Financing and Legal
Mortgages for UK expats
Many UK workers have come to the conclusion that they have better career opportunities outside of the UK, either on a temporary basis or permanent. The reasons are clear: the rate of economic expansion is weaker than in Asia, the US and some European Countries; Switzerland and Germany in particular. The demand for specialist labour is high among fast-growing economies. Expatriates may wish to:
- Purchase a property to live in when they return to the UK or where their families can live<...
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Travel tax tips
When living overseas, there are a number of financial considerations that should be taken on board. Careful planning will ensure you are paying the relevant UK-based taxes, and maximising the opportunities of being an expatriate. Martin Rimmer, International Tax Manager of The Fry Group, provides some helpful financial pointers.
If you are living overseas, entitled to UK tax allowances while you remain there, and have UK income which means you have to pay UK tax and file a UK Tax Retur...
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Cautious steps
Anyone considering retiring overseas can look forward to a warmer climate, a slower pace of life and the opportunity to experience life in a new country with a different culture. Finances dictate many moves overseas and planning ahead – perhaps 18 months before moving – is beneficial in order to financially and mentally prepare for such a significant change of life. Here are a few things to consider:
Your home
Do decide whether to keep or sell your UK prope...
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Dream tax breaks
Few property owners are aware of this generous treatment. It is important to act quickly while it remains.
If you have bought a furnished residential property anywhere in the European Economic Area in the last ten years then you may stand to benefit. It applies where let on a commercial basis. It also includes furnished holiday lets in the UK. Personal use is fine subject to the following key conditions.
Key conditions
• Contains basic furniture
...
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Options overseas
When planning a new life abroad, perhaps one of the last things on your mind will be wondering whether such a move overseas will actually see you better off financially speaking. On the contrary, the cost of making the move is often a concern uppermost in many would-be expatriates’ minds. However, the fact of the matter is you could be better off just by moving overseas – depending on where you move to and how you manage your money.
From graduates newly recruited to work abroad...
When planning a new life abroad, perhaps one of the last things on your mind will be wondering whether such a move overseas will actually see you better off financially speaking. On the contrary, the cost of making the move…
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In safe hands
“Before CurrencyFair, we transferred income from abroad into our UK Pounds Sterling account at whatever rate our bank saw fit – which was often dreadful. I would estimate that in the last two months of using CurrencyFair we have already saved over £2,000.”
These are the words of Patrick Robertson, Managing Director of Pure Pie, a company that does business in the UK and abroad. It’s the sort of customer comment that’s typical of a new and very welcome addition to the foreign...
“Before CurrencyFair, we transferred income from abroad into our UK Pounds Sterling account at whatever rate our bank saw fit – which was often dreadful. I would estimate that in the last two months of using CurrencyFair we have already…
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Getting the best out of expat life
Living an working abroad can be exciting and rewarding, but expat life also presents several challenges. There’s plenty to think about, including careers, accommodation, schooling, healthcare, social life and of course, our finances. When it comes to money, this is something that requires specialist help, if we are to maximise any opportunities and avoid any potential drawbacks that expatriate life can bring.
HSBC Bank International has over 40 years’ experience in serving the need...
Living an working abroad can be exciting and rewarding, but expat life also presents several challenges. There’s plenty to think about, including careers, accommodation, schooling, healthcare, social life and of course, our finances. When it comes to money, this is…
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Sending money overseas
Don’t assume that high street banks will necessarily offer you the best deal. Currency specialists can save you money by offering better rates of exchange and lower transfer fees. Savings of two percent and more on exchange rates and £10 to £20 per transfer on transfer fees are very realistic.
Plan ahead
Don’t leave your overseas payments until the last minute, as you will be forced to accept the currency rate at the time of trans...
Don’t assume that high street banks will necessarily offer you the best deal. Currency specialists can save you money by offering better rates of exchange and lower transfer fees. Savings of two percent and more on exchange rates and £10…
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Understanding banking
Globalisation, paired with modern transport systems and communications tools have brought a new level of choice and flexibility to individuals in terms of relocation. British expats continue to make up a large percentage of those that choose a life abroad and are spread across a huge variety of locations.
