Live Like A Local While You Choose Where To Settle Permanently
American by origin, Merilee Karr is an adopted Brit, having lived in London for the last 18 years, always in the southwest in Fulham and Putney. She founded her short-term lettings company back in 2014 and has built everything to deliver the vision of providing responsible home letting solutions in and around London ever since. Passionate about providing guests with a ‘home from home’ experience and not leaving homes empty when their owners are away, when others could enjoy them, meant that her company UnderTheDoormat was born.
Coming to the UK from America is a big step which takes a huge amount of planning and organisation. It’s not just a case of buying all new appliances or knowing the difference between pants and trousers (which can be very valuable to know in certain situations!), but finding a whole new community and moving your family away from everything they know takes a bit of getting used to. The concept of ‘moving to London’ is exciting but in reality ‘London’ is huge, and it is always difficult to choose which part of London is most suited to you and your family’s needs.
Having been an expat herself, here Merilee gives her top tips for relocating to London and how it can definitely be one of the best decisions you will ever make;
• Make plenty of trips before the big move: Take advantage of the relocation package before you arrive. Visit London a couple of times and check out everything from potential areas to live, social clubs, schools etc. Finding an area that you feel comfortable in and can feel a part of the community will make all the difference
• Make contact with others in the same situation: Social media is great for this. There are so many groups, for example ‘Americans in London’ on Facebook, that you can connect with and get into the nitty gritty of living in London
• Get comfortable that things take longer than you think they should: From setting up Wifi to getting your furniture in your new home, the instantaneous approach you are used to in the States doesn’t always happen here, so being comfortable with extra patience will make your transition smoother
• The very first thing to do is to open a local bank account: Having a UK bank account will help you get a mobile phone, sign a rental contract and everything else you might need. Having a letter from your employer will help you do this, and you may want to enquire with your bank in the US so you can set up with the same or an associated bank here
• Choose a frequent flyer programme: For Americans who know they will be going back and forth to the US a few times a year, I highly recommend that you pick one airline and stick with it. Membership has its privileges and the occasional upgrade on the overnight flight is always a bonus.
Finding a new home is undoubtedly one of the toughest challenges when relocating. Even though the job opportunity is likely to be in central London there is no reason why you should have to live right next door – you might decide on a completely different spot and it is very normal for commute times to be anything up to an hour in London. London has superb transport links and thinking about direct transport links rather than distance is an important perspective.
It’s a good idea to try short-term rental options whilst you figure out the right area for you. Our own company is proud to offer over 200 homes across London where guests can stay for short periods to really get a feel for the location. St Pauls is very different to Wandsworth and Waterloo to Notting Hill. Our ethos is to enable guests to ‘live like locals’ – so what better way to research an area or try 3 in your visits so you can
find the one which is right for you.
If you can find an option which gives you the
chance to stay in a home until you can move into your permanent accommodation, then this will certainly make life and your move a bit easier. Most companies will pay for 1-3 months of temporary accommodation when you arrive, and it means you have a wonderful home to live in until you own things arrive and you can move into your long-term home in London.
Once you are all settled, it’s also a great service to use for friends and family who come to visit. London homes often don’t have as much space as you are used to in the States, so having people stay at your own home isn’t as easy as your friends and relatives might think.
Being American herself, Merilee’s team has been handpicked to help people with a personal service and they can explain everything from the difference in king size beds in London vs. the US, to what to look for in a bathroom - the cute little separate taps in bathroom sinks for hot and cold water can get annoying when you are used to a single faucet. So, fun for a few days but something to avoid when you plan to live there for a few years! We look forward to welcoming you to London as you begin your move so you can make your transition to London as smooth as possible.
