wife and I) in the space of 15months, took advantage of the tax windows
Mortgage adviser - Threshold Financial Services (got the recommendation from this thread)


Ps - send funds because everywhere don dry. Surviving on tap water till further notice.

Congratulations!

AgentXxx:
This is the one ordered yesterday from Amazon recommended by a friend https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDLMQCJQ?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_K5EJCR14B0N67V93YE8N&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_K5EJCR14B0N67V93YE8N&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apin_dp_K5EJCR14B0N67V93YE8N&starsLeft=1&newPreview=1&skipTwisterOG=2

d
but a goo number of the reviews on amazon weren't good.

Lexusgs430:
Before you buy a pot, is your cooker induction or non-induction. .......

I wouldnt mind this getting this info either, our cooker in an induction cooker.

Lexusgs430:
I hope you're aware that if your child attends the closest grammar school to home, you're also entitled to free school bus pass...... If you haven't applied for this awoof, key in..... 🤣😂

My son attended Sir Joseph"s , absolutely brilliant school, whilst my daughter attended RGS....... .. My last daughter is at Fort Pitt .........

Kent is the grammar school gateway.........🤣😂

Make we enjoy the awoof, before Keir use hin bad belle comot them ........🤔😂

Thanks for this information ooooh. God bless you. Hoping my daughter gets into RGS next year. I would be DM'ing you soon to draw from your wealth of grammar school parent experience

Lexusgs430:
I moved to Rochester because of the grammar schools, all my children attended Grammar schools....... Why would I want to waste money on private education, when I am already heavily taxed........🤣

I was super elated when my kid got admitted to Sir Joseph Mathematical. Awoof club rules!

deept:
Consider tax implications of you setup BTL in personal names because you are liable for tax on your btl income. Assuming your are in the higher tax band say 40% you will pay tax 40% on the the entire rental income before mortgage payment. Mortgage used to be tax deductable until a few years ago.

You will usually be advised to set up BTL under a company then you can remove cost before before tax, corporation tax in this case. But you will still be liable for tax for whatever you pay yourself, I think the first 500£ is tax free.

Disclaimer: Consult a financial advisor for proper advise.

Thanks or putting this into perspective!

Lexusgs430:
We have 2 other BTL properties, but on the family home, it simply would remain mortgage free for life.... My children would have a property they can do whatever with, when we kick our cups ....... 😂😜

Come and adopt me abeg .. Nice one Baba Lexus, you & madam have done well for your selves, Keep being a guiding light to those of us coming behind. Just like Jedisco I have also been wondering about BTL. Can I open a company strictly for BTL and get mortgage on the newly opened company(assuming I have the 25% deposit usually requested). Or is BTL usually best as an indiviual/couple. Could you give a rough overview of BTL best practise. Best way to set up, pitfalls to look out for etc.

Lexusgs430:
One education I did not receive, was gradual overpayments, pushes down the term and interest payable (it was not massively talked about)......

I hope future landlords, subject to extra cash + mortgage terms, would cultivate the habit of overpayments .......😲😞

This is something I have been looking at and discussed extensively with the mortgage advisor when we were going through the process to ensure it was included. Omo that your LTV mad Oooo, Make I come tap anointing. You are practically Mortgage free. One question though, when you are 100%, Would you go back in again i.e get another property/mortgage (I know this varies with personal preferences) abi na to dey Jaiye loo.

Jamesclooney:
Congratulations!!! 🎊🎈
Your rate is very good oh.

Last month, Halifax is offered fixed for 5 Years of 4.97%. Mortgage broker said that’s the best rate considering visa status etc.

Can I push back on this before completion next month? I know rates on the rise now, but anyone aware of a better deal?

With inflation dropping to 2.3% I reckon there should be a drop in interest rate pretty soon, I would say try before completion, You just might be lucky.

Lexusgs430:
It might be a faceless forum, but people could still reach out to each other, by dropping telephone numbers/or alternative contact details........ Of course, this is subject to the personalities involved.........

Some of us don't only chat to Nairalanders on Nairaland, we still chat via WhatsApp or telephone calls (even meet up when occasion warrants).....

Some of us cannot all be introverts or a strange mix of been extroverted......😂😁

Yes oo, some of us have Lexus430 whatsapp..Infact am sending you a message on an unrelated matter.

Ticha:
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳

Oya come wash am for us by giving some more details to help others - if you would like to ni o

How did you choose the property? What were some of the things you considered?
How many viewings did you do?
Did you use a broker?

Thanks a lot Ticha.. You are an inspiration actually, I copied that your post on how you bought your first flat in bristol, upto partnering with other couples to do a mini development. That post showed a path to building real estate portfolio from the ground up and was indeed an inspiration.

