NewStats: 3,265,279 , 8,186,228 topics. Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 08:30 AM 2g3ic

NewT123:


Yes it is public funds. Before you apply, you can check your eligibility and if you indicate that you are on a visa, it will say you are ineligible to apply. I tried applying for my daughter but couldn’t and was told I am not eligible. Had to result to paying for her nursery fees.

What about the 30 hours for a 3 yr old? Is it public funds

5 years ILR qualification will be based on the following factors;
Age
Salary
English exam
Education
Field of work

If you can score good point here, then proceed to part 2 which is 10 years route.

Mortgage might be a factor to consider.

Jamesclooney:
Beyond stock markets, curious to know if anyone is impacted by the tariffs at work/employer? Just seen JLR is suspending shipment of cars to the US…I’m sure other companies will have to react as well.

Good question. I work with a global manufacturing company with HQ in US. Promotion has been frozen except very critical and even the performance bonus is greatly impacted. It won't result to job loss anyway but employee may become poorer as salary increase does not go above inflation. On God we dey

Zahra29:


If you reside in England, eligibility for 30 hrs childcare is also dependent on immigration status.
The parent who makes the childcare application must have British citizenship, settled status or recourse to public funds. Many educational providers may not be aware of the immigration conditions as they apply to only a subset of parents, as opposed to the working and salary requirements which apply to all parents.

The school won't be able to prove or approve your eligibility - you would need to apply to the government to receive a valid eligibility code before you can claim the 30 hrs funding. The code would need to be renewed every 3 months.

From gov.uk:
Your immigration status
To be eligible for free childcare for working parents, you (and your partner if you have one) must have a National Insurance number.

The person who applies must also have at least one of the following:

British or Irish citizenship
settled or pre-settled status, or you have applied and you’re waiting for a decision
permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this

https://www.gov.uk/check-eligible-free-childcare-if-youre-working?step-by-step-nav=f517cd57-3c18-4bb9-aa8b-1b907e279bf9


https://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/information-and-resources/rights-and-entitlements/services-for-children-and-families/early-education-and-childcare/3-and-4-year-olds-30-hours

Thank you so much for providing this useful information. I'm a skilled worker with NRPF and I can see it clearly that I'm only entitled to 15 hours starting from September. Unfortunately I know a lit of people with the same visa status that are claiming the 3o hours. Sope oti lo

Please I need help oh before Aunty Badenok will say I have claimed public funds. I wanted to my daughter at the primary school ahead of her 3 years birthday in June. So she can begin in September. The receptionist said my child is entitled to 30 hours as against 15 hours as long as we are able to show that my wife and I are working. I have read a lot online but I want to hear from people who can inteprete the law well or someone who had got rea life experience.

mex551:
.

Congratulations. God, when?

rock86:

What about those not driving before?

Please anyone with suggestions on where to go to in Spain for holiday. I want a place that has a traditional beaches and enough grounds for children to play. Note that I'm checking Google too but first hand experience could help better. Thanks

Goodenoch:


I’m not the one you quoted but just my two pence about penny stocks: avoid them, especially for your long term goals - they’re basically gambling.

For long term, keep your money in an all world or S & P 500 index and leave it alone. You can then invest a fraction of your funds in very large cap stocks (e.g. the Magnificent 7) if you’re younger and/or have a higher risk tolerance.

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. Yes I have Snp 500 and a few of them including the high dividend paying. For the penny stock, I think it is not a bad idea if you can gamble with little quids and if you lose it, it won't hurt. I have penny stock and I am looking for more to buy if it meets my set criteria.

ukay2:



VISA
Microsoft
Google
AMAT
TOAST
CNQ
ABR
Vanguard S&P 500


For a long term investment, do you have any penny stock you ve studies and can recommend

Many others.....



I am a very long-term capital market investor

elengine:


No it won't. Just make sure the person documents the gift and sign off. Any gift less than 10k will not require the relative to provide bank statement. Also note that only your family member van gift you gifted deposit.

Although some banks accept friends but majorly your family like cousin etc

Abuja1914:
Good evening to all the elders in the House. Please, I want to ask if a gift of £2000 from friends to add up to the 10% of deposit when doing AIP will not serve as a red flag.

Please, I need urgent answer as my offer has been accepted.

No it won't. Just make sure the person documents the gift and sign off. Any gift less than 10k will not require the relative to provide bank statement. Also note that only your family member van gift you gifted deposit.

