Relocation to London - What's Important Before Moving to London?
- Mor Tubin
- May 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Planning a move to London? Whether it's for work, education, or a change of pace, relocating to a new country comes with its fair share of excitement as well as challenges.
I've worked with many families and professionals making this exact move, and there's a big difference between the glossy idea of London life and the practical realities of getting established here.
London Neighbourhoods: Beyond the Visitor's Guide
London’s areas have distinct personalities and price points. What works for one person can be completely off for another.
When choosing where to live during your relocation to London, consider:
East London (Shoreditch, Hackney): Creative industries, busy nightlife, younger crowd
South-West (Wimbledon, Richmond): More suburban feel, good schools, green spaces
North London (Hampstead, Islington): Village-like pockets, literary connections, beautiful architecture
Commuter towns: If budget is tight, towns like Ealing or Greenwich offer better value with reasonable transport links
One practical tip from my clients is to visit your shortlisted areas during the day and after dark. That quiet street might be a main cut-through during commuting times, and that lovely pub could be the source of late-night noise.
London Cost of Living: The Real Numbers
Housing will dominate your budget in London. A one-bedroom flat ranges from approximately £1,200 in outer zones to around £1,500-£2,000 in central areas. Two-bedroom properties cost significantly more.
Your monthly expenses will include:
Council tax: £100-200+ monthly, depending on the borough and property band
Utilities: Roughly £130-£160 monthly for essential utilities
Transport: A monthly travel card for zones 1-2 costs around £140 (as of 2023)
Groceries: £50-80 weekly for one person, more for families
Despite higher salaries in London, many newcomers experience initial sticker shock. Being realistic about your budget from the start saves considerable stress later.
Finding a Home: A Process, Not an Event
The London rental market can move fast. Desirable properties can be listed and taken within days. I've seen clients honing in on several places before securing one.
Being ready to move fast gives you a competitive edge when you find a place you like. To prepare, have proof of income (3-6 recent payslips), references from previous landlords, ID and visa documentation, and enough funds for both the deposit (typically 5 weeks' rent) and first month's rent upfront.
Try to anticipate timeline misalignments. For example, a rental offer might be delayed or withdrawn, forcing you to look for new options while simultaneously trying to register the kids at local schools and start a new job. Having a plan B for accommodation can be worth it.
Healthcare in London: Navigating the NHS
The NHS provides comprehensive healthcare, but understanding how to access it efficiently takes time.
Register with a GP when you arrive – don't wait until you're sick. You'll need proof of address and ID to register. For urgent non-emergency care, use NHS 111, and remember that A&E departments are for genuine emergencies. While some may dispute it, the quality of care is generally good, but waiting times for non-urgent procedures can be lengthy. Some newcomers maintain international health insurance during their first year for peace of mind.
Career and Job Opportunities when Relocating to London
London's job market is competitive but diverse. Key sectors include finance, tech, creative industries, and professional services.
If you're job hunting, understand that UK CVs differ from those in other countries – they're typically 2 pages without photos. Recruitment agencies often specialise by industry or function and can be valuable allies in your search. Networking matters, so attend industry events and try to connect with professional groups when possible. Be prepared for interview styles that tend to be less direct than in some countries – understanding subtle communication can make a difference in how you're perceived.
Education Options: From Nursery to University
Education is often a primary concern for families with children. The options include state schools (free, with quality varying by area and catchment restrictions), private schools (£15,000-50,000 annually with competitive admission), and international schools that offer familiar curriculums but come with high fees.
Application deadlines matter as well, especially for popular schools. I've worked with families who secured housing only to discover all local schools were full for the upcoming year. Start researching schools before you commit to a particular area of London. That said, if you find yourself on a waiting list, there might still be a chance, as the lists close early and others move elsewhere later.
The Practical Side of Settling In
The first few months in London involve admin tasks that can quickly become overwhelming. Opening a bank account requires proof of address, which creates a catch-22 situation for newcomers. You'll also need to set up utilities and council tax, register for a GP, connect phones and internet, and learn transport routes to navigate daily life.
These tasks are simple individually, but can be time-consuming together. Many clients report that these matters drained their energy in the early weeks.
Home Design and Setup: Starting with the Essentials
At AnywhereHome, I've seen how having a functional home from the start makes a significant difference to the relocation experience.
Our approach to home design and setup is practical: we focus first on the essentials you need the most, handle the time-consuming tasks like furniture assembly and utility setup, work with your existing possessions if you're bringing them, and create a home that works for your needs. This service isn't about luxury – it's about reducing the logistical burden during an already busy time.
Final Thoughts
Moving to London means joining a city of contrasts – frustrating bureaucracy alongside incredible cultural offerings, rainy days that give way to magical summer evenings in the parks, high costs but unique opportunities.
There will be difficult days. You'll get lost on the tube, struggle to understand certain British customs, and wonder if you made the right choice. But there will also be moments when you feel at home in your local café, confidently navigating your neighbourhood, or discovering a hidden garden square that makes you fall in love with the city.
If you're planning a relocation to London and would like advice on setting up your home, contact AnywhereHome. We've been through this process many times and can help you avoid the common pitfalls.
Planning your relocation to London? Contact AnywhereHome about our home design and setup services. We'll handle the logistics so you can focus on settling in.