With the summer season nearly upon us, we thought we would introduce you to some of the partners we have worked with over the years, who will be able to help you, your friends, family and/or colleagues with any accommodation solutions. We are delighted to offer a range of residences including Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Residence Inn London Kensington, Your Apartment and Premier Suites.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LONDON AT TRINITY SQUARE IS PLEASED TO OFFER TEN NEW LUXURY RESIDENCES, PERFECT FOR AN EXTENDED HOLIDAY OR SHORT-TERM RENTAL STAY IN LONDON
Set in the heart of the City of London, just 20 minutes from City Airport and within easy access of underground and rail networks, Ten Trinity Square is a prime location for business or leisure. The residences feature open-plan living areas, dining rooms, fully equipped kitchens and up to four bedrooms, with standout accommodations offering extensive private terraces with stunning views overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Located between the third and seventh floors of Ten Trinity Square, the spacious and well-appointed residences offer all the comfort and convenience of the Four Seasons Hotel, with the added privacy of a dedicated entrance. As a guest of the residences, you’ll enjoy full access to the five-star services and facilities including Michelin starred French restaurant La Dame de Pic London, Asian restaurant Mei Ume and the Rotunda Bar and Lounge; the setting for the Hotel's traditional afternoon tea. Other services include in-room dining, concierge, a luxurious spa with state-of-the-art fitness centre and indoor pool, Gielly Green Hair Salon and elegant event spaces. You will also be eligible for exclusive access to the Ten Trinity Square Private Club for the duration of your stay. The members-only venue offers a variety of spaces for meetings or social gatherings as well as several dining options, a Chateau Latour tasting room, members’ bar and cigar sampling lounge.
RESIDENCE INN LONDON KENSINGTON - OPENING SUMMER 2018
Located in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the capital’s newest and Europe’s largest Residence Inn will start welcoming guests this July.
Conveniently located between West Kensington and Earl’s Court tube stations, with many of the city’s iconic sites and visitor attractions on our doorstep, the Residence Inn London - Kensington provides the ideal base to explore London. From the shopping Meccas of Harrods and High Street Kensington to the cultural delights of the V&A Museum and Kensington Palace, the capital’s most popular cultural attractions are all within easy reach.
And for those travelling on business, we’re just a 10-minute walk from the Kensington Olympic Exhibition Centre and an easy tube journey into the City. However, with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel plus a 24-hour business centre and weekly after-work mingling through our Residence Inn Mix socials, we make it easy to stay connected.
Whether you’re looking to stay for a couple of nights or want somewhere to call home for a few weeks, we offer a genuine ‘home-from-home’ experience and warm hospitality. All our fully-equipped suites provide more space than a standard hotel room, with a separate bedroom and living area with work space, fully-equipped kitchen plus complimentary hot breakfast. What’s more, with our state-of-the-art gym, cocktail bar, games room, free Wi-Fi, communal laundry facilities and a 24/7 Grab ‘n Go market in the lobby, you can rely on us to help you maximise your stay in London.
Your first thought may be a hotel, but many people are now choosing to stay in fully serviced apartments as they provide a flexible alternative.
Yourapartment.co.uk provide furnished apartments that offer a ‘home from home’ feel with the versatility you can’t get in a hotel.
Flexibility
Some people may like to eat out every day, and that’s fine. But if you are staying for a while, there may be times when you would like to cook an evening meal, or even prepare your own breakfast or lunch, which is where staying in an apartment is ideal. But, if and when you want to eat out, all our apartments are positioned within easy walking distance to local shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs and entertainment.
Hiring a car?
You won’t need to worry about costly parking fees either as all our apartments have a parking space included within the price, so if you are travelling into London you can leave the car and hop on the train, as all our apartments are close to local train or underground stations.
Find out more …
If you are looking for a place to stay in North London, Watford, or Elstree that has all the comforts and amenities you enjoy at home, then click here to find out more and to view our apartments.
I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions and when one examines the neighbourhood it comes as no surprise.
Apart from the fact that NW8 is home to the American School, it is also home to the world renowned Lords Cricket Ground, a microcosm of all things British. With its elegant buildings, boutique coffee shops and vast expanses of pristine green grass, it provides visitors and residents with their very own piece of quintessential England without actually being in the midst of the hustle and bustle of London.
