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Travel › Re: New Zealand Skilled Worker Category by Ticha: 9:35pm On Nov 26, 2021

Borders officially open on the 30th of April 2022! This should work perfectly for July intake for students and of course employment pathways open again!

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 8:05am On Nov 20, 2021

Side hustle for those in IT. There are also vacancies in Health & Social Care, Applied Science and Criminology. It's for developing assessments for iGCSEs.

If you work in the sector, you can also mark the exams twice a year (each script is paid at £3.89) and a £50 admin fee per 20 scripts. I marked 600 scripts over 6 weeks in June - very good side change as I just mark as and when I want to - mainly in the evenings and weekends and all on my PC.

https://asrecruit.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/job/OCR-SR-Cambridge-Technicals-ITDevelopers/732988201/?locale=en_GB

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Travel › Re: New Zealand Skilled Worker Category by Ticha: 8:57am On Nov 19, 2021

Greatnnamdi:
Please what will be the cost of migration...

Visa cost
EOI cost
Qualifications assessment cost
Etc.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa

https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/fees/qualification-recognition-fees/

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 8:01pm On Nov 10, 2021

dustydee:
But he already works in the company and all he is doing is essentially inter company transfer but to a lower grade and similar salary. This effectively means a pay cut if given the lower cost of living and taxes in Nigeria. I suggest he stays and get a role equivalent to what he's at now before moving.

It might be a pay cut but he also won't be paying for education (if he has children) and healthcare. I would suggest he should negotiate the salary or negotiate his moving costs - flights, accommodation for 3/6 months, transport cost covered for 3/ 6 months (a train pass etc)

He needs a detailed pros and cons list!

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 7:25pm On Oct 25, 2021

Uzomarrr123:
You don’t live in Nigeria hence ,you don’t see the need for property there

But you claim you own house in
Scotland
New Zealand
7 in UK

Lol

Isso kay!

You need to read my posts properly.

It doesn't really matter if you believe me or not.

9 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:16am On Oct 25, 2021

Lexusgs430:
Ticha declare assets, in anticipation of a political post in Nigeria.......

Haha no chance! I have no desire whatsoever for a political position. I say I wan FIRE at 50. Politics...nah not my portion cheesy

3 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:12am On Oct 25, 2021

deept:
@ Ticha,

how do you deal with tax on income on these properties? or how did you deal with tax since you are currently not resident in the UK and liable to tax on income.

Accountant sorts everything - his fees are also expenses so win/win. We have all the UK purchases in our personal names so get the necessary allowances before any tax. However, a big change is that mortgage interest is not deductible anymore so the whole rental income is classed as income but because it's fully managed and we keep on top of every repair, it means we still fall under the lowest tax bands and pay NI especially for me as I won't have 35 years (I think it's 35) worth of NI to entitle me to a full UK pension at retirement.

If youR current income is over 49k, it's worth considering how you structure the purchase (usually in a ltd co or SPV) so it doesn't tip you into a higher tax band

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 9:44pm On Oct 24, 2021

Thought I'd answer the questions in a general post

We started off with buying a 2 bedroom flat in Bristol - as our first home. We'd used all of our savings for the deposit but wanted to save up again so rented one room out to a Mon - Fri boarder. We also made some lifestyle changes - sold our 2nd car (we had 1 each), husband started cycling to work (50 mins each way) and I started taking public transport. It turned out the rent from the boarder not only paid all our bills but also covered our basic food costs. By the end of that year, we had saved quite a bit. We then both changed jobs, got paid more and decided to buy a proper family home. It turned out we had some good equity (thanks to rising house prices) in the flat and with our savings, we could afford to buy a bigger house, went to see a broker who also turned out to be a property investor and that's how our property journey started.

Thanks to his advice, we didn't sell the flat but rented it out and bought the biggest house we could afford close to transport facilities. We rented out 3 rooms and kept 2 rooms for ourselves. The rent from the 3 people paid the whole mortgage, bills and covered our food cost so we basically saved all our wages for about 18 months. We then moved to Norfolk - sold the family home and bought 2 houses in one go as we had more than enough equity to put down 2 deposits and even had change left over thanks to the equity from the sale. One in Bristol that we rented out straight away and a complete derelict house for our family home in Norfolk which we completely renovated but before we could move in, my husband got offered a transfer to New Zealand so we rented that one out and shipped out to New Zealand.

