Category: Moving House

care at home for elderly people

5 Advantages Of Moving To A Care Home For The Elderly

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There are many advantages and disadvantages to a residential care home in the UK. Here we look at the advantages.

 

Residential care homes in the UK are places where elderly people go to live and receive basic care such as help washing, getting dressed and eating. A nursing home is similar but the person additionally receives more intensive medical care. There are many disadvantages to residential care such as:

 

  • A higher likelihood of falls
  • Having to move away from home
  • Having no choice over food and drink
  • Being forced into new surroundings
  • Being forced to move away from neighbours, friends and the local community
  • Having to leave pets

 

These are just some of the disadvantages of residential homes as a solution to care for the elderly but there are also a lot of advantages. When considering whether or not a residential care home is right for you or your loved one it is important to think carefully about all the pros and cons of this option. Here are some of the advantages of residential care homes for the elderly:

 

Company in a Care Home

Not all residents moving into a care home will feel they want to leave the familiar surroundings of home and have new people around them, but some do. Some people love the idea of living in a home with other people their age who have had similar life experience.

 

Safety

When a person is in a residential home they will be cared for round the clock by the people who work their. This means that they will be safer than if they were at home alone trying to care for themselves. Although many older people downsize their home to have a smaller place that is easier to maintain, there can still be safety hazards in a small home.

 

Health

Although statistics in the Better At Home report from the Live-in Care Hub show that care home residents are more likely to fall, overall their health is well cared for in a care home. They are kept clean and dry with the help of care staff, and there are often nutritional advisors working with the home to ensure the meals provided are fulfilling the nutritional needs of the residents. Residents will also go to hospital when they need to, and staff will ensure their medication is taken daily.

 

Peace Of Mind

The peace of mind for a family member knowing that their loved one is safe is invaluable. When a person is at home without support they may be a danger to themselves. Their health may deteriorate and they may become isolated and unable to cope. A residential care home takes those issues away and ensures the person is safe.

 

Choice

There are many different kinds of residential care homes, some which extend to be residential communities for older people. Budget does have a huge bearing on where your loved one is able to go, but if there is a flexible budget then there are many great options to consider with this type of care.

 

 

Consider All The Options When Looking At Elderly Care

When you and your loved one are considering which elderly care option is best, try to ensure once you have clarified care needs, budget and preference, that you look at all the different care options. A care home is not the only option and professional care in your own home, for example, is becoming increasingly popular. When you fund your own care at home it can involve visiting carers coming at set times of the days for an agreed length of time (unlike the short, basic visits provided by social services). It can also be 24/7 live-in care where the carer lives in the elderly person’s home. Care at home has many benefits, including constant companionship, no need to leave familiar possessions, surroundings and people; and a higher success rate in preventing falls. Considering all the options means that you can all make an informed choice together so that the type of later life care you choose is right for everyone.

buying a home

How student debt affects choices about buying a home

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Think about the future before you apply for that loan.

 

Student debt has become an inevitability for anyone who wants to study today. However, the amount of debt you accrue as a student, as well as your ability to clear it, can significantly impact future choices. In particular, if you’re hoping to buy a home after you graduate, you may find that the student debt you have acquired at university has an impact on how easy this is for you.

 

Can you buy a home if you have student debt?

 

There are no rules that say you can’t buy a home if you still have student debts to pay off. In fact, there are many people who are still making payments on either private or government student loans who do manage to successfully buy a home. However, according to the personal finance experts at Solution Loans, it’s important to remember that lenders will still have to take into account the amount of debt that you have, regardless of what kind of debt it is. This can affect your application for a mortgage in a number of different ways:

 

  • Debt-to-income ratio. When lenders make decisions about an applicant for a mortgage they will look at how much income you have, as compared to your levels of debt. This will show a lender how much of your gross monthly income (i.e. income before taxes) is going to be sucked into debt repayment and what that will leave you with afterwards. If the debt-to-income ratio is too high then you won’t be an attractive prospect for a lender and you’re unlikely to get approved for a mortgage.
  • Mortgage affordability criteria. Mortgage lenders today are much more focused on affordability i.e. whether you will be able to make the repayments on the mortgage at the same time as meeting your other financial responsibilities. If you have high levels of student debt (or even an average debt) then this may affect the affordability of a potential mortgage. A lender may look at what you’re left with after debt and mortgage repayments and make the judgment that you’re unlikely to have enough to live on and would, therefore, be default risk.
  • Defaults and missed payments. If you’ve struggled to meet the payments on student loans then this is also likely to affect whether a mortgage lender sees you as a good option as a borrower. Even if there was a good reason for missing a payment – and you made the payment relatively quickly after it was missed – it could still give a lender a reason to pause. It’s also important to note that missed payments could affect your credit score.