In addition, it is perfectly located for quick access into the West End and the City of London where London’s businesses, theatres and restaurants can be found. A few stops on a bus or underground train from the Art Deco style St Johns Wood Underground Station gets you into the heart of London, and when you return back home from the inner London frenzy you are back in this well-established friendly community reminiscent of a Home Counties village.
Clearly for visitors from the USA, The American School here is a big draw. It was originally founded in 1951 but has undergone massive changes over the years by incorporating adjoining buildings and completely redesigning its exterior and interior creating a spectacular environment for its pupils to study in. The school has an impressive track record of success and now teaches students from more than 50 different nationalities.
Moving home is always troublesome, but moving to a new home in a different country is understandably a hugely emotional time for families. However, in my conversations with my American clients, I am told that the expat American community find that living close to other people who are in a similar situation can be extremely comforting and, of course, having the spectacular Panzers Deli round the corner, which prides itself on having a wealth of American foods, is the perfect cure for feeling homesick.
Historically, St John’s Wood was once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, and until the end of the eighteenth century it remained in agricultural use. Apart from a small portion around Barrow Hill, which was owned by the Portland Estate, most of St John’s Wood had been acquired by the Eyre family in 1732. A second, smaller estate, nestled alongside Edgware Road, was acquired by John Lyon in 1574; the estate was later given by him to his foundation, Harrow School, on trust to maintain the roads between London and Harrow in good repair. Hence, a number of local road names reflect these links. John Lyon’s Charity is today one of London’s leading endowed educational charities.
When building began in this area at the beginning of the nineteenth century, St John’s Wood became the first part of London to move away from the typical terraced houses and instead began to showcase the semi-detached villa. This somewhat revolutionary move was later copied in other districts of London. Despite many of the original houses and gardens not surviving the Second World War bombing raids, the area has still managed to preserve its original character.
As well as its history and the aforementioned famous cricket ground, there are many other attractions which draw both tourists and local residents to the area. Regent’s Park is just a stone’s throw away and is the largest open space for sports in Central London. The park not only hosts the world famous London Zoo, but also the highly acclaimed open air theatre where popular plays are regularly performed.
In modern times, St John’s Wood became home to the most famous recording studios in the world, the Abbey Road Studios, often used by The Beatles who brought the area into the public eye with the iconic album covering featuring an image of the group on the zebra crossing outside the studios. Today tourists from all over the world dodge the traffic in an attempt to recreate this iconic cover shot.
If moving to London is on your agenda and you want to discuss the St Johns Wood location further please don’t hesitate to contact me for more in depth information or just for some local restaurant suggestions.
Article by Paul J Bennett, Proprietor, Behr & Butchoff, 105 St. Johns Wood Terrace, London, NW8 6PL Telephone: 020 7722 7222
Americans have always had a deep connection to Britain, and London is home to many Americans for its exceptional schools, culture and job opportunities. Given the ongoing dip in property prices and relatively strong dollar to the pound, it’s a great time for Americans thinking of buying in the capital. So here is my summary of some of the major differences between buying a property in the US versus the UK (please note that every US state will have its own laws and processes, so this is just a general guidance on how things work).
Getting Financing
In America, your first step in the buying process is to consult with a bank or mortgage broker to get a sense of what you can afford. Serious buyers will actually get pre-qualified which means that the lender has checked credit and verified documentation to approve a specific loan amount and interest rates (usually for a particular period). In the UK, lenders will offer a “mortgage in principal” giving indicative mortgage amounts and rates. However, this will have been done without a formal application so their level of review of your circumstances will not be as in depth.
Hiring An Agent
In the US, the next step is to hire a real estate agent who will get you in to see every property that may be of interest. They will negotiate on your behalf and assist in writing the contract which is presented and negotiated with the selling agent that represents the seller. The seller will usually only list with one agent at a time and will pay a sales commission that is split between the selling agent and buying agent (typically 6%).
In the UK, the market is dominated by estate agents who work on behalf of the seller (vendor). The seller will typically pay 2% commission for a sole agency, but may decide to hire several agents, and in this “multi- agency” scenario, the fee will be around 3%.