Because property is a long game, we have leveraged - so that first flat we bought in 2010 has appreciated so much we took out a deposit out of it to buy a fourth house 2 years ago as well as transferred some to New Zealand to buy our first home here too. This year, we leveraged the New Zealand house by demolishing it and building 2 new houses on the site, re-valued the 2 new ones, rented them out and bought a family home. Again, we have bought a slight larger house and airbnb 2 rooms which has a Jack and Jill bathroom and all the money from there goes into overpaying the mortgage.

The one thing we have done which is not advisable if you want to grow property quickly is that we have left all the mortgages on repayments rather than interest only cos we have also kept our full time jobs as we have no need for the income from the properties to live on now. Our plan is to semi- retire when at 50. That's 7 years away so we're making tracks to achieve that and that involves having at least 2 houses mortgage free.

We're now partnering with another couple - we've joined resources, bought a house sitting on a big plot of land and will demolish that to build 5 houses next year. We've got to the point where we can't service a new mortgage anymore because even if the house pays for itself, banks will still take your incomes into consideration for servicing so a joint venture is the way forward for now.

You do need a deposit and a reasonable credit rating - the higher the deposit, the better the interest rate and the better your credit rating, the better the interest rates as well. You also need to have a good handle on your spending as banks will usually go through your statements with a fine toothcomb. Clean your account up for 3 months before applying for a mortgage. Pay down any unsecured credit, stay away from pay day loans etc.

I have a spreadsheet for calculating if the property works financially or not. For a house you want to live in, most banks will consider 3x income and some even 4x income. Then stress test at around 5% even if interest rates are currently very very low. For a BTL mortgage, you need at least a 20% deposit, a minimum income of 25k (2 banks don't bother about minimum income but their interest rates are quite high), they expect the rent to be 125% of the mortgage payments (interest only so there's lots of wriggle room) but you need to factor solicitor costs, stamp duty of 3%-15% (compulsory on all second homes and 0% on first homes under 125k), mortgage fees, broker fees (you can get a free broker though) and survey fees.

So for a purchase of 100k, you need a 20k deposit, 3k for stamp duty, 600 ish for solicitor, 250/300 for survey costs, usually about 999 for the mortgage application fee and the rent has to be at least 375 a month for a BTL.

For your own home, a 10% deposit will do and with the new government schemes, you can even use a 5% deposit. Plus the additional costs of an owner occupier home is lower - solicitor, stamp duty if buying above 125k are the only extra costs.

Thanks to that first mortgage broker who opened our eyes to the possibilities of what we could do and achieve and for guiding us all the way through and pushing us forward even when we were hesitant.

Hope that helps.

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 8:04am On Oct 24, 2021

deept:
My sister, it was just a general statement not directed at you, infact I am of the same opinion as you. You just stated your experience and it seemed you were castigated for your position. I appreciate your contributions and have learnt from you.

Sunday evening ke! when some of us are just waking up. seems you live in the future. give those of us who live in the present tips so we can catch up to you

Ah apologies. I have learnt a lot from Nigerians and Asians and continue to learn lots. There most certainly isn't a one size fits all.
It's Sunday evening o so good evening/ good morning! 7.59pm here. Future is bright and sun is setting hehe

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 7:15am On Oct 24, 2021

deept:
One quote i liked from GOT which all applies to many especially we Nigerians:

"You know nothing John Snow"

Rather than listen and learn even if you don't agree with someone's else's position, we seem to know it all. You might just pick up that one thing that will benefit you in your journey.

Anyway we all have different preferences but it surprises me when person go dey vex at someone else's choices.

I'm not vexing with his choices - they're wholly his. And mine is mine. After all, if we knew everything, none of us will be on this thread. I do however think saying anyone who hasn't built a house in Nigeria is not wise is a fallacy. Anyway, it's Sunday night - lemme go prepare for Monday.

