Moving to London - is it possible?

becominganobsessivesaver

I live in the north east but have colleagues based in London. Rail season tickets cost at least 10 times an annual metro pass, child care is twice as expensive that's before you even start with housing. Someone posted a new build on here the other day, in an apparently not great area west of London, it's pretty much the same as mine but is more than 3 times the price. For me to even contemplate london I think I'd need at least twice the take home pay that I have now, and even then I'd have to be dragged kicking and screaming!!

[Deleted User]

dave88uk wrote: »

On a financial stance we're relatively well off, have less than £10k in debt, all spread over 0% cards. When it comes to finances I take care of things well.

You are the exact opposite of "well off" and "tak[ing] care of things well".

Read this: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/04/18/news-flash-your-debt-is-an-emergency/

Armorica

Probably not; no.

Can you say where in London you would be working? Locations/travel cost can be worked out so you live on the 'right' train line, so you wouldn't need travel on tube/buses too (which knocks 1k+ a year off); and a more informed and focussed discussion of areas where it might be affordable to live.

I live 35 miles out, my travel costs are 3.8k train +1k tube/bus and travel at least an hour - usually more each way. I bought a house for 135k (would be now 150k ish) - but that's a rarity [because not amazing state of repair, town with less than brilliant reputation and three story town house...but it has a garden and 5 bedrooms and is next door to junior school)

If it's not a permanent move e.g. couple of years etc. you could think about renting your current house out; and renting something in/around London. I also have friends who rent a small/studio flat in London and commute down on Monday, go back on Thurs/Fri. So their families stay put, and they see them at the weekend.

(And if it's an offer - are you sure the 30k is the London salary, or are you assuming current salary/employer would stay the same? a number of national companies will include london weighting (an increase) and offer season ticket loans at 0%)

dave88uk

I came to this forum looking for help on an issue. I was assured it was a friendly place that could be used relatively anonymously.

I really appreciate the valuable things that were said by some, however to be honest I didn't bother looking after seeing some of the sarcastic, borderline abusive and unhelpful posts from others. That's a bit of a shame really because there are many, many people who don't have shoulders as big as mine.

Anyone coming to this thread with an issue such as mine is free to contact me, because I have found a way to take up this job in London and to live marginally cheaper (in a good area) than I currently am in the North East.

Of course I'd be happy to share how I've managed this with others, please feel free to PM me. Never fall at the first hurdle and let other people's negativity drag you down, where there's a will there's a way!

Akira

Good on you

Running_Horse

Well done. Do share, as there are bound to be people here with experience and useful tips on schools and commuting.

jimbog

dave88uk wrote: »

Morning all!
On a financial stance we're relatively well off, have less than £10k in debt.

:eek:

I would lose sleep

jimbog

dave88uk wrote: »

I was assured it was a friendly place that could be used relatively anonymously.

Who asked for names?

tadgh_99

I would implore you to double check all your figures before you make the move.

I have friends who are both senior teachers at local schools pulling in about £80k between them. They live in a not so nice area of South West London with three kids (or young adults now). They do not have an extravagant lifestyle by any stretch of the imagination. They are crippled with debt (and their mortgage is about what you'd be looking at budget wise, only they bought 10 years ago).

Another example, a close family relative has just bought in the north east of London, a one bedroom flat for £240k (you're after at least 3 bedrooms at least I assume)

I'm not sure how you would manage to support a family of 5 and live in a "decent" house in "decent" part of London on £30k. But if you have managed to that is fantastic and you deserve a pat on the back.

I myself have moved to South West London to be with the OH and absolutely hate the place, I find it grimy, unpleasant and expensive. She is the only reason I tolerate it. If it were me, I'd steer well clear of the place.

I'm not being negative, just realistic. But best of luck to you...

Owain_Moneysaver

Annisele wrote: »

London has many advantages

People keep saying that, but I remain unconvinced.

The provinces do have shops, restaurants, theatres and nightclubs too.