Lexusgs430:



Congratulations..... 🎊💐

I hope those that viewed the slogan as pressure, would see that we have nothing to gain, pressuring anybody....... 😁😂

RENT MONEY REMAINS DEAD MONEY..... 😀

I can say it a million times. Rent money is not only a dead money, renting is injurious to the renters. If I share my experience and what my eyes saw in the hand of landlord. Within 1.5 years, I had moved house 3 times. The last one was the worse. I got an eviction notice- section 21 6 months after moving to a house due to a breach of mortgage Condition by landlord and we had a contract of 12 months. Imagine the disorganization, the confusion, the pain, the blame and the thought of how to begin the hurdle of search and checks etc

IcecoldDon:
Hi Guys, so in my current property journey, I have been made aware from two separate mortgage brokers ( L&C and Purple Bricks) that for my situation of being on a skilled worker visa with 2 years left, only one lender is willing to accept a 5% deposit for a 220k house but are insisting on a five year fixed deal at 6.5% and (can't the %) leading to monthly payments of £1,400 and £1,600 respectively. Note: I don't know who the lender is or if it is the same lender that both brokers are quoting.

Are there people here with similar experiences because I thought from general knowledge shared here that as long as you were on a skilled visa with at least 2 years left, you could get a 2 year fixed deal with fair rates. It doesn't seem to be the case for me as both advisors seemed hung up on the lack of indefinite leave during our discussions and insisted that there was no other options for me unless I can increase the deposit which I just cannot afford currently.

For your situation, you need to up your deposit to 10% before you can get a good deal. Nobody on this platform has claimed to have got a good deal for a 95% LTV as a foreign national. Ordinarily, it is difficult to get a mortgage if you don't have ILR or port. But some lenders relaxed their rules and say that they can lend to visaholder provided they have 10% deposit. So if you have any lender that want to give you mortgage on 95% LTV, then they are going to charge you higher rate to cover the risk, plus they are usually not highstreet lenders. Is the property a new build? Reason is because Most of these lenders with 95% LTV won't give you mortgage for a new build.

Meanwhile you have the right to know the lenders.tellyour advisor to send the DIP issued the lender. You will see the lender's name.

The Nigerian in me feels that having a bathroom without window for a new build is misnomer but I do not have evidence either that having a window is better than not. The information online s either of the two as long as there is extractor. Please can I learn from people with experience on the above.

Estroller:


We locked in 1.41% for 5 years in 2022, we are currently setting aside a set sum in a savings with a 4.9% interest rate. Hopefully a sizable amount would have been accumulated in this pot by the time the current deal expires. The plan is to overpay the mortgage with this and keep repayments at the current level or lower, if not possible we go chest am and move.

Wow. 1.4%. A lot has really changed. This is a great idea and I guess a lot of people can learn from this. Especially the newbie like me.

For those that locked in 2.8% 5 year mortgage in 2020. How are they going to face reality in 2025? Just thinking over this for knowledge sake. Have you all got your shock absorber

Lexusgs430:


I currently pay £420 per annum for 2 vehicles + £180 building and content insurance...... 😁
(fully comprehensive), on both vehicles...... 😎
I also have extra insurance for all my white goods, TV etc etc...... The TV in my bedroom, developed a white thin vertical line last week, I phoned D&G, technician visited today, wrote TV off today ..... Getting a free replacement next week..... 😊

For all white goods, TV cover etc etc , I pay about £75 extra pcm..... 😁 (Got my Double fridge & freezer + washing machine replaced already).... 😁

Wow. This is interesting. So the content insurance is really worth it because anything may happen.

So from the above, I can see that the ridiculously low I will be paying😆 for building and content insurance is more like a compensation for the relatively high s on my car insurance.

Thank you Oga Lexus. I know your NCD is what seperates you from the boys like me. I am less than 2 years in UK and I guess that rate is probably one of the best😆 for people at my level but when this expires next year, I would be hard on them cos my aim will be to cut it by half.

Hello everyone. So my broker got me a building only insurance quote for 57 pounds per month.I got 24 pounds per month via compare go. Then I that it could be cheaper with my car insurance provider. So I tried iral and I was given 20 pounds per annum. The reason I guess is because I have two cars insured with them.

Currently I pay 199 pounds for two cars and having added building insurance , I would now be paying 208k. This includes content, emergency repairs. It is still doing me like a magic. My question is, do people pay as low as this. If not so I can get more clarity from them and be sure the cover is for building.

I am waiting for the policy update on the app so I can it is actually true.

Thanks.

lightnlife:
I assume you're referring to Standard Variable Rate (SVR). If so, see the attached image.

By the way, you don't have to pay the SVR. You can shop for new mortgage deals six months before your current term lapses.

Thank you for this.

Quick question please. Why is the interest rate after the fixed rate is always higher? Does it mean people pay higher rate after their fixed rate has ended. Someone should throw more light on this.

Deposit has effect on rates. If your LTV is 95%, then you would be restricted to a few lenders and their rates may be as high as 6.9%. So the more deposit you have the better the rate until you get to a threshold. By the way, the 4 3% is a good rate. I have 4.81% and I thought it was the best.

Please oh the seniors. An update to my previous post:

1. I have reserved the first new build and the solicitors recommended by the Builder has commenced work. Their recommended broker is also working on my mortgage approval. Hopefully it comes back soon.