I always knew we were going to go New build route and probably port to old build later depending on our experience. I started looking for properties even when I knew we weren't ready financially as one is able to look at the property objectively without the need to close on it. Opened LISA in 2021/2022 and kept maxing our yearly contribution. Most of our deposit was from both our LISA accounts. (In this country, the importance on both spouses working together can never be understated).

Researched different developers and their pro/cons, From April last year start going to see different properties/developments. The first we saw was actually in February 23. it was a flat close to where we currently stay but we soon realised it was not going to meet our needs. Through the different developers show homes we saw (Taylor wimpey, Bellway, Red Row, Persimmons, DW) we found out Red Row as more aligned with wat we wanted/price point. Wifey wanted a kitchen that goes into the garden (at the back), also another of her requirements was the bathrooms must have windows. That was even harder cos most of the bathroom with windows were out of our price point. My only requirement was that it had an office as we both work from home. Luckily come 2024, the prices for some of the ones we were looking at dropped. We eventually went for a 4 bed terrace .

We did a lot of viewing ooh, weekends were spent crisscrossing show homes of different developers. Spent a lot of funds on uber as most of the time we were viewing properties we weren't mobile. It was worth it in the end cos with each property we visited, we learnt more on what we needed and what was obtainable.

We used the developer mortgage advisors and were happy we did as they made the process very seamless. We decided to get our own solicitors even though they were going to be more expensive than the solicitors suggested by the developer. the Mortgage advisors was free, the solicitors fee came up to about £3400(£1500 was from developers incentive).

We got incentives from Red Row, They did all the floorings (Amtico for multiroom and Livingroom), Upgraded the kitchen appliances and countertop, wifey drove a hard bargain with them, she wanted £3000 towards solicitors funds but they pegged it at £1,500.

Completed on Friday, I don collect Key.

The guidance's received from this thread has been immeasurable. Started looking at properties last year April, we werent ready then, was just browsing to see what was available.

Late January we saw this property and decided to take the plunge, reserved in February and have been taking baby steps since as we werent in a hurry to complete, wanted completion to coincide with end of school term. Developers no gree for our pace.lol. We fixed with Barclays for 5 years at 4.55%, 10% deposit and 3/2-year residence in UK. Just before completion we checked if the rate had gone down but naaa, it was up to 4.83 or thereabout.

Its still surreal to me.

Thanks to every one that keeps spurring newbies like us on. I remember the rent money/dead money arguments on the other thread sometime ago. while some would take it as offensive others would see it as motivation. Na so life be. If I start to mention names for here we no go comot today, Lexus, Ticha, Lagosishome, Solumtoya, profemebee, Peerielass, Pearlyfaze, Estroller.. Na God go bless una. To Semmyk wey start this thread, thank for curating all those resources, you are special one, And I hope you doing great.

Solumtoya:
I still dey o, just enjoying the house.

I actually forgot about insurance till a week after getting my keys. I then did for £100 ish per Annum. Till now, no one has asked me of it

I believe while it mandatory, it more or less for you own peace of mind. Haaa you never invite us for house warming ooh.

Solumtoya:
Absolutely! I know the feeling, I was similarly worried, but 99.9% of the time, just sit and wait and it will be all fine. My Lender did nothing. In fact, I need to even sort out my building insurance as at no point was I told to do it.

@Solumtoya, Long time no see, Did you sort out your building insurance after you completed or before?

Viruses:
Instead of quoting one by one, let me just answer here.

She's a student.
Actually shifts have not been forth coming so it looks like she's trying to save for the next fees for fear of the unknown.

I'm willing to pay the 6 months contract I will sign. I was hoping there'll be another approach beside this alternative rent and dialogue (which I have exhausted).

I would have been in the same situation right now, only difference is that at the onset I made them understand in clear terms that my place was off limits and made them get an airbnb till they eventually got their place. I was the bad guy then, but now we all cool. I do not envy you. Hopefully it gets resolved amicably.

shaybebaby:
Yes you should do your own survey.

Banks generally do a desktop survey ( and do not actually visit the property), largely to satisfy themselves that the value of the property is worth the loan secured against it.

You need your survey to check the general condition of the house, make sure there are no nasty surprises hiding away. Sellers have been known to decorate just before sale to hide obvious ( and some not so obvious signs) of disrepair.

You want to make sure that any faults discovered reflected in the agreed price, or that they agree to fix at their own expense before you exchange.

Once exchanged, you can't back out without material penalty. So you don't want to be in a position where you find out things needed fixing that you weren't aware of before purchase.

After completion, it is a case of buyer beware. You will have no recourse.

Oh, and don't forget to have your home insurance in place, cover to start from date of exchange.

Is the home insurance meant to commence from the date of exchange or date of completion?

Also I learnt the value insured should be the rebuild value and no the market value(amount property was bought). As the insurance would only pay the cost to rebuild the house. The market value has other component that includes location, gardens etc that would not be included in a claim.