 

Tips for buying a home if you have student debt

 

  • Overpay your student debt to clear it as soon as possible
  • Increase your income – ask for a pay rise or find a new, better paid job with the qualification you’ve earned studying
  • Don’t miss any debt repayments, ever
  • Buy with someone else – two incomes are always less of a risk for a lender and could enable you to get more property for your money too

 

Moving House Indicates Buy New Home And Box

Things You Must Consider While Moving

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Moving is never an easy process, and in order not to regret your decision to do so, make sure that you put the following into consideration:

Your finances

Your finances will play a major role in determining whether you move. You need to ensure that you are financially able to afford a move, and you also need to consider whether you will be able actually to survive in your new place. Most times, this factor is downplayed, especially if the move is due to a work order (in which case, the company will most probably still pay you and ensure that your move is as comfortable as possible). However, if you’ll be moving and the move is your personal choice, you need to ensure that you are financially stable enough to move without being affected (or at the very least, affected to a considerable degree)

A moving company

It very difficult to move by yourself. Regardless of whether you’ll be moving to a house on the next block or you’ll be moving to a new country entirely, a moving company will be required to help you transport your things and make the moving process much more comfortable for you.

Since there are so many moving companies out there, it is essential that you pick the one that is ideal for you. To help with this ensure that you ask some hard questions before choosing a moving company. You can select various companies and sift between them, and you can also ask for references.

All in all, ensure that your moving company is right for you, that they provide boxes for moving house , storage if you need it and that you are satisfied with their services and rates.

Moving insurance

You will also need to get moving insurance. Although it might be a precautionary procedure, it is also essential because there is always a possibility that your items get lost or damaged in the process of a move. To avoid having to start buying all your items again, your moving insurance will cover your losses and ensure that you get compensated.

Your tools

While you move, there are specific tools that you will definitely require.  Things like tape, markers, moving boxes for your house, etc. must be top in your priority list, and you will definitely be in need of them if you are looking to have a seamless transit experience.

Also, you need to ensure that you get these tools at good prices to save as much cash as you can. Look for where to get things like cheap moving boxes, and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll be able to save.

Do you have everything?

Simply put, you don’t want to forget anything while you move. It’ll most probably be as good as gone, so ensure that you check and double check before you leave your old home.

Transitioning to your new home

The process of transitioning to your new home has to be in place. This means you need to inform people like the mailing company, your place of work, your bankers, etc. and notify them of the fact that you’ve moved, and to also provide them with a means of reaching you.

adapt for elderly care needs - lg

Move House or Adapt For Elderly Care Needs?

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As we grow older, a house that we once loved to live in may become difficult to negotiate. The stairs are a common problems but even just a few awkward steps to the garden can also be problematic. And managing the garden itself – once an enjoyable past time – can become a huge burden. In a place where you once felt safe and secure you may not feel safe anymore as the risk of falls as we get older becomes a real problem.

 

A home can change into somewhere no longer suited to living as an older person, which is why home adaptations are often desirable to enable you to stay in your home safely and happily. Changes can enable you to opt for home care services rather than moving to a residential care home. This is often a more cost effective approach because of the high cost of care home fees.

 

If you are considering adapting you home to be better suited to your care needs as you get older, consider the following:

 

  • Easy Access – Getting into your home safely through the main entrance door and also to and from the garden might require a ramp, hand rails and additional lighting.
  • Bathroom & Toilet – You may need a walk in shower with a wide entrance and a secure seat if you have difficulty walking and standing. You may also need a toilet with support rails around it.
  • Accessing upper floors – A stair lift or internal lift can help you get up and down the stairs safely so that you can still use upper floors and one or other can usually be fitted in most houses.
  • Kitchen – Even if you have a live-in carer or use home care services where someone comes into the home to help prepare meals you may still want to be able to prepare simple snacks like a sandwich. In that case you may have to lower the height of the worktops. This is especially true if you have to use a wheelchair.

 

 

The Cost Of Adapting Your Home

Adapting your home is going to cost money but so also does moving to a more suitable house so you will have to consider your own personal preference and individual circumstances. And there are cost effective ways to make alterations and often financial help available for some of the changes such as ramps and handrails.

 

Contact the local social services department to find out what financial or practical assistance you are eligible for when it comes to making your home safer. You will then have a better idea of whether you can continue to live there safely.

If you need to make larger alterations such as adding a ground floor bedroom and wet room then you may be entitled to a grant. Although bear in mind that you will have less freedom over the type of adaptation if you don’t pay for it yourself.

