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Had Enough Of Living Abroad and The Realities Of Repatriation
There was a fascinating comments thread on an article about returning to live in the UK on a popular expat site on the internet. Rather than being filled with helpful comments from repats (those who have repatriated to the UK after living abroad) – it was full of a combination of fairly vicious and incredulous comments from both those still living in the UK and expats happy to remain overseas. The UK residents seemed incredulous that anyone would want to return, and the expats abroad seemed harshly judgemental of those who wanted to go ‘home’!Anyway, the fact of the matter is, almost as fast as we’re leaving the UK, some of those who have expatriated before us choose to return home. And if you’ve had enough of living abroad, this article about the realities of repatriation should get you set on the right path to a smooth transition home.
The first thing you need to think about is your credit history – or possibly rather your lack of it!
If you’ve been away from the UK and have no credit history you will struggle even to rent a property when you move back, let alone get a mortgage. One way you can re-establish your credit history is to keep your UK bank account open when you move abroad – if you’re legally entitled to do so. However, if you’re reading this having already closed your UK accounts think about opening an offshore or international bank account with a large bank that has a UK presence. HSBC, Barclays, NatWest etc., all have a significant presence in the UK and all offer international accounts.
Some banks in the UK are willing to lend to expats – Halifax and Cheltenham & Gloucester will both consider you. But if you’re simply coming back, you need a place to rent or you just want your credit history re-established so that you can one day get a mortgage, you need to start with a bank account. Getting a credit card or a mobile phone on a contract will also help with this.
The next thing to do is re-establish yourself on the British electoral register as soon as you possibly can – this is one of the very first places you will be looked for by a potential lender in the future for example. And in terms of finding property – remember that the market has moved massively in the UK in the last ten years and that at the current time, parts of the UK are suffering a slow down whilst others are still enjoying upwardly moving property prices. Look at the UK before you move back and think about where you can afford to live. Rental rates have risen in line with real estate prices as well, so look at rents per calendar month that you may face as well. You need to be forewarned about the expenses you will incur before you return so that you are fiscally ready for what you will have to pay out.
Think also about your personal tax situation. When you left the UK it’s highly likely that you de-registered with the Revenue...you will now have to tell them that you have returned to the UK and you will need to again begin paying tax on income you earn once you become tax resident in Britain. Your situation will be complicated by the fact thatyou’re unlikely to return on the 6th of April (i.e., at the start of the new tax year) – but with a little guidance from HMRC and an accountant, it’s likely you can quickly get taxing matters in order.
If you plan ahead when moving back to the UK you can make the transition home as smooth as possible. The only things you will then have to face are the confusing questions relating to why British postmen wear shorts in the winter and why British young women insist on going out without a coat on even when it’s pouring with rain! See, you’d forgotten these quirks of Britishness hadn’t you!