Moving to London from Canada... Help

[dunnka]

Hello everyone,

Hoping to get some input. I will be moving to London from Canada and need to get a feel for living expenses, visa application times and any other information you can provide.

I will be moving with my wife and 3 year old son. My wife will not be working.

We would like:
1) to live within 1 hour train to the city
2) in a detached 3-4 bdrm house (rent)
3) close to good schools (should we consider private schools?cost?)

What are some good family oriented locations that meet the above? What would be the rental cost I should expect.

Can anyone with a three person household give me an idea of grocery, utilities, and other costs?

As far as visa application I have completed the online evaluation and should be able to qualify for the Tier 1 visa. How long will it take to get this and how sticky are they about the maintenance cash balance being in the account for three months? I have investments that cover the requirement but I do not maintain the necessary cash (approx $10,000cdn) in my bank account.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also is there a similar forum on the Channel Islands?

Thanks

[fiona705]

UK's number one property website for properties for sale and to rent - will give you houses for sale/rent

[fiona705]

National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables - check this out for trains


Tube | Transport for London - this for the london underground trains

the major supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Waitrose - they all have websites that you could have a look at - with prices - so you may get an idea of grocery costs.

unfortunately the cost of water, electricity, gas, house rates are expensive

[JazMan]

Hi,
Hope I can help.
We moved to Toronto from UK.

1) to live within 1 hour train to the city..
(Maidenhead (Berkshire), Iver, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont, Osterley (All good areas, good schools within 40 minutes of London by train)
2) in a detached 3-4 bdrm house (rent) (1000GBP - 1200GBP rent)
3) close to good schools (should we consider private schools?cost?)
Public schools are best in the right area, will save you up to 5000 GBP per child per year.
Check out the schools league on the bbc website. UK education is superioir compared than canada.

What are some good family oriented locations that meet the above? What would be the rental cost I should expect.
Near Windsor, Ealing, West London...you cant go wrong

For groceries, just half the amount from dollars and make it into pence. ie $2 groceries would be approx 1 pound. Utilities cost less than Canada. However Petrol/Gas is double the cost of Canada.

Good luck..
G..