 

There are also charities that can help with both advice and potential sources of funding so talk to someone like Age UK as a starting point.

 

It might seem a daunting prospect with lots of upheaval to alter your home but if it helps you stay in your own home rather than go into a care home then it is worth it for a better quality of life. Remember you can get good care in your own home – are homes are not the only option.

decluttering - home storage unit

Getting Ready To Move House – Should I Be Decluttering?

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After weeks (or is it months?) of limbo when nothing seemed to happen in the long chain I’m involved in with my house move suddenly it’s all systems go and panic has set in as everyone wants to exchange and move before the start of summer. At the beginning of the year we all knew when summer was but it seems to have been the effect of the Easter school break recently that has given everyone renewed impetus. I have spent all morning on the phone chivvying estate agents, mortgage providers, solicitors etc. and just generally keeping the lines of communication open. This is the 4th house we have tried to buy in nearly 18 months (yes, 4th, really) and after our “3rd time lucky” house failed to be lucky I have given up keeping my fingers crossed – now I just want it to happen.

Moving After Many Years

I have lived in my current house for over 20 years and when we first decided to move it was with a mixture of excitement and sadness. We reminisced about the parties we’d had, the fun, the long hot summers in the garden (well maybe that’s an exaggeration) and the fact that our children have never known any other home. But as time has dragged on the sadness has waned and we are all just eager to get on with our new lives in our new home now.

I have started a bit of decluttering, bought packing boxes, had estimates for the removals people and even rented a cheap self-storage unit (btw I used this useful price comparison chart to decide which deal was best). I’ve even spoken to some builders about the work I want to do in the new house but I can’t make any commitments yet – I can’t even make a proper start with packing up my belongings as I haven’t yet signed the contracts.

The Uncertainty of Buying a House in England

For any of you living outside England you might be unfamiliar with the system where you can agree to sell your existing house and agree to buy a new house but it can be months before this agreement becomes legally binding for both you and all the other people involved in the chain of house sales and purchases.

This system has been the source of many a failed house move but I am consoling myself with the fact that during the time we have been waiting for all the legalities to be completed the mortgage interest rate with our chosen provider has fallen by 0.5%. Great news! But as my husband sagely pointed out we won’t be saving ourselves 0.5% worth of interest payments if the purchase falls through as we won’t be paying for that particular mortgage at all.

Realistically, I no longer have any hope of moving in before the warm weather arrives given that it is only a few weeks away and we haven’t yet exchanged contracts but after all the waiting I’m sure I can wait a little longer and it might just give me the chance to do some more decluttering so there is less to pack and less to unpack in the new house. If I can get into the decluttering habit now there’s a chance that we might all be able to live an organised, clutter-free life in our new abode (well, I can dream).

And Finally…

I’ve been reading some tips on clearing clutter and it seems the most important thing is to remember that a lot of the material possessions we own don’t have any sentimental value and no longer have any practical or decorative use – most possessions are just stuff filling up our homes. The decluttering tips also suggest that tackling the clutter gradually is more effective if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task and give up before you make any progress. So I am determined to sort as much of my junk as possible in the coming weeks.

 

 

stress free home move

Can a Home Move Be Stress Free?

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In the high-end property market in London many of the specialist mortgage broking firms are booming as a result of wealthy overseas buyers investing in the better London boroughs. So the multi-million pound property market might be recovering (in fact, it never suffered the same level of stagnation as the mainstream market after the credit crunch) but what about the rest of us?

How easily you can sell a home is dependent on so many factors such as area, location within that area, type of property, property condition, local demand etc. Some of these factors are outside your control but others are not so you can minimise the stress of a home move by doing something about the parts you can control; for instance make sure the inside and outside of your home are clean, tidy and clutter-free. Do all those niggling little repairs and if anything major needs repairing get it done before opening your home to viewings. If necessary, invest in some new accessories to dress your home: lamps, new bedding and towels will make a big improvement for minimal cost and you can take them with you to your new home.

Stress-Free Move Anyone?

Of course, you cannot remove stress entirely from a house move because, fundamentally, it is a stressful business because it affects both our finances and our emotions. You are leaving behind an old home but there may be an emotional wrench, depending on your personal circumstances, if you don’t want to leave. Then you have to find a new home and we all have our own image of the perfect home but often we cannot afford it, or even find it. When some people find a home that ticks all their personal boxes they do not actually want it because there is no emotional draw to the home. Conversely some people fall in love with a home that ticks none, or only a few, boxes. And once you make an emotional attachment to a home by embarking on the buying process those emotions can just make the stress build up.