In the UK, potential buyers must register with the specific agent listed on a particular property in order to see it, and that agent can only show the stock that they have. This can be extremely inefficient as busy professionals and foreign buyers must deal with several different agents and arrange viewings at different times. In the states, your buying agent will typically go out with you and be your consultant every step of the way. This was one of the things that surprised me most as a real estate professional when I moved to London - that people are buying the most expensive purchase of their life with no one guiding or supporting them directly; instead they must rely on the estate agent that really works for the seller.
Making An Offer
In the states once a buyer wants to make an offer on a particular property, in consultation with their agent, an offer is written including price and any other terms (such as subject to a home inspection, appraisal and financing being obtained). The buying agent then presents the offer to the selling agent and negotiations commence until price and terms are agreed. A legally binding contract is then signed and usually a deposit of around 10% is held in escrow until completion. Next appraisal/ inspections are conducted as per the contract. If any issues are found, the buyer may decide not to proceed, to renegotiate based on items identified, or to release the contingency and proceed with the deal. In the UK, the offer is made to the estate agent who represents the seller. Once the offer is accepted, both parties engage solicitors and a sales memorandum is issued summarising the details.
Closing Process
During the closing process you will find a stark difference between the UK and the US. In the UK, until you exchange contract - which can be weeks or months later and after solicitors have been hired and title searches, surveys, valuations and financing have occurred - either party can walk away. For example, a seller can accept a higher offer
(being “gazumped”), or the buyer can simply decide not to proceed. This leaves both parties highly exposed throughout this time. It is only at exchange of contracts that both parties are legally bound and the buyer will put up a deposit of around 10% and a completion date is set (usually a couple of weeks later, though sometimes simultaneously). At completion, the solicitors will arrange for the remaining monies to be paid and keys exchanged.
In America, the legal work and transfer of ownership is handled by a single attorney/title company appointed by the buyer. At closing, all documentation is signed, including loan documents and bank funds. Within a few days after funds have cleared, keys are then released (this also can be done at closing if a cashiers cheque is issued).
If all this sounds overly complicated, it doesn’t have to be. If you are considering buying in London, whether you’re American or a local resident, please get in touch to discuss our buying service. We will navigate and streamline the entire process for you and guide you with sound advice every step of the way. We also work with renters and can help you figure out where to live and will preview properties so you’re only seeing those that meet your criteria. Our commitment is to deliver exceptional service to all our clients whether they are buyers, sellers, renters or landlords. We look forward to working with you.
Ugo Arinzeh is founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants. She has an MBA in finance and spent over 10 years with Bank of America Merrill Lynch structuring and negotiating real estate transactions. Over the years she has personally bought, sold and managed properties both in the US and in London. She is passionate about property and founded Onyx to utilise all her skills from her corporate and investor background to deliver exceptional results for her clients. As part of Keller Williams, she is connected to the largest network of agents globally.
Gardens for viewing, tending and education are prolific throughout all of Britain. Inexhaustible choices exist for the enthusiast to enjoy throughout the calendar year. The blooms and aromas change along with the season and locations, Japanese gardens, Royal gardens, topiary, water, wildlife and woodland gardens. Finding them is not difficult, choosing one for the day may be. Perhaps gardening is not an affair for your family, however, many lovely gardens throughout the British Isles do boast plenty of youth activities, without spoiling it for everyone else. Some will have trails or adjacent museums, others may have play areas or animals for delighting children.
Hever Castle & Gardens is the perfect setting for horticultural lovers whether alone, with friends or family. More than 20,000 spring bulbs and 15,000 bedding plants are planted in the gardens annually guaranteeing you a breath- taking display no matter what time of year you visit. For history lovers this castle in Kent is a great place to learn about the Tudors. Spend the day admiring the interiors and historic elements as well as the awesome grounds with statues and a variety of ornamental gardens laced throughout the 125-acre grounds. There is an adventure playground, complete with Water Maze and the 100 year old Yew Maze, miniature model houses and a beautiful lake to take a boat ride on or stroll around. Practice archery, paint a shield, watch a jousting event or marvel at the giant topiary chess set. Festivals and events are scheduled throughout the year including a Rose Festival. It’s no wonder with 4,000 rose bushes in the English Rose Garden and its own ‘Hever Castle Rose’ which was launched by Dame Judi Dench, the award- winning British actress, in 2011. The signature rose produces velvety deep-red blooms which fade to cerise, offset by golden-yellow stamens and has proven resistant to disease in rose trials. Be sure and see it if you visit between May and October its long blooming season.
