Ensuring that your Assignees are Prepared for their UK Home Search
The home search process varies greatly from country to country. As the UK continues to be one of the top global destinations for assignees, we offer relocation practitioners and global assignment managers the following tips for your employees moving to the UK.
- Needs Assessment: Your assignee will be asked to complete a needs assessment to provide the Destination Services Provider (DSP) with as much information as possible about the home they are currently living in, their lifestyle in general and the home they ideally seek to secure in the UK. Time and effort spent on completing this form can significantly impact the success of the initial home search, as it provides the DSP with all of the basic information and requirements that the assignee is seeking, which will expedite their research process and ensure that they are meeting the needs of your assignee.
- Housing Budget: We recommend that assignees be realistic with regards to their housing budget and, if necessary, conduct some preliminary research on the types of properties that have recently been available in the area where they are hoping to live. If four bedroom homes are renting for £3,000 per month. it's not recommended to request a four bedroom home for £1,500 in the same area as making a request of this kind will only stall the process for the assignee.
- Internet Research: Although there are some wonderful sites on the internet to research neighborhoods and housing, please be aware that the information is often out of date and not reflective of the current conditions. Also, there are some agents who are much more qualified than others, especially as it pertains to working with assignees, so we strongly advise mobility leaders to stress the needs to their assignees to work with the designated DSP agent(s).
- Types of Accommodation: Housing in the UK may be very different from what your assignee is accustomed. Often the rooms are much smaller; some may be older style properties with very high ceilings. In town centers, assignees should expect to find apartment style living normal and homes with gardens in short supply, or outside of budget. In rural areas outside of the larger cities, family homes will be available at an equivalent cost to what they would pay for a city apartment. We also recommend that the assignee consider the types of furniture they are shipping prior to their final move as it may not work in their new residence.
- Appliances: If your assignees are considering bringing their electrical items, please ensure that they confirm that the voltage will be compatible in the UK. Also, most rental properties are equipped with large kitchen appliances: fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, oven and, in some circumstances, a microwave.
- Air Conditioning: Homes in the UK rarely come with air conditioning and it not something typically requested of the landlord.
- Home Search Day:
- Punctuality is key; appointments will have been made with various agents who will not wait should the assignee arrive late
- The assignee should be prepared to numerous stops and we recommend that they wear comfortable clothing
- The days are long and hectic and bringing children, especially younger ones, is not typically recommended
- Once the Assignee has found their 'Dream Home': The DSP will assist the assignee with the lease negotiation. In the UK, leases typically run for 12 months with a possible break after six months, but this varies significantly.
- Utilities: The assignee should expect to pay for utilities as these will not be included in the rent. Therefore there will be gas, electric, water and council tax to be paid over and above the monthly rental charge. Assignees can expect to receive the first bills three months after then move in, as utility companies charge quarterly, or they may set up a monthly direct debit.
A little extra preparation goes a long way in ensuring a successful home search process and reducing the overall stress associated with the relocation for the assignee and their family. Life in the UK may be a little different from the assignee's home country, buy the experience is sure to be a rewarding and wonderful one, especially if they are prepared in advance.
Posted on 02/22/2010 in Global Mobility | Comments (0)
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