If you are buying a new home, whether it is your first or one in a long string of many, it is a complicated process. We often don’t understand all the financial and legal jargon involved and have to rely on others to deal with the process but if you don’t understand something then just ask for a simple explanation. Questions you have that remain unanswered will just fuel an already stressful situation.

Making an Offer on a Property

Once you are ready to make an offer you need to be prepared for various outcomes if you are to avoid an emotional rollercoaster. House sales and purchases can be unpredictable: your buyer may pull out, your best offer may be turned down, you could be dragged into a bidding war, you could be gazumped (yes it still happens), the seller could pull out of the deal after accepting your offer, serious defects may be revealed by the survey, you lose your job and can no longer afford to move. The list really is endless…

But providing you are aware of such possibilities then you should be able to handle them calmly if they do happen. Have a contingency plan – for instance, if the seller pulls out but you have a good buyer then consider putting your belongings in self-storage (it’s relatively easy to find cheap self storage units outside of the major cities) and moving into rented accommodation rather than lose the house sale in a tough market. This could put you in a better position as a chain-free buyer; just remember that others might be doing the same.

pack kitchen

The Easy Way To Pack Kitchen Items Ready For Moving House

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The kitchen can be the most difficult room to pack, especially if you don’t leave enough time to do it properly. Here we look at simple and easy ways to pack kitchen items ready for a move.

 

When you’re moving house it’s easy to feel like you’re getting everything together nicely until… you come to packing the kitchen. It is easily the most difficult room to pack because it’s got so many awkward shaped items in it as well as many, many breakables. Not many people get through a house move without mourning the breakage of at least one precious mug! But do not fear, pack kitchen items easily and efficiently ready for self-storage or your new home with these simple tips:

Allow Time

Allow the most time to pack the kitchen. It’s going to take longer than the other rooms in the house and that’s OK, as long as you’ve allowed the time to do it. Don’t make the mistake of simply leaving it until last the day before the move and having a meltdown when you realise you’ve no option but to throw everything in boxes and hope for the best! It should be the last room to complete because you use it the most for everyday living, so don’t put it off, just allow lots of time to do it when the rest of the house is packed.

Be Ruthless

Like everywhere else in your house, you should not be packing items you no longer need or want, regardless of whether or not the items are going into self storage in London or a new home in the country. Make a throw away bag and a give-away bag to put your unwanted items in. If you have time, sell anything you don’t want and get a bit of extra cash to help with your move, otherwise dispose of undesirable items responsibly and give the rest away to charity. Don’t hang on to anything that ‘might come in handy’, take this opportunity to clear yourself of the junk that clutters your kitchen – your new kitchen will be thankful for the breathing space!

 

Be Careful!

You are packing the room containing the most breakables so you must make sure you use the strongest boxes, the strongest packing tape and the best padding you can lay your hands on. Weak boxes will not do, things will simply fall through at the bottom when they are being moved. Make sure all electrical appliances are packed in waterproof packaging with their cables neatly secured. Ensure cutlery and sharps are wrapped up properly so they cannot poke through – tea towels are great for this as long as you use a few, plus you’re killing two birds with one stone by packing them both together. Keep liquids like bleach, washing up liquids and detergents separate from any food items and make sure they are in a no-leak container. Plates, glasses and bowls should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and newspaper in strong boxes, with special attention paid to delicate items like wine glasses. If your items are going into self-storage it is important they are clearly labelled so you don’t place heavy items on top of delicate ones in the removal van or self-storage unit.

Don’t Forget The Food!

Items from your fridge and freezer need to leave on the day of the move, so try to consume as much as possible so you don’t have to take it with you. Some items will need to be thrown away as they won’t be suitable for refreezing. You may also have to completely empty your fridge and freezer before the day of the move if the white goods are going with you – if this is the case prepare for this well in advance.

Make An Essentials Box

 

One of the most frequent mistakes people make when packing up a kitchen is packing away everything and then finding they have nothing to cook with. Keep out some plates, mugs, spoons and essential utensils and keep them in a clearly labelled box so you know where everything is. You could even make a box titled ‘tea’ and put mugs, teaspoons, the kettle, tea bags, UHT milk and sugar in it so you’ve got something to make everyone a brew with when you arrive at your new home.

And remember, moving might be stressful but new homes are always exciting so it will be worth it…

 

Sell a House without Stepping Inside

3 Ways to Sell a House without Stepping Inside

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Moving is stressful enough, with finding a home of your own, settling into a new school and maybe even a new job, as well as packing up your entire house. Why make selling your home any more difficult than it needs to be?

 

If your home has great outdoor space, use it to your advantage when selling! While buyers will always care about kitchens, bathrooms and storage space, give them something else to love about your property with a lush, relaxing garden.

