Moving to the UK from Australia
Discussion
I’m hoping this is the most appropriate channel, looking for advice on the following situation:
Three family members living in Australia, married couple, early 40’s, both born in the UK, moved out to Australia as children, spent all their adult / working lives in Australia, one teenage daughter, all three hold newly issued UK passports now wish to return to the UK.
Parents are non-professional and have spent their working lives in retail / security jobs. They are currently in the process of selling their own property and the recently deceased mother’s property (also in Australia) They’ve indicated this will give them between £450-500,000 to return to the UK with, their goal is to buy a house for cash and then work part time to support themselves.
We have tried to get them to be proactive and prepare everything they can for when they return, but they seem to be making token efforts and give the impression they’ll just move in with family (i.e us) and figure it all out once in the UK as renting is ‘dead money’.
I have some experience of sponsoring and employing staff coming to the UK from EU countries and having a professional well paid job seems to be the key that unlocks opening a bank account before arriving in the UK, getting an NI number and renting a property. In the situation with the family, not having a job to come to seems to be a reason that they are using as to why they can’t get anything in place before they arrive in the UK.
My questions to the PH collective, has anyone been in this kind of situation themselves (moving to the UK with a large sum of money)?
If so do you have any advice or guidance in regards to banking and also the kind of hoops they’ll need to jump through to prove source of funds (and how long this might take)
What kind of complication could one expect if trying to buy a house (for cash) in these circumstances?
Would there be any tax implications too in bringing this amount of cash into the country?
Three family members living in Australia, married couple, early 40’s, both born in the UK, moved out to Australia as children, spent all their adult / working lives in Australia, one teenage daughter, all three hold newly issued UK passports now wish to return to the UK.
Parents are non-professional and have spent their working lives in retail / security jobs. They are currently in the process of selling their own property and the recently deceased mother’s property (also in Australia) They’ve indicated this will give them between £450-500,000 to return to the UK with, their goal is to buy a house for cash and then work part time to support themselves.
We have tried to get them to be proactive and prepare everything they can for when they return, but they seem to be making token efforts and give the impression they’ll just move in with family (i.e us) and figure it all out once in the UK as renting is ‘dead money’.
I have some experience of sponsoring and employing staff coming to the UK from EU countries and having a professional well paid job seems to be the key that unlocks opening a bank account before arriving in the UK, getting an NI number and renting a property. In the situation with the family, not having a job to come to seems to be a reason that they are using as to why they can’t get anything in place before they arrive in the UK.
My questions to the PH collective, has anyone been in this kind of situation themselves (moving to the UK with a large sum of money)?
If so do you have any advice or guidance in regards to banking and also the kind of hoops they’ll need to jump through to prove source of funds (and how long this might take)
What kind of complication could one expect if trying to buy a house (for cash) in these circumstances?
Would there be any tax implications too in bringing this amount of cash into the country?
Being Britain it'll probably be a nightmare , but when moving to Canada back along I opened an account with HSBC in my village then after the move opened an account with them at my nearest branch and transferred funds for 10 quid a time as and when needed , cars house etc . No questions asked , or tax implications IIRC .
No actual experience, but there will be no tax implications from what you describe.
Having UK passports and having been born in the UK will help - they need to get on the UK Govt websites to see what the latest processes are - having Birth Certificates & National Insurance numbers will be useful here.
Proving that their funds are not the proceeds of crime just requires a paper trail from their Australian transactions - bank statements, solicitors letters, death certificates, estate agent correspondence etc.
For ease of banking set up, get them to look at how the UK banks manage the process - Lloyds for example have a New to the UK page on their website which shows what is required - a UK passport, a UK address (yours?) and current/previous Australian address.
As you well know, buying property in the UK takes months, so unless they buy blind from Australia, they will probably end up with you (or in a rental) for quite some time...
The real question is why, and why now?
Having UK passports and having been born in the UK will help - they need to get on the UK Govt websites to see what the latest processes are - having Birth Certificates & National Insurance numbers will be useful here.