5 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 3:30am On Oct 24, 2021*

Uzomarrr123:
Show me what asset you own in that UK
After staying 10yrs there

Sister just rest in Jesus name !

Those that are wise and smart understand my point !!!

As for me and my family
We are covered anywhere , be it home or abroad.

As at last count - 6 properties in the UK and in New Zealand (4/2). In the process of buying a flat for my brother in Glasgow so he can get out of rented. We were both head hunted from the UK to NZ as well. In 16 months time, we also qualify for NZ citizenship then we'll return home (to the UK) so my children can attend secondary school. Their futures and ours is sorted financially and otherwise.

I am agree I am not wise. Thank Bleep for that if the wiseness means wasting money building in Nigeria when I don't live there and have zero plans of ever living there.

PS - 17th year out of Nigeria and I have to say I have done very very well for myself and my siblings. All sorted, educated at my expense (2 in the UK) and happily living our best lives.

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 6:10am On Oct 23, 2021

Messyodi:
Good afternoon fam,

Please i need your help, i am in need of a nanny around my area in Bedfordshire. I dont mind a live in help either. If anyone has any links, please help a sister. Thank you

They can be very very pricey and will often give you a list of what they will or will not do - unless na arrangement with our people. There's a very active FB group - Au pairs, nannies and babysitters UK. Shame about Brexit cos we used au pairs till we left.

4 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 6:05am On Oct 23, 2021

Uzomarrr123:
Drop this dead mentality

Infact , that is why …I love some of our Igbo brothers

Anybody wey get sense suppose know say “Home na Home”

Davido wey get dual citizenship

Why him Dey buy property for naija ?

This makes no sense to me. I haven't been to 9ja in 10 years (exactly 10 years today), my children have never been and most likely won't go for another 2 years at least or more if we all converge in the UK next year. Home is where me and my family are at right now. Why on earth do I need a property in Nigeria? So those of us with properties abroad and not in 9ja no get sense? Interesting.

4 Likes

Travel › Re: 8 Things You Need To Know About New Zealand by Ticha: 1:04am On Oct 22, 2021

https://www.education.govt.nz/news/border-class-exception-for-1000-international-students/?mc_cid=80d8623543&mc_eid=1fa487d10e

Update to the border situation. Still some way to go. I'm so over COVID

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:22pm On Oct 17, 2021

Preshyi:
Thanks so much, will definitely do more research on the training cos that work no be here. But are these trainings something he can do while still working fulltime?

He can also find work transcribing medical notes. Let him register with agencies that specifically focus on health sector jobs

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:19pm On Oct 17, 2021

TheGuyFromHR:
You should have added that the OP would need to pass an affordability interview, so he'd need to have a job paying some reasonable income before trying for a mobile phone contract.

Going in person is indeed the best way to get credit, that's how I got one too. Just show up, speak to a representative, show them you can afford the phone contract, and they'll clear it with their manager and you're done. Don't waste time applying online for the algorithm to use you and shine. I do think 3 months is a bit too early to make a try, though.

Same thing applies to when you might want to take out a credit card - I prefer to avoid the so-called credit builder cards with lousy APRs and limits and no perks, and so I simply showed up at my bank into which my salaries are paid and spoke to an advisor.

With the credit card, I found one of the best ways was to use the eligibility calculator on Monsey Saving Expert. It will tell you your chances of getting a CC and from where. You can then go direct. More importantly for those who already have good credit, you can get interest free credit cards for upto 12 months or more, money transfer credit cards (for a small fee) for upto 12 months or more and use these like interest free loans. You have to be very very strict on cutting up the cards especially balance transfer and money transfer cards. I always used the money transfer ones for visa runs in those days - transfer the money into my account, apply for visas, pay for my tickets then take 12 months to pay it back. I used it to buy a car 2 years ago as well. Because I was negotiating with cash, I could really push on the price with the car dealership.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/borrowing/

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 3:37am On Oct 14, 2021

Ifeoluuwa:
Please Bad areas as how? Where are the bad areas please before I go enter one chance.