 

Even if your outdoor space is limited, these tips can be used to your advantage. Apartment dwellers may even benefit more from calling attention to a balcony or porch, if other properties nearby don’t have these amenities.

 

Stage Your Outdoor Living Space

When staging your home, don’t neglect your outdoor space. Continue making potential buyers feel at home when they step onto your porch, deck or balcony with cohesive outdoor furniture. Use enough furniture and décor pieces that the space is welcoming and functional, without overcrowding. If you plan on an open house, keep in mind that there will likely be extra people among the furniture.

 

Continue Themes from Inside

You should make your outdoor living space an oasis, but don’t make it so different from the rest of your home that people find it jarring. Compliment the style of your home and interior design, whether it be rustic, modern or classic.

 

Add More than Just Furniture

Chairs and tables are without a doubt important! However, don’t neglect simple elements that make spaces feel more inviting. Candles, weather-proof rugs and string lights are all inexpensive ways to make potential buyers feel at home.

 

Upgrade Your Kerb Appeal

The front of your home is likely what visitors will see when looking at your home for the first time. Make the most of this first impression with flawless kerb appeal. There are lots of simple ways to upgrade your kerb appeal, and many are quite inexpensive. Start by picking up things that don’t belong in the front garden, like bikes, gardening tools and sprinklers. If necessary, a fresh coat of paint on your porch or front door can also be a nice update that doesn’t take a professional.

 

Use Simple Landscaping Elements

Adding small touches of greenery and other landscaping elements is a great way to improve kerb appeal. Make sure your planters are cohesive, flowerbeds freshly mulched, and bushes and trees are trimmed. Unexpected details like decorative stones and a cute watering can help your house stand out.

 

Sell a House more easily

 

Appeal to Different Types of Buyers

You can make educated guesses about what type of buyers will be interested in your property, based on your location, size and price range. However, don’t fixate on that client too much, at the expense of ignoring potential buyers who don’t fit the bill. Make your outdoor space appeal to different types of buyers with different sections of your garden.

 

Make Room for Entertaining

Even if you’re not the entertaining type, let buyers imagine themselves hosting in this outdoor space. Create flow between the kitchen and the garden to show how easy serving can be. If there’s room, a tall bar cart can also be added to your staging.

 

 

Create a Kid-Friendly Space

Don’t leave all the fun for the adults! If you have a playset or swing, make sure it’s safe to use and looks well-maintained. Even without one, you can set up a little area with chalk, hula hoops and a soccer ball. This space will appeal to families who are looking for a new home, and also help keep kids out of the way while parents tour the rest of your home.

Houses in Hammersmith & Fulham

Moving to West London

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West London is an area that is known for its gorgeous areas as well as its high prices. In fact, they range from pricey to unaffordable, so that should give you a good idea of what to expect. However, it remains one of the best areas in London to raise children, as well as one of the safest. In this guide, we help you to determine whether or not West London is the right move for you, as well as taking a look at what it has to offer as an area. You never know, your next home could be here.

 

Preparing to Move

There is a lot to do when you are preparing to move house, and it is far from an easy task. You have legal paperwork to sort through for both properties, finding a moving company, getting boxes together, and making sure that you have left nothing behind. This is just some of the stuff you have to do, and it takes a lot of patience and effort to get it done correctly. You have to be prepared, and you need to know what is involved.

Before you even take steps to move, however, you need to find a new place to live. You have to research the area carefully, understanding every aspect in full detail. Things like the good and bad areas, entertainment, suitability for families, and other such aspects need to be taken into account. Research is the key to success in all areas of life, and you need to make sure you know what you are getting before you even make a choice to buy.

 

Where to Go in West London?

West London is an economically thriving area, filled with fabulous homes and people. It is home to a beautifully diverse mix of people, 25% of whom were born outside of the EU. After the 2012 Olympics were announced, regeneration plans for the fringes of West London were put underway, bringing these zones in line with the rest of the area.  It’s a stunning mix of history and open green spaces and some of the very best areas to live in.

If you are looking at West London, here is all the information you need:

If money is absolutely no problem, a great place to look at is Mayfair. A classically stunning area right near the centre of the capital, it is a place that everyone knows for its fine houses and high prices. But places like Bayswater or Hammersmith are also a good bet for those with less cash to splash.

Although some parts of West London are highly exclusive that isn’t true of all areas in the west of the capital so do your research before you make your choice.

moving to west london - hammersmith bridge

Property Prices in West London

Some houses on the market in West London have asking prices not far short of £17 million but there are plenty of choices for less than that, thank goodness.

