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Expat Housing
Our expert guide.
Our experts explain everything you need to know about expat housing
In today's modern working world, many companies have offices all over the globe. This means relocation can often be on the cards when employers need to move people with certain skill sets to another location. Relocating can be very exciting but also has some challenges, especially when it comes to finding suitable expat housing. This is particularly true when the country in question is unfamiliar to the people moving there. Our guide has been carefully put together by the global accommodation experts at Situ to help you find the right expat housing or apartment. We aim to cover everything that you need to consider for a relocation, whether that’s for you personally or whether you are organising it for someone else.
Types of accommodation for expats
The good news is that with more people relocating to other countries for work purposes there has never been a more comprehensive selection of accommodation available to consider.
A serviced apartment is a very good temporary solution for those looking to relocate. It allows people to settle in to the new location with ease and then potentially seek a more permanent home (or not!)
This type of accommodation offers all of the convenience that you would expect from a hotel, with a range of hotel-like amenities, but also with the space and comforts of home. They are fully-furnished, with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or bedrooms depending on the size of the property, and a good-sized living area. The cost of a serviced apartment includes utilities and a cleaning service and sometimes even facilities like a gym. This means that they are a great choice for a hassle-free living solution enabling the expat to simply get on with life in their new location.
The advantage of a serviced apartment over other types of rentals is that all of the bills are included. This means that you will not need to deal with the complexities of paying utility bills in an unfamiliar country. This is an added bonus if you have relocated to a country where you are not fully conversant in the local language.
Short-term accommodation vs long-term rentals for expats
Serviced accommodation is a flexible option for expatriates, whether they need short-term corporate rentals or longer-term expat accommodation. These fully-furnished apartments or houses are available for stays ranging from a week to several months (or longer) and offer the convenience of services such as housekeeping and utilities included. This makes them an ideal choice for those relocating for work or settling into a new country before deciding on a more permanent living arrangement.
Some expats initially choose a serviced apartment for a short-term stay while they explore long-term rental options, particularly if they are moving with family and need time to find the right home. Others may find that long-term stays in corporate serviced accommodation continues to suit their needs, especially if they prefer the flexibility, convenience, and hassle-free living it offers.
For those seeking a more permanent home, long-term rentals typically require signing a traditional lease and furnishing the property themselves. However, even expats planning to move into a long-term rental often begin their relocation in serviced accommodation, giving them valuable time to settle in, explore neighbourhoods, and make informed decisions about their future home.
Why is the right accommodation so important?
Navigating your way through the world of work in another country brings its own set of challenges. As an expat you may find yourself facing language barriers and cultural differences too. Whilst your new position might be incredibly rewarding it has the potential to be tiring as well. Knowing that you have somewhere nice to return to at the end of the day, a space where you can prepare a meal, and relax is essential when it comes to ensuring a good life balance.
The right accommodation can also help to lift your mood and ensure mental wellbeing. Serviced apartments with their home-like atmosphere and great range of services offer everything that you need to make life in a new country easier in those first few weeks. Plus, they may even offer the possibility of social interaction with others in a similar position.
The right accommodation is about more than having somewhere to simply sleep at the end of the day. It will help you to settle into your new life as quickly as possible, whether you are looking for a more permanent property or want to stay in serviced accommodation.
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Finding the right location for accommodation
Choosing the right neighbourhood to live in, particularly in a country you are not familiar with, can be difficult. When it comes to finding the right accommodation the needs of the expat, the budget and the location are the key factors to consider. Younger expats and particularly those with no children may prefer to relocate to the more centralised urban hubs where there is plenty going on, while families or older expats may prefer to opt for quieter suburbs.
In order to find the right location, it is a good idea to do a little research, and there is no substitute for local knowledge. As global accommodation specialists here at Situ, our experts are able to suggest the right areas that are most suited to individual needs. Reach us on +44 (0)1392 690079 or [email protected].
Being where there is already an established expat community can be helpful, particularly in the first few weeks in a different environment, when their knowledge can be invaluable. However, in the long-term many expats, particularly those who are single or have children, prefer to immerse themselves in the local culture rather than becoming part of an expat “bubble”. This is certainly something to consider when choosing a neighbourhood to live in, and to some extent the decision may be swayed by the length of the work contract, and the potential to extend it.
Popular expat destinations
It is estimated that in the year ending June 2024, approximately 479,000 people emigrated from the United Kingdom. This figure is down from the 508,000 in the year ending June 2023; however, the number has been consistently well over 450,000 per annum for many years. Roughly 43% of those who emigrate every year do so for work purposes, whether they are relocating for a new job with better prospects and pay or they have moved within the same company but to a different office.