Knowle West and Hartcliffe are the main areas to avoid.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 7:47am On Oct 10, 2021

Ndessien:
Good morning brothers and sisters. Can we get two bedrooms flat for family of five . We have 3 boys and none is more than 11 years old. A friend said it must be three bedrooms. We are still in Nigeria sha.

A 2 bedroom is totally fine.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:58pm On Oct 09, 2021

Kemifaj:
Good evening my people in the UK.
I contacted someone who advertised an apartment for rent in Facebook and below is the response I got. Please is this genuine or na scam format.

Thank you for your email.
You can rent my flat from tomorrow, for an indefinite period. The price per month is GBP600 bills included (gas, water, electricity, TV, parking and council tax).
Because I'm out of the city with work, I have a solution so you can move in as quickly as possible. I do not have the time to meet any potential tenants, so I choose Airbnb. I use the Airbnb service at the beginning to find a tenant.
So you can visit and rent the flat, I use the www.airbnb.com/trust platform. Airbnb offers an online platform that connects hosts who rent accommodation with guests who wish to rent such accommodation.
The Airbnb company requires payment of the first 2 months + a deposit of GBP600. This is requested at the beginning of the lease and refunded at the end of the contract (if 30 days notice is given). After these first 2 months, you transfer the monthly rent directly to my personal bank account.
You must book the first two months through the website. Once your booking is confirmed, the Airbnb representative will contact you to arrange the appointment and you can move in immediately.
The meeting will take place in the flat and he will give you the keys and sign the contract for the period of your choice (we will conclude a fixed rental agreement under British law from 2 months up to 10 years).
If at that point you are not happy with the property, no contract will be signed and you will be fully refunded the very same day.
All other details about you are welcome. I would like to rent the flat for someone who takes care of it.
I have invested a lot in this flat and I am sure you will love it.

I think that's it for the moment, I hope I did not forget anything.

Sincerely,
Lora Mayar!

Run!!!! Lots of rental scams abound in the UK. Min rental length is a 6 month AST. Anything over 2 years falls under a commercial lease. Max deposit is 5 weeks rent and it has to be registered within 28 days. The language/ terminology is totally off as well.

Plus on Airbnb, you usually pay what the owner stipulates and Airbnb really has no say in it.

PS - Always always view the house either with the owner or an agent. If the owner, do not be afraid to ask for proof of ownership before paying any money. Do not ever pay cash.

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 2:51pm On Oct 09, 2021

mrcodebreaker:
Looking for working class friends based in bristol.

Ah we're currently out of the UK. We do still have friends there but our closest 9ja friend moved to Gloucester

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 2:50pm On Oct 09, 2021

AirBay:
Se na ancient days be this? Cos by the 6th month, my uni was already dragging me for balance, by 7th month, my IT access was blocked.

How did you manage to pay for 1year 8months?

16 years ago o �� I even owed uni accommodation fees for more than 2 years! Anytime they harassed me, I go send £100. After I paid my fees, I brought my sister over for her undergrad � so it took even longer to pay the accommodation fees off

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 8:44am On Oct 09, 2021

ModelLook:
All of you that are in the UK, I greet you all from Nigeria. How is life in the UK? Okay now. I have some questions for you.

For those that are working and schooling, how are you coping with the two?

What is the possibility of completing your Tution Fees after paying initial deposit here in Nigeria especially if you are going for a two year master degree with placememts?

Note that initial deposit is just for the first year and it's like between 2k-3k GBP.

For example, your schools fees is let's say 12,000 GBP each for two years.
And you have to still pay rent, maintenance, transport and upkeep included.

What kind of job can a student do to be able to handle this.

Is it the same 20hr job of 10 GBP per hour that will cater for this. Can it really?
(I have done my research on partime job pay)

Is this possible?

I don tire

Abeg UK Nigerians, I need ur input here.