Proving that their funds are not the proceeds of crime just requires a paper trail from their Australian transactions - bank statements, solicitors letters, death certificates, estate agent correspondence etc.
For ease of banking set up, get them to look at how the UK banks manage the process - Lloyds for example have a New to the UK page on their website which shows what is required - a UK passport, a UK address (yours?) and current/previous Australian address.
As you well know, buying property in the UK takes months, so unless they buy blind from Australia, they will probably end up with you (or in a rental) for quite some time...
The real question is why, and why now?
Edited by dobly on Thursday 26th May 04:18
Edited by dobly on Thursday 26th May 04:35
Edited by dobly on Monday 30th May 22:13
CSLchappie said:
We have tried to get them to be proactive and prepare everything they can for when they return, but they seem to be making token efforts and give the impression they’ll just move in with family (i.e us) and figure it all out once in the UK as renting is ‘dead money’.
Just say no! What's their rationale for leaving Oz?
They'll be competing for low paid jobs and part time will eat into whatever money that they have.
Why do people see what we left with blinding positivity? We are all like this. I'd love to return to London but I doubt it'll be as good as it once was for me there.
They'll be competing for low paid jobs and part time will eat into whatever money that they have.
Why do people see what we left with blinding positivity? We are all like this. I'd love to return to London but I doubt it'll be as good as it once was for me there.
They could open an initial post office bank account or a current account with any of the local money credit unions, they need limited info and ID.
Another option would be Revolut / Starling / Monzo / etc. as they tend to only require base information too.
I would pepper-corn transfer funds, or split it across a handful of sources and do low-level transactions to keep it off anyones radar if its remotely difficult to paper-trail
Housing - sorry but id tell them to FRO as far as living with me
Jobs - its a bit short sighted to move back with zero job prospects or opportunities lined up ... but manual or retail work shouldn't be too hard to find (lots still don't want to work post-covid)
They are aware that were heading into a massive recession though right? and that the cost of living here is spiralling out of control?
?
Another option would be Revolut / Starling / Monzo / etc. as they tend to only require base information too.
I would pepper-corn transfer funds, or split it across a handful of sources and do low-level transactions to keep it off anyones radar if its remotely difficult to paper-trail
Housing - sorry but id tell them to FRO as far as living with me
Jobs - its a bit short sighted to move back with zero job prospects or opportunities lined up ... but manual or retail work shouldn't be too hard to find (lots still don't want to work post-covid)
They are aware that were heading into a massive recession though right? and that the cost of living here is spiralling out of control?
? Thanks all, FRO / NO has been my line for the last six months that its been hanging over us, unfortunately its not my side of the family and conversations tend to happen while the other half is driving to work, and she's a people pleaser so won't rock the boat.
Good to hear that there are no tax implications, one less potential hiccup.
On the banking side, I've done some research and it looks like Wise could be an option as I think they'll be able to open an account in Australia without a UK residential address (which is seemly a pre-requisite for virtually all other UK based banks) The down side is a seemingly high currency exchange fee of 0.41%
From what I've been able to piece together so far they need/should start doing the following from Australia:
Document everything regarding paper trial to source of funds from proceeds of both house sales (one is now sold and completes end of June, their house goes on the market within a week or two)
Get UK bank account in place so they can draw on Aus funds once in the UK.
Start talking to rental agents and solicitors to explain their situation and get advice / services in place before arriving in the UK, for renting they've accepted that they'll need to pony up 6-12 months rent in advance while they search for a house.
Ideally have a rental property lined up, subject to viewing on arrival, but I guess with the current property market this will be hard to coordinate.
On arrival:
Find somewhere to live, if they haven't already got somewhere lined up pre-arrival.
Register for NI numbers.
Bring money in UK well in advance of potential house purchase to get ahead of any issues around source of funds.
As to why they're coming back, its all emotionally led, the wife of the group is driving this and is the cousin of my partners adult children, she thinks she's one of them (nothing could be further from the truth) she's fallen out with 'her' family in Australia (dad, half sisters, step brothers and all associated extended family members) so thinks she can slot herself into our lives. Its just a disaster waiting to happen, my partner and I have very demanding roles, we both work from home on a regular basis, we have an extremely busy family life (her three kids, grand kids, elderly parents) and we maybe get one weekend a month to ourselves. The very fact that its me having to research all of this for them is infuriating.