Amongst the most popular destinations with those who relocate from the UK for work purposes are:
- Canada
- Australia
- The Netherlands
- Germany
Let’s take a brief look at each of these destinations, popular neighbourhoods you may want to consider moving to, and some other important factors to consider.
Canada
The top industries in Canada are mining and petroleum, finance, and agribusiness. It is also considered a good destination for jobs in healthcare. French and English are the co-official languages of the country with 85% speaking English. Speaking French is, however, considered an asset for people moving to Canada, and that alongside certain highly-regarded professional qualifications can put you ahead of your peers.
Ontario is the most popular province to move to and Toronto, the province’s capital city, is considered to offer some of the best job opportunities. Toronto is also one of the safest cities in Canada so when it comes to choosing good neighbourhoods you are spoilt for choice. The Entertainment district is a popular choice with those relocating to the city, it is a vibrant place with plenty to keep you busy during your downtime. Other popular central neighbourhoods include Old Toronto and Queen Street West.
Other information
- The weather in Canada can be harsh in the winter. Temperatures can reach as low as -25 degrees centigrade. However, in the summer the weather can be wonderful with temperatures reaching as high as 30 degrees centigrade.
- Living costs are relatively high, with the biggest cost being housing.
- There is a very good, efficient transport system, which is inexpensive.
Australia
Top industries in Australia include agriculture, hospitality and tourism, and marketing. With English the official language, there should be no language barriers for UK expats when it comes to working in Australia.
Sydney in New South Wales is considered to be one of the most popular areas of the country to live. Popular neighbourhoods for expats include Macquarie Park, which is a little outside the city centre, Surrey Hills, and Parramatta. Parramatta, is also a little further out of the city centre, but is a good option for families.
Other information
Within the centre of Sydney public transport is plentiful, and an Opal travel card is a good option for getting around easily and cost-effectively. Be aware that in Australia talking on your mobile on public transport is frowned upon. Having said that Australians are incredibly friendly so be prepared to have plenty of conversations with strangers if you want to fit in!
The Netherlands
Major industries in The Netherlands include chemicals, petroleum refining, high-tech, financial services, and the creative sector. It also has plenty of jobs in research and academia.
Most people in the Netherlands speak English, but Dutch is the official language. It is not uncommon for people in the Netherlands to be able to converse in two or more foreign languages with French and German spoken by a large proportion of the population. Although almost everyone speaks English, learning some basic Dutch will go a long way, particularly with your new work colleagues.
As the capital city, Amsterdam is a popular place for expats to move to. The city is a vibrant one with plenty to recommend it. Getting around is easy with public transport and the city's enviable network of cycle paths. For those who prefer not to live quite in the middle of all the hustle and bustle that a city centre brings, then Houthavens, a new urban neighbourhood in the west of the city is the place to head.
Other information
Amsterdam is an incredibly cultural and diverse city and a melting pot of different nationalities. This not only makes it a great expat city to live in, but also means that it has one of the best cost of living rates you will find in Europe.
On the whole the country is very safe, although bike theft in this nation where there are more bikes than people, is a big problem.
Germany
Germany is well known for its finance and pharmaceutical industries and is a popular relocation destination for those in the field of engineering.
German is the official language of the country. However, in the major cities a high proportion of people speak English. Learning some German, at least the basics, is a good idea if you want to live outside of a city.
Popular neighbourhoods in Munich include Schwabing, Haidhausen, Glockenbachviertel, Altstadt-Lehel, and Maxvorstadt. In Berlin, Kurfürstendamm is a popular location for those looking for somewhere to stay on the city’s outskirts, but close enough to the centre for convenience.
Other information
The public transport system is comprehensive and is the best way to get around any of the big cities; but cycling is also a popular choice. On the whole living in Germany is a little cheaper than living in the UK, however city living is more expensive.
It can be something of a culture shock to discover that most of the shops in Germany are closed on Sundays and even though we now live in a more digitalised world, cash is preferred in most places in Germany over card payments.
Our expert's luxury choice
Alex Stremtan, Accommodation Specialist at Situ: 'I speak three languages fluently and have lived equal parts of my life in three countries. So, two years ago when I joined the serviced accommodation and Global Mobility industry it felt like a match made in heaven. My top choice for accommodation in London is the wonderfully renovated Westminster Fire Station (Greycoat Place Apartments) – this is the best luxury apartment London has to offer. History meets elegance from the furniture and appliances to the shampoo and soap (which are made in small batches by a local business). Every detail is thoughtfully luxurious for the most pampered stay, and it’s just 10 minutes’ walk from the iconic Palace of Westminster.'
No matter where you are relocating, the global accommodation specialists at Situ are here to find accommodation in Europe and further afield to ensure you start your new expat life on the firmest, and most comfortable footing.
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