The Initial Enquiry
We received a call from a High Wycombe tech company asking for our help to relocate an employee and his family following previous successful relocations for the company. The family of four were moving from the outskirts of Paris to the outskirts of Aylesbury. We spoke to the family to ascertain their needs and they were keen to replicate the proximity to an urban hub whilst being based in a semi-rural location.
How we helped
The couple had two children – one who required a school place in Reception in September – and the other a nursery place. The couple were looking for a three bedroom house with outdoor space with an easy commute to High Wycombe. Prior to our Viewing Day we discussed the towns of Thame, Haddenham as options but focused on the Berryfields area to the north of central Aylesbury as there were more three bedroom family home options on the development, which is close to local schools and within easy reach of both Aylesbury town centre and High Wycombe.
Competition for properties was high and a quick decision need to be made on their preferred property. We stopped for a lunch and had time to discuss options then put in an offer on a home. We had a call back during lunch to say the offer has been accepted and we walked straight to the Letting Agents to sign the papers, show their passports for all the regulatory checks and to pay the all-important deposit.
During lunch Chiltern Relocation had the opportunity to provide further local insights about the area, including information regarding setting up of bank account and expected costs for Gas, Electric and food shops. On move in Chiltern Relocation changed over utilities and gave the clients detailed local information booklets to help them locate local doctors, dentists and other essential contacts required for their move.
The problems we faced
Moving over the summer months meant that the couple had missed the school place application process. In these situations the parents need to contact the Council to log an ‘in year application’ but there is no promise of any information until mid-September. As soon as the schools went back at the beginning of September, Chiltern Relocation called all the local schools to ascertain whether there were any spaces in addition to checking the couple’s position on the waiting lists with the County Council.
Conclusion
The family moved into their new home and within 10 days the County Council had offered their son a school place. The family were appreciative for all the additional support in terms of school places, setting up bank accounts and the information booklets supplied. Chiltern Relocation were delighted to receive the following feedback:
You have been invaluable in finding us a lovely home in a great location. The local information has been incredibly useful.