Understanding such a unique and diverse group of individuals is a difficult challenge and regional expertise is essential. HSBC Bank International are strengthening their claim in thi...
Globalisation, paired with modern transport systems and communications tools have brought a new level of choice and flexibility to individuals in terms of relocation. British expats continue to make up a large percentage of those that choose a life abroad…
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Experts in expats
Globalisation, paired with modern transport systems and communications tools have brought a new level of choice and flexibility to individuals in terms of relocation. British expats continue to make up a large percentage of those that choose a life abroad and are spread across a huge variety of locations.
Understanding such a unique and diverse group of individuals is a difficult challenge and regional expertise is essential. HSBC Bank International are strengthening their claim in thi...
Globalisation, paired with modern transport systems and communications tools have brought a new level of choice and flexibility to individuals in terms of relocation. British expats continue to make up a large percentage of those that choose a life abroad…
READ MORE
Don’t leave your UK pension on ice
Residents leaving the UK to move abroad, the last thing on their mind is “what happens to my UK pension?” However, it is worth remembering that very often a person’s pension is the second or third most valuable asset after their property. It is therefore very important for people to know whether their pension is being managed to its full potential and is not losing them money.
Those who hold a final salary pension with a former UK employer, as a deferred member, it...
Residents leaving the UK to move abroad, the last thing on their mind is “what happens to my UK pension?” However, it is worth remembering that very often a person’s pension is the second or third most valuable asset after…
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Time up for timeshare?
Although timeshare holiday homes were all the rage in the 1980s, their star has dimmed in the last 15 years. Many timeshare buyers took a while to realise their so-called “investment” often represented extremely poor value for money, though this awareness often only surfaced after gabby salesman had prised substantial cheques from vulnerable holiday makers following exhausting presentations and assurances of years of unending pleasure in their new shared properties.
Intensive sales ...
Although timeshare holiday homes were all the rage in the 1980s, their star has dimmed in the last 15 years. Many timeshare buyers took a while to realise their so-called “investment” often represented extremely poor value for money, though this…
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Tailored benefits
Infiniti Corporate, the incentives arm of Leisure Dimensions, one of Europe’s leading resort management companies, has been providing incentive based marketing solutions to a number of national and international clients since 2005. The scheme became so successful that they were then asked to develop incentive based marketing schemes that would help develop their own businesses.
Their concept is simple but very effective: providing complementary Avanti Holiday Vouchers which busin...
Infiniti Corporate, the incentives arm of Leisure Dimensions, one of Europe’s leading resort management companies, has been providing incentive based marketing solutions to a number of national and international clients since 2005. The scheme became so successful that they were…
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Global citizenship
Today’s global village has made top-line business executives into truly mobile global citizens. For global managers, making the transition between cultures can be very challenging. Writer Corporation has been making challenges like these easy for the best in the business, for over 50 years.
Writer Corporation has stood for consistent service delivery, care and value that go well beyond expectations, making us one of the leading and most well respected relocation service providers...
Today’s global village has made top-line business executives into truly mobile global citizens. For global managers, making the transition between cultures can be very challenging. Writer Corporation has been making challenges like these easy for the best in the business,…
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Split for dividends
Fractions are the latest concept in the fast-growing overseas property market. They offer syndicated ownership of luxury residences to retirees, investors or those who just want a place in the sun. Whereas they have been likened to the old timeshare scheme, this is a misconception, as there are several notable differences.
With a timeshare scheme the purchaser effectively buys an annual chunk of time in a holiday property.
Fractional ownership differs from the traditional timesh...
Fractions are the latest concept in the fast-growing overseas property market. They offer syndicated ownership of luxury residences to retirees, investors or those who just want a place in the sun. Whereas they have been likened to the old timeshare…