Taking a look at property prices as a whole for the area of West London, however, we found that the current average is £975,000. If we break this figure down further it’s clear that, unsurprisingly, house and flat prices differ quite a bit but perhaps less than in other parts of London.

 

Travelling in West London

Interestingly, two-thirds of the population of West London use a car instead of public transport, which makes it a rather unique case. However, this does not mean that West London is free from congestion, and you are likely to find yourself stuck in traffic on the way to work. If you live in areas that are subject to a congestion charge, you are entitled to a 90% discount if you are a resident in the affected areas.

Public transport is available, with buses being a good one to go for if you still want to use the road but don’t have a car. The underground is also an option, and while there is good coverage, it is not as extensive as other parts of London and is mainly used for commuting to central London as opposed to areas in the west of the city.

 

Meeting People in West London

Moving to West London is an adventure, and every adventure needs a band of friends who stick through everything together. The city is the perfect place to find people like this, and you might be surprised by how friendly the locals are. Of course, it can take a little time to meet like-minded people.

Heathrow airport West of London

Places to Work in West London

West London is one of the best places for making a living in the city. It has a thriving workforce and a good average salary that will leave you feeling tempted to move into the area (if only you could afford the property). It does have an unemployment rate of around 7%, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you will be out of work. Always take a look for open positions (and try to get a job) before you move.

West of London is Heathrow Airport, which is home to an amazing 76,000 jobs. It’s an incredible amount, and there are so many different roles there that you will likely be spoiled for choice. It’s a relatively short commute distance, and it offers a great work experience.

Office work is also quite prominent in West London, and if you are looking to be employed at the head offices of major companies, you might just be in luck. West London is home to the HQ of big brands like Disney, FOX TV UK, L’Oréal, and Betfair to name a few. It is a good opportunity to get in with the big names and advance your career.

 

kensington high street west london

Places to Go in West London

Within the W postcode, there are so many places that you can go, and loads of things that you are sure to enjoy. The West of London does tend to be one of the more expensive areas, but we promise that there are wonderful places to go for anyone on just about any budget. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to go in West London.

Mayfair is renowned for its superb shopping and jewellery (which it is especially famous for). A day of shopping in Mayfair might leave your wallet a little lighter, but it will have given you the retail therapy that you need and deserve. Plus, it’s home to some big names like Ted Baker and Karen Millen. And you could always just try window shopping – that’s still fun even if you have nothing much to spend.

You could also try out Notting Hill for something a little quirky and unusual. It’s the home of all things unusual, but in all the right ways. Think of High Grant’s little bookshop in the film of the same name, and you have Notting Hill in a nutshell. The Notting Hill Carnival also takes place each year and is led by members of the Caribbean community, with up to 1.5 million people taking part. It’s the largest street festival in the world.

Portobello Road’s famous outdoor market is also sure to attract you. Just about everyone has heard of it, and you need to take the opportunity to actually go out and visit it. This quaint little market is sure to have you leaving with some one-of-a-kind items. Plus, it really is an experience and a half.

If you are looking for somewhere to eat, then Westbourne Park and Notting Hill are the perfect locations for dining. It has everything from big names like Pizza Express and Ask, to smaller and more local places that are sure to give you a feel for the area. It prides itself on its eateries, and you will not be disappointed.

You can also experience some delicious dining on the edge of Hyde Park while you are in West London. There is a range of choices when it comes to the international cuisine, and you are right on the doorstep of the prestigious Knightsbridge if you are looking for a little shopping to keep you occupied.

Kensington Palace and the Commonwealth Experience Museum are great for those who want to experience a little history and also gain some more knowledge when it comes to the local area. They are spectacular places to visit, and you really won’t want to miss out on them.

Stamford Bridge is the place to go for nightlife. Home to a number of clubs and bars, you can party your way through the night without a care in the world. There are some pretty spectacular places here, as well as some fantastic and creative drinks to go with it. You honestly won’t want to miss out on this experience.

Wembley Arena is a great choice for musical entertainment, as they have everyone and anyone playing there. Whether you are into Little Mix or Slipknot, you can guarantee they are going to have your tastes on show. Tickets tend to be priced quite well, and you can expect a great crowd for every show – not to mention a breath-taking arena for the audience.

 

Things for Families in West London

West London is very family friendly, and it is one of the best places to raise kids – as well as entertain them. It is good to keep their minds and bodies active, so we have put together some of the best family activities in the area for you. Some of these might just make for your next day out together.

KidZania is an amazing amusement attraction for kids of all ages, and it is something that is sure to not only stimulate their senses and their minds. It gives them social interaction, an enjoyable play experience, and even the chance to make new friends. Plus, there is a place for parents to chill out for a few hours while the kids play.