2. I have another DIP obtained from another broker and that one is for old build. I am still negotiating with the Estate Agent. I want to take advantage of the fact that I already have a bird at hand and so I slashed the asking price thinking they may say yes and if they insist on no, I move.

I also have another DIP with another broker bit don't let me bore you with this.

My question, can I have more than one mortgage applications at the same time? And I hope it doesn't have any effect? The idea is to go for the best even if the 3 applications says yes to me.

Lastly, for new build, is it possible to solicitor to conclude e everything within 1 month. Note that the solicitor was recommended by the Builder.


I will be waiting in one corner here with a cup of zobo to read your useful comments as usual.

Lexusgs430:



You need to tile the bathroom wall from top to bottom....... 😂🚽

Renovations are not that major...... Do you have a credit card.......

What jobs can you tackle yourself....... DIY..... 😁

We don't want the kids to think, daddy is trying to suffocate mum..... Why is he putting all his weight on her...... 😭🤣

😆😆😆while Inspecting the house, that was the first thing that came to my mind. I was like.... if the kids are looking for their mum nko

Thank you all for your suggestions. I never thought of credit card cos I have always exercised restraint not to exceed 20% of my CC but since mortgage is settled, then to hell with 25% credit utilisation.

Lexusgs430:


What sort of renovations are required.......

Interior painting, the 3 bathrooms all have shower glass but the walls are peeling off which means water has penetrated. So I need to screed and paint. The master room on the second floor doesn't have a door and I want to introduce a door so kids don't just step into the room from the staircase. Make them no dey see action when madam come upstairs for quickie. Lol

In all, it is just to touch all the minor repairs. The house is clean and not old. It was built in 2004 and is well maintained

Lexusgs430:


You would not get cost for renovations, from your mortgage lender..... You could get a top loan, to run parallel......

Thank you boss for this. At least I can now weigh my options. 🙏🙏

Please I need some clarity around buying a second hand house. The property is 20 years old and in a very good location. My current house is just 5 minutes walk away. Surprisingly, my madam who has always been bent on new build like the house. Now, my ASK is- will the lender give me the funds that cover purchase price and renovation or I will have to sort out renovation myself? Pls note that my DIP and AIP amount is far more than both purchase price plus whatever renovation will cost. Thanking you on advance

babajeje123:

Wait...are you rate fixed for 5 years is not a good option?

Yes. The rate is fixed for 5 years. I have now put the idea on hold and wait till next year.

Dilemma pls help;

Option A- a new build with deposit unlock and 1040 GBP monthly payment. The ish is my wife and children do not like the area.

Option B- same size of the house. No deposit unlock and I don't have 10% contribution. I have a mortgage at 95% but the interest rate is over the roof. Monthly payment of 1500 GBP fixed for 5 years. My family likes the area and we don't need to relocate school. If I have 10% I would pay 1200 GBP monthly. Nice location and it comes with solar . The price of the house is more than the above.

Option C- If I don't buy now, I may not see the opportunity to own house in that area. In the end, I may be paying rent of 1250 to 1300 monthly starting from next year. Advice please

Elders in the house. Please what can I use to back up the ajo money that was paid into my . The amount (thrift) is used to boost my deposit for mortgage and I intend to print statement. I ve got AIP from Lloyd Bank and also DIP from my advisor.

I ve found the house too.

Thanks

All of you dishing out advice. I said well done oh. I believe by now, the woman must have been left more confused than she was before asking the question 😕. My own advice to her is this:

1. Sit down with your hubby and agree. Ensure you get her nod to whatever decision the family is taking. Otherwise this may come back to hunt your family later

2. Consider not just the short term benefit but the long term benefit of your decision. In my own case , I was earning close to that when I left Naija after and believe me, no regret at all.

3. Comparing the two scenarios without a longrun in focus may lead to sub optimal decision. I.e 5m is a big money but where will you be in 6 years with that 5m assuming all things being equal. What is the chance that you can continue to retain that job? Nigeria is volatile and especially oil company now. How does Dangote Refinery impact your company? What if Nigeria stops importation of oil? Jow does it affect you?

4. For UK, where does it leave you after 5 years. Is your husband able to do care work or work in the warehouse/production if engineering work is not possible? Can he upgrade his civil engineering and after a while, then establish himself with a good job. Can he do a night shift? As a dependent Visa holder, he has the opportunity to choose shift on the days you are not working. You guys can plan it together. People that compare 5m to 2k nurse are not doing justice to the question. In UK, everybody works so your household income in Naija should be compared with your expected house hold income in uk. At worse, your husband will get a job within 6 months if he is not choosy. So your 2k plus his 2k is 4k on the average. I won't talk about education cos I believe I ve laid a good foundation for you and then you can continue to assess your risk and rewards together with focus on shirt and long term in mind. Cheers

@those using Trading 212, do you pay any fee if you are trading I.e buying and selling within short time