Everything that you need to fuel your own appetite for gardening is present at The Chelsea Flower Show held by the Royal Horticultural Society and the most famous garden show in Britain, if not the world. For five days in May walk the grounds of the Royal Hospital and witness their transformation into a festival of flowers, festoons and fragrance that attracts over 150,000 visitors from all over the globe. Indulge in the display gardens by some of the most prestigious garden designers of this generation and marvel at the plantings. The Great Pavillion is roughly 11,775 square metres or 2.90 acres, enough room to park 500 London buses and serves an exhibition of almost everything that blooms and thrives in Britain. More than 100 nurseries will be present and flower arranging displays are held daily during the Show.
Community gardens provide fresh produce and plants as well as another opportunity for getting physically, socially, environmentally active this spring. Culpeper Community Garden in Islington, London, Redhall Walled Garden on the west side of Edinburgh, and Camden’s Phoenix Garden support
the premise that gardening has therapeutic benefits. People from all walks of life come to these spaces to improve their lives and their environment and for respite from urban stress.
All details for this year’s event were not yet in at the time of printing, but Open Garden Squares Weekend in June bears witness to around 200 gardens, including some private, opening their doors to the public, with no scaling of walls or entries required. The lineup includes traditional private squares, contemporary roof gardens, as well as skips, barges, museums, schools and allotments. Unfortunately, this year 10 Downing Street will not be accessible. Bummer.
American by origin, Merilee Karr is an adopted Brit, having lived in London for the last 18 years, always in the southwest in Fulham and Putney. She founded her short-term lettings company back in 2014 and has built everything to deliver the vision of providing responsible home letting solutions in and around London ever since. Passionate about providing guests with a ‘home from home’ experience and not leaving homes empty when their owners are away, when others could enjoy them, meant that her company UnderTheDoormat was born.
Being American herself, Merilee’s team has been handpicked to help people with a personal service and they can explain everything from the difference in king size beds in London vs. the US, to what to look for in a bathroom - the cute little separate taps in bathroom sinks for hot and cold water can get annoying when you are used to a single faucet. So, fun for a few days but something to avoid when you plan to live there for a few years! We look forward to welcoming you to London as you begin your move so you can make your transition to London as smooth as possible.
Located in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the capital’s newest and Europe’s largest Residence Inn will start welcoming guests this July.
Your first thought may be a hotel, but many people are now choosing to stay in fully serviced apartments as they provide a flexible alternative.
I’ve heard this statement on numerous occasions and when one examines the neighbourhood it comes as no surprise. 
Making An Offer
Ugo Arinzeh is founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants. She has an MBA in finance and spent over 10 years with Bank of America Merrill Lynch structuring and negotiating real estate transactions. Over the years she has personally bought, sold and managed properties both in the US and in London. She is passionate about property and founded Onyx to utilise all her skills from her corporate and investor background to deliver exceptional results for her clients. As part of Keller Williams, she is connected to the largest network of agents globally.
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Gardens for viewing, tending and education are prolific throughout all of Britain. Inexhaustible choices exist for the enthusiast to enjoy throughout the calendar year. The blooms and aromas change along with the season and locations, Japanese gardens, Royal gardens, topiary, water, wildlife and woodland gardens. Finding them is not difficult, choosing one for the day may be. Perhaps gardening is not an affair for your family, however, many lovely gardens throughout the British Isles do boast plenty of youth activities, without spoiling it for everyone else. Some will have trails or adjacent museums, others may have play areas or animals for delighting children.
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