Chelsea Football Club Museum is perfect for kids who are big fans of sports, and they are sure to enjoy the guided tours that take place each day. It’s a wonderful experience, and fans of the club are sure to be left feeling amazed and educated once the tour is over. Even if you don’t take the tour, it still makes for a wonderful day out.

 

To Conclude

Hopefully, this guide to life in West London has been helpful for you when it comes to deciding whether or not this is the kind of place you would like to live. Known for being one of the finest and most beautiful areas in London, not to mention among the most expensive, you are sure to find yourself swept away by the lifestyle and the people. There is so much to see and do, but it’s also an amazing place to raise a family.

What did you think of this guide? Is there anything that you would have added? We love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a message in the comments below.

moving to east london

Moving to East London

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East London is an area that used to have a pretty bad reputation but it is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the capital. It still has a little way to go, but the up and coming nature of the zone means that buying a house or flat here now will serve you well in the future. In this guide, we help you to decide if moving to East London is the right choice for you. Take a look and see if this is the London zone that appeals to you the most.

 

 

Where to Go in East London?

East London has been through a lot. It fell into a pit of economic despair and became one of the worst places to live in London, if not the worst. For a while, it was an area that was avoided by many people, and house prices never reached the giddy heights of other parts of London as a result. However, as the economy has made a steady improvement, East London has become a more vibrant and desirable place to live. Yes, there are some areas that are best avoided, but there are others that are now highly sought after locations to live in and work in.

If you are looking at E postcodes, here is all the information you need:

If money is no problem, a great place to look at is St Katharine Docks. A beautiful and upmarket area, it’s one to go for if you have no money concerns. Wapping is another gorgeous location, and one of the rising beauties in East London. If you are on a budget, but want to take advantage of the housing market, some areas of Hackney (but maybe not for long), Walthamstow, Dalston, and Whitechapel are good options.

However, there are a few places in the E postcode where regeneration has not yet started. These areas are Beckton, East and West Ham, as well as some parts of Hackney. It’s important to do your research before you make your choice, but these areas are ones you might want to avoid if you seek an already well-established property market or, alternatively one to head straight for if you hope to make a good investment and think E London might be the place.

 

Property Prices in East London

When it comes to the price of houses and flats in East London, you will find that there is quite a price gap. The prices start as low as £155,000 and can go as high as £4.6 million, all depending on the area that you are looking to live in. In the above section, we go through the best areas in the postcode area to live in according to your budget.

Taking a look at property prices as a whole for the area of East London, however, we found that the current average is £645,000. If we take an even closer look at this figure, we also learned that the average price for a house and flat differ quite significantly in terms of average price, with the former currently set at £807,000 and the latter at £598,000. Of course, the prices vary depending on where you decide to live, and you can expect the market to change as time goes by. You are also likely to find properties that are priced differently, with some at a lower price, and others at a higher one. As a note, all of the averages here are correct as of September, 2017.

Here are some statistics for the number of bedrooms you can expect to find in East London homes, and the percentage of total homes that they make up:

  • 45% 2 bed properties
  • 22% 1 bed properties
  • 20% 3 bed properties
  • 6% 4 bed properties
  • 4% Studios
  • 2% 5 bed properties
  • 1% 6 bed properties
  • 0% 7 bed properties
  • 0% 8 bed properties
  • 0% 12 bed properties

As with all other parts of London two bedroom properties outnumber all others quite significantly, which could be great for couples or young professionals looking for their first time buy.

westfield stratford east london

Travelling in East London

The 2012 Olympics being held in London did the East of the city a world of good. In fact, without them, it is likely that many of these improvements would still be underway, or possibly not started at all. The refurbishment meant that the underground and general stations were remodelled, and new stations were developed, creating a better-connected area.

There are a large number of rail connections and underground stations in East London, so getting around should not be a problem. A new train scheme is also enjoying further development to widen the reach of the East London rail network. If the train is not something you enjoy, however, there are plenty of buses that you can take instead.

Driving is an option in East London, but it is not something that is recommended. Aside from things like congestion charges, it often takes twice as long to get anywhere using a car than public transport. Traffic can be pretty terrible in the city, and so much of the time you are better off looking at an alternative mode of transportation for your daily commute.

 

Meeting People in East London

Everyone needs a social group, whether it is a small and close knit one or a large one. When moving it East London, one of the things you need to consider is how you are going to find some new people to hang out with. You will want to meet like-minded people, and this can take a little time. Of course, with many people working a standard 9-5 job, you will usually have better luck in the evening’s, but a growing self-employed population is making it easier to meet new people at all hours of the day. If you do a quick internet search, you are sure to find some great local hotspots that perfectly suit your mood on any day of the week.