Good to hear that there are no tax implications, one less potential hiccup.
On the banking side, I've done some research and it looks like Wise could be an option as I think they'll be able to open an account in Australia without a UK residential address (which is seemly a pre-requisite for virtually all other UK based banks) The down side is a seemingly high currency exchange fee of 0.41%
From what I've been able to piece together so far they need/should start doing the following from Australia:
Document everything regarding paper trial to source of funds from proceeds of both house sales (one is now sold and completes end of June, their house goes on the market within a week or two)
Get UK bank account in place so they can draw on Aus funds once in the UK.
Start talking to rental agents and solicitors to explain their situation and get advice / services in place before arriving in the UK, for renting they've accepted that they'll need to pony up 6-12 months rent in advance while they search for a house.
Ideally have a rental property lined up, subject to viewing on arrival, but I guess with the current property market this will be hard to coordinate.
On arrival:
Find somewhere to live, if they haven't already got somewhere lined up pre-arrival.
Register for NI numbers.
Bring money in UK well in advance of potential house purchase to get ahead of any issues around source of funds.
As to why they're coming back, its all emotionally led, the wife of the group is driving this and is the cousin of my partners adult children, she thinks she's one of them (nothing could be further from the truth) she's fallen out with 'her' family in Australia (dad, half sisters, step brothers and all associated extended family members) so thinks she can slot herself into our lives. Its just a disaster waiting to happen, my partner and I have very demanding roles, we both work from home on a regular basis, we have an extremely busy family life (her three kids, grand kids, elderly parents) and we maybe get one weekend a month to ourselves. The very fact that its me having to research all of this for them is infuriating.
These people sound like the dictionary definition of leeches - both emotional and financial. Time stealers also. How does one end up an adult and yet so dependant on relatives - pretty distant ones at that by the sounds of it. I just can't comprehend it.
Dunno what to adivse OP, but I don't envy you. I'd be flat refusing to do a sodding thing to be frank, it'd be very plain to my Mrs that it's up to her to sort it out. Don't get me wrong I'd help a relative in need, I have done so in the past, but this seems to be a choice, not a need, so I'd not be willing to get so involved. They can arrange it and pay their own bloody rent, "dead money" indeed.
Good luck.
Dunno what to adivse OP, but I don't envy you. I'd be flat refusing to do a sodding thing to be frank, it'd be very plain to my Mrs that it's up to her to sort it out. Don't get me wrong I'd help a relative in need, I have done so in the past, but this seems to be a choice, not a need, so I'd not be willing to get so involved. They can arrange it and pay their own bloody rent, "dead money" indeed.
Good luck.
Edited by Bannock on Thursday 26th May 12:58
When I moved to Australia in the 90s, I asked my bank (Natwest) to refer me to the correspondent bank (Commonwealth in this case).
When I arrived I had credit cards, cheque book and someone to give me references for renting a flat.
I don't know whether such arrangements still exist, but your rellies should see what they can set up from their side.
When I arrived I had credit cards, cheque book and someone to give me references for renting a flat.
I don't know whether such arrangements still exist, but your rellies should see what they can set up from their side.
deckster said:
Are you worried about pissing some people off who (a) you don't like, and (b) live on the other side of the world?
Not at all, I can be a stubborn and nasty 
when needed - but that may not be enough to stop them coming. I have less of an issue with them 'visiting' for a week or so upon arrival, what I'm concerned about is them rocking up without a plan, taking the attitude that renting is dead money (which we've had to re-educate them on) and then them expecting to stay with us while they find and buy a house, which could be anything from 3-12 months. Its very easy to just say no (hell I've been saying it for six months) but the reality is that mainly leads to stress and strife with the relationship with my partner and not the dingo clan.The line I am trying to take is don't even look at plane tickets until you've got everything lined up ready for a smooth arrival in the UK and moving into your own place as quickly as possible. The issue is getting to the bottom of exactly what can be done by them now in Australia, what will have to wait until they are in the UK and what are the possible speed bumps along the way.
nyt said:
When I moved to Australia in the 90s, I asked my bank (Natwest) to refer me to the correspondent bank (Commonwealth in this case).