Took me the whole year of my masters plus an extra 8 months to finish paying my fees in full. It's not impossible but it means having no life till it's done! Plus you won't get your certificate till the fees is paid in full

3 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 8:42am On Oct 09, 2021

Maxicon:
Hi, I would be moving to Bristol by month end. Any advice on how to go about getting an accommodation there and which area of bristol

Depends on how far or close you want to be to either work (if you're there for work) or uni. The very bad areas are luckily quite far from both the centre and the universities.

Best bet is open rent, spare room or gum tree. Do not pay for viewings or pay a holding deposit before doing any viewings.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 2:43am On Oct 08, 2021

mrcodebreaker:
Anyone based in the southwest. Bristol environs?

Lived there for a long time and it's our UK base. Needing help?

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 5:51am On Oct 01, 2021

dupyshoo:
To qualify for SMP you must:

1. earn on average at least £120 a week
2. give the correct notice and proof you’re pregnant
3. have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks continuing into the ‘qualifying week’ - the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth

So you must have been working for your employer for about 10 months before you get pregnant.

Please note that it also depends on the employer. Some employers will pay for up to 6 months of full salary. So check your company policy to be sure.

6 months rather than 10. It's 26 weeks = half of 52 weeks. Employers have to be notified by 24 weeks. Same as HMRC is you're self employed

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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 5:48am On Oct 01, 2021

mizGene:
Hello everyone,

Pls I need some clarity around maternity pay..
How long does one have to have worked for before being eligibile to receive it?
I saw on the gov website that employees are entitled to 90% of their pay but it is only for 6 weeks, after that about 152 pounds is paid per week for 39 weeks. Is this applicable to all?

If I'm not mistaken, the qualifying period is 26 weeks. https://www.gov.uk/employers-maternity-pay-leave/eligibility-and-proof-of-pregnancy

So you should have been with your employer that long - the time for statutory maternity pay is transferable so if you change jobs, the 26 weeks still applies but not from scratch.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:34am On Sep 26, 2021

aragbaboy:
Thanks, but am interested to know whether I 'll have to make any payment for kids between 5 and 7 years, as it applies to those below 3 years.

School starts at age 4 )4 by August 31st) so no unless you need wrap around care then you pay extra

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 7:59am On Sep 20, 2021

ToshoTosin:
Good afternoon everyone, I will like to ask,
please what areas or towns are advisable and affordable to live in, get student jobs and full time for someone studying in university of Hertfordshire, and has one dependant. We were advised Ipswich or North London but I'd like opinions please.

Ipswich will be a lot cheaper than North London. Plus having a port closeby and direct train access to London and the East Anglia means access to a variety of jobs too.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 12:59am On Sep 06, 2021

harrrry:
Evening house. Is it advisable to get house in Bristol while my school is University of Bath. Just considering Bristol because of my part-time job and full-time for partner. Accommodation in Bath is expensive. Any advice?

Depends on where you live in Bristol - if driving from the South yes, otherwise you'll be spending a lot of time in traffic. Anywhere close to Temple Meads and the rent will be similar to renting in Bath, add train tickets and you'll be better off in Bath. Places like Keynsham, Radstock, Peasedown St John, Midsomer Norton are outside Bath with very good and regular bus links. There are trains from Keynsham too.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:21am On Aug 31, 2021

AirBay:
@All ELDERS

What's the best bank for Fixed Deposit for a 1year term?

Also can anyone advice a good investment with a mouth-watering ROI EXCLUDING Crypto

Buy a house or flat

1 Like 1 Share

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:30am On Aug 30, 2021

mrcodebreaker:
Looking to buy a house next year so we saving now. We stay in south west. Its not help2buy as that doesn’t cover our budget as I hear help2buy is 250k max then. Any tips?

Have you looked at the 95% mortgages? The cap is 600k

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:27am On Aug 30, 2021

kode12:
Does anyone use creditkarma? Are their scores accurate? I used up about 70% of one of my cards, just a few days before my cc company produced a statement, so it reflected on the statement, and on Creditkarma as well. Few days later, my credit score, tanked by about 23 points.

They do update pretty quickly usually within days sometimes. Your score will reduce lower the longer the debt is held unpaid. It's because your credit exposure is higher now.

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