 

Places to Work in East London

The East London job market is one that is rapidly increasing. With over 600,000 people making a living in the East End and Docklands, as well as an additional one million jobs coming by 2026, the East of the capital is really making a comeback after its economic collapse back in 2008.

It is true that blue collar jobs are no longer the most prominent in the area. The service industry is what now dominates the East of London, and it is an area that you are likely to find yourself hired in very quickly should you decide to move here. White collar positions, such as those in publishing, retail, and finance, have made quick work of replacing these blue-collar positions.

The Olympics really helped when it came to expanding the hospitality industry, which now accounts for 19% of East London’s workforce, making it an ideal location for those who are seeking hospitality work in the city. Similarly, the legal sector has seen a rather large increase in the area, and it now makes up 31% of the East London workforce, an impressive number that has been helped by Barclays and HSBC (among others) moving their headquarters to this area.

An amazing one in four jobs in the area belong to those who work in healthcare and the public sector, which is great for those who want to become teachers or health professionals. East London is most certainly making a comeback, and the amount of work that is currently (as well as soon to be) available is both good for the area’s economy and those who are looking to move there.

moving to east london

Places to Go in East London

There are so many places that you can go, and loads of things that you are sure to enjoy. The East of London has a lot going for it in terms of entertainment, and we promise that there are wonderful places to go for anyone on just about any budget. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to go in East London.

Westfields shopping centre is one of the best places to go if you are looking for an excellent shopping selection at a range of prices. There is something for everyone here, and it makes for a great day out with family and friends. You can shop until you drop, and then head off for a delicious meal straight after.

One of the nation’s favourite places is Spitalfields Market. A classic place to find unusual items and excellent bargains, everyone should visit this iconic location. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss, and one that every resident should have. You may even find yourself visiting more than once in a blue moon.

Canary Wharf is one of the most famous locations for shopping and restaurants in London. There are some amazing places here, some of which are the most renowned in the capital. When you are looking to spend some time away from home, you need to visit Canary Wharf at least once during your day out. The shopping and restaurants are not to be missed.

Probably the most iconic and memorable place in East London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was home to the 2012 London Olympics, and it signified one of the proudest events that our country has played host to. Now a beautiful and fun place to spend the day, make sure you take the time to visit and have a little fun. We hear there are some great activities.

If you are more of a spectator sports person, Football and Greyhound racing takes place in the East London stadiums. Living here, you are never too far from the action, and it means that you won’t have to worry too much about travel when it comes to seeing a big match or race. Take your friends and family out for a day of adrenaline fuelled fun that everyone can enjoy.

Epping Forest is the perfect way to get away from city life for a few hours, and it makes the perfect location for walking and cycling. With a number of paths to follow, you can take time off from the noise and bustle of the city and just enjoy the natural world around you. Take the dog, or yourself, for a long walk and let yourself relax for a while.

If you are looking for good nightlife, Shoreditch is the place to go for cool restaurants and bars. It’s known for its excellent entertainment, and the clubs are something else. Make sure you take the time to explore this famous area and try out everything it has to offer. If you are the kind of person who lives for the night, you are going to love the Shoreditch clubs and bars.

victoria park - moving to east london

Things for Families in East London

East London is not as family friendly as other areas, but it is certainly getting there. While it may take a little time, you can rest assured that you will find more family activities to get involved in as time goes by. In the meantime, here are some of the best places for you to go if you are looking for a fun family day out.

The Royal Maritime Museum and the Museum of Childhood are just two options when it comes to taking your children out on a fun and education day trip. Museums are great places to learn and have fun, so you are sure to find a lot of benefits to taking your kids here. Out of the East London museums, these two are definitely two of the best.

The London Aquatics centre is also a great place to visit if your little ones are looking to make a splash with this exciting watery wonderland. For more aquatic adventures, you also have the Victoria Park fountain playground for kids, which is sure to excite quite a few of your smaller family members.

City farms are a great place for kids to learn about animals and where things come from. Living in the city, many children are not going to see farm animals, and some even wonder where milk actually comes from. Giving them the opportunity to visit a real farm shows them what these animals are and where milk and eggs actually come from.

 

To Conclude

Hopefully, this guide to life in East London has been helpful for you when it comes to deciding whether or not this is the kind of place you would like to live. While it has had a bad reputation in the past, that’s exactly where it’s staying, and its new reputation is one that is continuing to grow. Fast becoming a sought after place to live, you are not going to want to miss an opportunity to snap up a house here. There’s something for everyone in East London, and it could very well be your next home.

What did you think of this guide? Is there anything that you would have added? We love hearing from you, so feel free to leave a message in the comments below.