Tag Archives: expat mortgages

Want to save money on your currency transfers?

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Given all that has happened over the past year we’re all pretty switched on to movements in exchange rates these days and we look to move our money when it is beneficial. Despite this far too many people are using their online banking system for transfers but this is rarely the best option as not only is there usually a fee, the exchange rates are rarely competitive. If you want to save money on your currency transfers read on.

With Sterling being relatively weak compared to the US Dollar, the currency to which most GCC currencies are pegged, it is still a good time to move your Dirhams, Riyals or Dinars to Sterling although there have been suggestions that we may see some movement the other way before too long.
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What’s your financial personality type?

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We all have certain beliefs and behaviours that guide us in our choices in life, whether that is in respect of the food we eat, how we live, the way in which we work or bring up children, our political views etc,  so it stands to reason that these personality traits cross over to our financial identities.

Although the financial services industry tends to pigeon hole people into various categories such as balanced investors, retirees, young married, cautious types and more, I believe that there is a whole other set of identities that relate to how we run our financial lives.

You may have heard people claim that they are a ‘spendthrift’ or that they are ‘saver’ but I think it is a little more complex. In reality we rarely have such black and white styles of money management.

There have been a number of studies with authors listing up to 20 different personality types but I have narrowed it down to seven which I think cover most of us.

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UAE Public Holidays for 2017

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These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days off work for both the public and private sector will vary but these are the dates announced by the Government so far.

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Brexit – where are we now?

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It has now been a few weeks since the results of the UK’s referendum relating to the EU and as the dust starts to settle we may have a little more idea of the long terms effects. I am always reluctant to make any kind of financial prediction, especially with such an unknown political landscape, but I think it would be useful to cover a few topics that may affect many people on a personal financial level.

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UK mortgages for UAE based expats

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EDIT 2017. This has been superseded by a more recent article

An expat’s guide to buying property in the UK

 

No matter what is happening in the rest of the world, interest in the UK housing market remains strong with many people looking to buy a property as part of their portfolio of investments, or as a future home.

Changes to the way in which UK mortgages are underwritten, which came into effect in April 2014 under the guidance of the Financial Conduct Authority, have made it harder to anyone to obtain a mortgage and the options are even more limited for expats.

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UAE mortgages and beyond…

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I would like to let everyone know that I now have a dedicated in-house mortgage desk which can source a wide range of products and services from the whole of the market.

If you are interested in buying a new apartment or villa, refinancing, or would like to release equity from an existing property, we can assist. The strong and well-established relationships we have with some of the leading banks in the UAE means we can access the best rates, along with the best service.

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Mortgages – here, there & everywhere

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Property has once again become a hot topic in the UAE. Since ownership of apartments and villas was made available to non-GCC nationals in 2002 the UAE property market has grown incredibly fast as shown by the huge rate of development inland, as well as along the coast. Despite the downturn a few years ago which left many people with burnt fingers, many analysts believe that the price increases we are now seeing are based on more substantial fundamentals. Whilst this may be the case, I would still urge caution.

And if not buying here, many people are keen to buy in their home country or to buy a house in a place where they might like to retire to. It’s not just an Englishman’s home that is his castle and we all want to own the roof over our heads one day.
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