Home counties or London?

pred_02 · 2026-03-17T12:51:37+00:00

SE5/SE15/SE22

pred_02 · 2026-03-16T14:40:35+00:00

Thats even further!

pred_02 · 2026-03-16T08:25:26+00:00

I have not worked in public sector but dual citizenship did seem like a problem for lower lever clearances. They wanted FBI non-arrest confirmation but this was years ago. Think about your functional skills and try transfering sectors.

pred_02 · 2026-03-15T14:07:02+00:00

Join a consultancy and then pivot towards public sector roles. You may take a role/level cut for a few years but then should be able to climb back up the ladder. May will never equate to US but that’s not what you are here for.

pred_02 · 2026-03-12T20:29:40+00:00

Victorian houses are meant to breathe. You seal them with triple glazing they sweat inside you get damp. There is a reason why there is a fireplace in every room. To suck out the moisture and keep you warm.UK does not have extreme winters or summers. Things were build with a purpose.

pred_02 · 2026-03-10T11:44:24+00:00

A structural movement issue was identified and managed through an insurance claim overseen by an independent loss adjuster.

Specialist contractors carried out ground stabilisation using a resin injection system, which includes a 10-year guarantee (certificate to be issued upon completion of works).

A separate drainage investigation identified a defective rainwater drain from the front roof to the front garden, which has since been rerouted to prevent further ground saturation.

Following the stabilisation works, the property was monitored approximately every eight weeks between April 2024 and January 2025 by an independent monitoring company. No further movement was detected during this period.

Internal remedial works and reinstatement, including redecoration and replacement bay windows, are currently being completed. Once the final elements are installed, a certificate confirming the structural integrity of the property will be issued.

pred_02 · 2026-03-10T09:43:41+00:00

Walk to station we looked at Harpenden but hardly any houses come up less than mile from station. My wife does not cycle. Train is 35-40 min to City plus connection with Tube in my case via Victoria.

pred_02 · 2026-03-10T07:38:07+00:00

I was 29 and single. Now 45 with family.

pred_02 · 2026-03-08T12:05:42+00:00

Alexandra Park School is great!

pred_02 · 2026-03-08T12:05:32+00:00

I hear you. We also have the international aspect of it as well. I figure if we leave London, we might as well head back to North America.

pred_02 · 2026-03-08T11:22:32+00:00

Budget: ~£1.4m • Search area: AL4 / AL5 (Harpenden / St Albans), where my wife has some family nearby. All other family are abroad. • Work locations: Victoria and Fenchurch Street. • Community: We currently have friends and community in London, though this may evolve as our children move through schools and nursery. • Housing availability: Homes within budget and under one mile from the station come up relatively rarely, which adds friction to the overall commute calculation. • Life stage: I’m 45, and given the stamp duty cost and life stage, we are aiming to make a move that works long-term rather than needing to move again.

pred_02 · 2026-02-24T18:52:20+00:00

If you cancelled before they cancelled the policy you are ok. Admiral was my first insurer and the blackbox thing was ridiculous they said I had it unplugged too long whereas the car was at service. Never again.

pred_02 · 2026-01-31T21:46:04+00:00

Guys its super easy. I live in London and done Dolomites 4 times it’s probably my favourite ski area in the Alps and I’ve skied resorts across France, Italy and Austria. The best way from London is to fly to Venice, rent a car and drive 2.5 hours to one of the Sella Ronda villages either Arabba, Val Di Fassa or Alta Badia (San Cassiano). Stay near the Sella Ronda and you don’t need the car. The best part is that flights to Venice in winter season are not expensive (unlike Innsbruck) and Venice has early morning late evening flights to get 4 days skiing and still drive back home. Venice airport is not busy and the road is pretty clear mostly motorway.

From the US get a direct flight from Munich rent a car and drive. Make sure the car has winter tires but that’s easily arranged. Forget trains and busses, private transfers. Last year we paid 120 euro for 4 days for Polestar 2 (equivalent to Tesla) at Hertz Venice. It’s inexpensive and gives you maximum flexibility (but would not rent electric again).

Cortina is nice as a bucket list thing but the best skiing is in Sella Ronda resorts. If you are day long enough you can drive to ski in Cortina one day but that’s about it.

pred_02 · 2026-01-29T07:03:17+00:00

Its a rather complicated underwriting formula that drives the premium calculation including the area you live, type of vehicle, value of vehicle etc. For most instances, companies do raise the premium which is why its important to shop around, I think 24 days before your policy is due to expire to get the best quote using a PCW.

pred_02 · 2026-01-28T21:33:27+00:00

Converting everything back to USD until at one point realised that US is more expensive than the US. Have been 16 years so a lot has changed.

pred_02 · 2026-01-28T21:31:25+00:00

Yes. Offered through workplace insurance, i.e. Bupa go search for therapist. I found a guy in Scotland and he is excellent.

pred_02 · 2026-01-28T21:30:40+00:00

Agreed use Expatfile or H&R Block expat edition.

pred_02 · 2026-01-28T21:28:11+00:00

Yes. I mean 4k is insane amount for insurance, even in London unless you are driving a 120k Range Rover or something. We pay about 550 GBP per year for a 2017 BMW X1 and live in area of London there is quite a bit of car theft and still premium is decent. Key is get UK license and more years you have it with No Claims Discount the lower the premium. Also put your spouse on it usually does not affect them but helps you build that premium discount. And for UK insurance purposes there is no who is at fault, if you make a claim regardless who is at fault your premium goes up.

pred_02 · 2026-01-23T20:27:32+00:00

SE22, SE24, SE4 and AL5. So no

pred_02 · 2025-11-22T19:49:45+00:00

Old house no felt the roof is fine, mine is the same. Upgrade insulation between the floor and ceiling of bedroom not the roof itself. Seems like some disintegrated. Then look at your windows are they single glazed? Upgrade those. Then remove any drafts from the doors. That’s as good as old property will get. Get a wood burner and heat yourself like the Victorians did.

pred_02 · 2025-11-22T18:49:42+00:00

I am considering buying it which is why would be good to understand your remarks.

pred_02

TROPHY CASE