Financial Advisor in London?

[twakspot]

Hi peoples,

I'm a US expat living in the UK and I'm looking for some local financial planning and advice. Anyone have any suggestions?

thanks much!

[Susie]

Hi and a warm :welcome: to our site

Are you looking to take out a pension, invest in property, apply for a mortgage ? please tell us a little about yourself and what you hope to achieve.

[twakspot]

thanks for the welcome!

OK, here's my story. I have been in the UK for two years working for an American company, on a work visa organised by them. I recently married an Italian citizen living here with me, and we plan to move to Barcelona towards the end of the year, hopefully buying property. My company should still help me out with immigration details, so no problems there. It's just that I'm a 1st time home buyer, never had any proper financial advice, and I figure it's time I get a real plan together. With marriage now changing how it all fits together, I want to make sure I'm making the best decisions.

Know anyone in London that can help? thanks!

-ian

[kirtida8]

:welcome: - sorry been here for too long and have no idea of a good FC in London any more. Hopefully someone else will though.

[Susie]

thanks for the welcome!

OK, here's my story. I have been in the UK for two years working for an American company, on a work visa organised by them. I recently married an Italian citizen living here with me, and we plan to move to Barcelona towards the end of the year, hopefully buying property. My company should still help me out with immigration details, so no problems there. It's just that I'm a 1st time home buyer, never had any proper financial advice, and I figure it's time I get a real plan together. With marriage now changing how it all fits together, I want to make sure I'm making the best decisions.

Know anyone in London that can help? thanks!

-ian

Hi

Not sure if you wish to buy in the UK or in Spain, I suspect no British lender will lend money against a Spanish property, so if that is where you wish to buy then maybe you should do further research. I do know Spanish property laws are or can be a bit suspect, and if you do not speak fluent Spanish you could end up loosing your home, so please be careful

If you wish to buy in the UK then a good place to start is with your bank so give them a call and make an appointment. They have special mortgage advisor's. You may have to put down 5 to 10% deposit of the purchase price , plus have some extra funds for legal fees.

Anyone know what the rough legal fees would be?

Also try building societies such as The Halifax, The Woolwich or TSB , again just walk in and ask to book appointment.

[britcan]

best bet is to go to the Financial Services Authoritys web site, as they regulate the Financial Services Industry and you will get a lot of good info from there.


http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/

[timjotom]

If you go to a UK High St bank or building society they are tied which means they can only advise you on the products that they sell or advise on.
You need to look for an Independent adviser who can look at a range of solutions for you - they earn commission from each company and they have to disclose this amount to you.
Most advice initially is free.
I used to work for Abbey National and they are part of Santander and provide mortgages on Spanish properties. The majority of mortgages require a 25% deposit especially if you are looking at them as an investment.

Hope this helps.

[Tesseract]

You need to look for an Independent adviser who can look at a range of solutions for you - they earn commission from each company and they have to disclose this amount to you. Most advice initially is free.


Very true, but one in Spain the regulations are not as strict as in the UK or US. There are many outfits, one which has a similar name to a hotel chain, mostly employs high pressure sales guys from a double-glazing or car sales background rather than real investing experience. Once you sign the contract you may never see them again. Find a good IFA through the expat community wherever you settle.

My impartial advice to you is start retirement planning sooner rather than later as long as you're not carrying any CC debt and find that you are just saving in regular bank interest.

Best of luck