How do we find a home and a job back in the UK?

After years in Australia, you may have no recent UK credit history or address history, and you’ll be job hunting from the other side of the world. Here’s how to rent, buy and find work when you come back. Rules here are for England.

Renting

• Landlords in England must check every adult’s right to rent. A British passport, current or expired, is enough
• Since 1 May 2026, landlords must advertise a set rent and can’t accept offers above it, and can’t refuse you because you have children or receive benefits
• Landlords can still check you can afford the rent and ask for a guarantor, as long as they treat everyone the same
• Have a reference from your Australian landlord or agent, your bond refund record, your job offer and recent bank statements ready. Renting short term for the first month makes viewings much easier than doing it all from Australia

Rebuilding your credit file

UK credit reference agencies only hold UK data, and your Australian credit history doesn’t transfer. After a long time away you may need to build a file from scratch.

1. Register to vote as soon as you have an address
2. Open a UK bank account. If a bank turns you down, you have a legal right to a basic bank account if you live in the UK lawfully and have no other UK account
3. Put household bills in your name, and switch your phone to a monthly contract
4. Leave a few months between credit applications

Buying a home

First-time buyer relief is only for people who have never owned a home, or a share of one, in the UK or anywhere else in the world. If you bought in Australia, it doesn’t apply. You count as non-resident if you spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the 12 months before buying. If you then spend 183 days in the UK in a row within a year either side of completion, you can claim the 2% back within 2 years. If you pay the extra 5% because your old main home in Australia hasn’t sold yet, you can usually claim it back if you sell that home within 3 years. Lenders set their own rules on UK income, address and credit history, so speak to a mortgage broker early. Scotland and Wales have different taxes.

Job hunting from Australia

• The UK is 9 to 11 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne, depending on the time of year. Early-morning video interviews in Australia are normal; say which hours suit you
• UK CVs are usually shorter than Australian resumes, around two pages, and often leave referees off until an offer is near. Your British passport, current or expired, proves your right to work
• UK criminal record (DBS) checks can’t see records held overseas. The Australian Federal Police National Police Check covers overseas employment and people living overseas. Apply before you leave and keep the certificate
• Keep your contracts, payslips and a reference letter from each Australian employer

Qualifications

UK ENIC can compare an Australian degree or diploma with the UK level in a Statement of Comparability. It costs £69.60 for the e-Statement and takes about 15 working days once you’ve sent everything. Regulated jobs, such as nursing, teaching, law or accountancy, have their own UK registration bodies, so check with yours before you apply for roles.

Benefits while you settle

• British citizens coming back still face a “habitual residence” test for Universal Credit, which can mean a wait of a few months
• Universal Credit isn’t paid if you have savings over £16,000