The Initial Enquiry
We received a call from a family based in Singapore who were keen to use our international relocation services to move back to the UK after nine years of living the expat lifestyle. With two boys aged 9 and 7 they felt that the time was right for their education to move back and they wished to be closer to family. The couple knew that there were many excellent local schools to choose from in the area including Davenies, The Beacon, Dair House School, Butlers Court and Thorpe House. Living through covid at a distance from family made the desire to move back even greater. Born in Bucks, the family knew the area well but appreciated that a property search agent would be able to find and secure a rental for them from a distance given the rental market moves so quickly.
How we helped
Moving from Singapore to the UK had always been the family’s long-term plan and having handled so many international moves, Chiltern Relocation really understood the needs of the family. We shortlisted and viewed a number of potential properties for them and one in Beaconsfield Old Town looked to be ideal. The couple were quick to make an offer based on our report and the videos we took during the viewing.
Problems we faced
This appeared to be a simple search but when it came to signing the paperwork, the landlord changed the parameters of the agreement and demanded a three-year fixed term with no break clause. Chiltern Relocation advised against signing such an agreement and suggested the couple stepped away. From experience, when something fundamentally changes it usually leads to more challenges and it is better to not be financially, and emotionally, involved.
Following this set back, Chiltern Relocation quickly got in touch with our local network of contacts and received an interesting response. A couple were keen to rent out their property ahead of their move to Dubai to start their expat lifestyle. The couple thought that their house would suit our clients and that we could also agree to terms without needing to enlist a letting agent to market the house (thereby avoiding the letting agent’s percentage fee).
Conclusion
The house was simply ideal for the family. Modern with stunning interiors the house ticked all the boxes and more. The huge kitchen/diner opened out onto a beautiful level garden which would be perfect for their two boys. Being only 5 years old, the house was in perfect condition with stunning furnishings. We sent videos to our client and they were keen to proceed immediately.
In terms of pricing, the owner carried out some research and a figure was agreed upon by both sides. It was also agreed that the owner would include all the of furniture as part of the deal which suited everyone. Chiltern Relocation recommended that we enlisted a local letting agent to draw up all the paperwork for a one-off fee so that the vital legal elements were all professionally handled such as the Tenancy agreement, EPC’s and electrical checks etc.
This special expat themed relocation has resulted in a very happy family who are excited to be moving back to the UK, and for their boys to receive a British education close to grandparents. It has also resulted in the owners of the rental property being thrilled to be starting their Dubai adventure, safe in the knowledge that their house is being cared for by a fabulous family.
Below is the feedback from our Singapore clients.
‘Sharon at Chiltern Relocation was integral with helping us make a smooth transition back to the UK. She was friendly and professional, plus provided great market insights and helped view and video suitable properties for us even when properties weren’t available on the public websites. This was hugely helpful when we were still living in another country!
In the end, Sharon helped us secure a great property in the centre of town absolutely ideal for our family through her connections. Without Chiltern Relocation, we would have found the process much more challenging and we wouldn’t have found a property as good as what we have now. We would highly recommend engaging with Sharon at Chiltern Relocation if you want a less stressful move’.
If you would like further information regarding our Private Relocation service, please do contact us on 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit www.chilternrelocation.com