When I arrived I had credit cards, cheque book and someone to give me references for renting a flat.
I don't know whether such arrangements still exist, but your rellies should see what they can set up from their side.
Wow genuinely impressed. That is impressive joined up thinking and no doubt the referral system swung both ways to each business. When I arrived I had credit cards, cheque book and someone to give me references for renting a flat.
I don't know whether such arrangements still exist, but your rellies should see what they can set up from their side.
Bill said:
CSLchappie said:
We have tried to get them to be proactive and prepare everything they can for when they return, but they seem to be making token efforts and give the impression they’ll just move in with family (i.e us) and figure it all out once in the UK as renting is ‘dead money’.
Just say no! 1) Make it clear staying with you is a non-option.
2) Let them research their move or not, they can sink or swim.
3) Sleep easy.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
What's their rationale for leaving Oz?
They'll be competing for low paid jobs and part time will eat into whatever money that they have.
Why do people see what we left with blinding positivity? We are all like this. I'd love to return to London but I doubt it'll be as good as it once was for me there.
If they're working on the assumption they'll have similar opportunities here as Oz they're in for a rude shock! I'd be very careful how comfortable you let them get OP!They'll be competing for low paid jobs and part time will eat into whatever money that they have.
Why do people see what we left with blinding positivity? We are all like this. I'd love to return to London but I doubt it'll be as good as it once was for me there.
As for money when they come to buy they will have hoops to jump through to prove its not laundered which can be a PITA for regular people with a few Bob but seemingly not an issue for mafioski russians so go figure.
There's help and there's doing it for them.
Say no to living with you for a start. That will only end in tears. Point them at rental properties that they might like and also where to get a NI number and associated stuff. Recommend a bank for them.to contact that's not yours. One of the big four will be able to sort it out.
After that, they're on their own.
Say no to living with you for a start. That will only end in tears. Point them at rental properties that they might like and also where to get a NI number and associated stuff. Recommend a bank for them.to contact that's not yours. One of the big four will be able to sort it out.
After that, they're on their own.
Let them sort out everything.
As if there is anything going wrong, IT WILL BE YOUR FAULT
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/map.h...
As if there is anything going wrong, IT WILL BE YOUR FAULT
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/map.h...
I think they may be in for a few nasty surprises. Daughter, son-in-law and three teenage children moved back to the UK from NZ last year, they already had a business in NZ and bought into a business in Doncaster.
Never closed their bank accounts here and always had a few transactions going through over the years using his mothers address as the account address so that wasn't an issue, but, there were huge problems getting accommodation to rent as estate agents didn't want to know because they had not been resident and employed here in the last three years so no real credit history. They eventually managed to get a private rental through a bloke who knew a bloke who was just finishing a refurb and they came to a private arrangement at a rent that was somewhat in excess of the normal for the area.
Same with trying to get credit/finance to buy a car, no credit history so no finance and ended up getting an old car that his dad was about to send to the scrappers serviced and MOT'd and used that in the interim. Eventually after about six months they got the business to lease a car through VW finance which they re now using and the old car has gone to the scrapper.
Never closed their bank accounts here and always had a few transactions going through over the years using his mothers address as the account address so that wasn't an issue, but, there were huge problems getting accommodation to rent as estate agents didn't want to know because they had not been resident and employed here in the last three years so no real credit history. They eventually managed to get a private rental through a bloke who knew a bloke who was just finishing a refurb and they came to a private arrangement at a rent that was somewhat in excess of the normal for the area.
Same with trying to get credit/finance to buy a car, no credit history so no finance and ended up getting an old car that his dad was about to send to the scrappers serviced and MOT'd and used that in the interim. Eventually after about six months they got the business to lease a car through VW finance which they re now using and the old car has gone to the scrapper.
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