Returning to UK

Alassa64

Hello.  Pretty sure I'm in the wrong forum but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction of where I can post this query.   
Having lived abroad for 30 years I intend coming back to UK to live/retire in a couple of years.   I wanted to do a cost of living comparison - similar to what they do on the TV program living down under where they have a spreadsheet and they put the costs of essentials and compare prices in Aus/UK.    Hope that makes sense!
Does anyone know where I could download a ready made spreadsheet with the essentials on it that I could tweak as necessary?    For instance I had forgotten all about council tax which came as a shock when I realised the amount per month ! 

Many thanks for any guidance.  As I said I realise this wont be the correct forum but wasn't sure where to post.
Thanks
Alassa 2

macman

You could use the SOA template which is on the main board somewhere, if someone could link to it?

Gerry1

Welcome to the forum.

Don't forget to claim 25% discount on council tax if you're a single occupier.  Watch out for the astronomical costs of Stamp Duty if you buy a property (and the 3% surcharge if you own another one anywhere in the world).

Get energy comparisons from Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?' because they show all suppliers by default.  Separate suppliers can be cheaper than dual fuel.  Remember to register with whoever are the incumbent energy suppliers the moment you move in, and send them opening meter readings that you have taken yourself (never rely on an estate agent or landlord). If you don't register, you'll be on an expensive deemed tariff.

You don't need a £157.50 TV licence just because you have a TV, only if you watch or record TV programmes as they are broadcast (any channel, even if on a computer or smartphone) or if you use the BBC iPlayer.  You are not obliged to respond or contact TV Licensing, but they are likely to hound and threaten you relentlessly if you don't have a licence: they assume everyone is guilty until proven innocent.  You don't have to let them in to your property unless they have a valid search warrant.  If you don't need a licence because you only watch online catch-up programmes from non-BBC channels, just Withdraw their Implied Right Of Access.  Similarly, you can permanently stop the nastygrams by warning them that as you are now a WOIRA they can't send the boys round, hence any threats to do so will be dealt with under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 which makes it illegal to send or deliver letters or other articles for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.

milgo

Whilst I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the data you may find this helpful/insightful to compare locations...

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/comparison.jsp

[Deleted User]

You planning on living in the north or south?

macman

https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php

Black_Cat2

Hiya Alassa.  Just out of interest why are you coming back to the UK?  Is it the lure of Boris being in power or is it because we have the best choice of 'proper' chocolate over here? 😹

barnstar2077

Gerry1 said:

Welcome to the forum.

Don't forget to claim 25% discount on council tax if you're a single occupier.  Watch out for the astronomical costs of Stamp Duty if you buy a property (and the 3% surcharge if you own another one anywhere in the world).

Get energy comparisons from Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?' because they show all suppliers by default.  Separate suppliers can be cheaper than dual fuel.  Remember to register with whoever are the incumbent energy suppliers the moment you move in, and send them opening meter readings that you have taken yourself (never rely on an estate agent or landlord). If you don't register, you'll be on an expensive deemed tariff.

You don't need a £157.50 TV licence just because you have a TV, only if you watch or record TV programmes as they are broadcast (any channel, even if on a computer or smartphone) or if you use the BBC iPlayer.  You are not obliged to respond or contact TV Licensing, but they are likely to hound and threaten you relentlessly if you don't have a licence: they assume everyone is guilty until proven innocent.  You don't have to let them in to your property unless they have a valid search warrant.  If you don't need a licence because you only watch online catch-up programmes from non-BBC channels, just Withdraw their Implied Right Of Access.  Similarly, you can permanently stop the nastygrams by warning them that as you are now a WOIRA they can't send the boys round, hence any threats to do so will be dealt with under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 which makes it illegal to send or deliver letters or other articles for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.

You have to pay a 3% surcharge even if your first home is in outer Mongolia?  For reals?  How would they check this?  

arnoldy

Gerry1 said:

You don't need a £157.50 TV licence just because you have a TV, only if you watch or record TV programmes as they are broadcast (any channel, even if on a computer or smartphone) or if you use the BBC iPlayer.  You are not obliged to respond or contact TV Licensing, but they are likely to hound and threaten you relentlessly if you don't have a licence: they assume everyone is guilty until proven innocent.  You don't have to let them in to your property unless they have a valid search warrant.  If you don't need a licence because you only watch online catch-up programmes from non-BBC channels, just Withdraw their Implied Right Of Access.  Similarly, you can permanently stop the nastygrams by warning them that as you are now a WOIRA they can't send the boys round, hence any threats to do so will be dealt with under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 which makes it illegal to send or deliver letters or other articles for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.

Thanks this is excellent and should be publicized on the main MSE site more. 

DairyQueen

The Pensions and Living Standards Association published figures on basic/moderate/comfortable UK retirement incomes last year. They break down expenses into categories and assign a ballpark value to each including discretionary/non-discretionary. 

The research may help you gain a feel of what to expect.

TBC15

I take it that you are up to speed regarding selling investments/2nd houses, timing your return with regard to financial year prior to return,