Tom Church, the co-founder of the money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, is one of them. He says he’s thinking about packing after he’s done with his rising gas and electricity bills costing him more than renting somewhere in Europe this winter. “I asked myself, ‘What if I foreclose on the house, turn everything off and leave for the most expensive months?’” Church said. “If you’re a renter and you can cancel your contract to move abroad for a few months, you can save hundreds.” You must also be able to afford the upfront costs of accommodation and flights Apartments are cheaper to rent and energy costs are often much lower, he adds. The shift to flexible working started by the coronavirus pandemic means the idea is not as radical as it might have seemed a few years ago. The ability to do this naturally requires a great deal of flexibility and is more likely to appeal to singles, couples and young families and retirees working remotely than those with school-age children. You must also be able to afford the upfront costs of accommodation and flights. But Church is not alone in considering his options, with online searches for “moving abroad” soaring in recent months amid worsening living costs. Last month, the energy industry regulator for Great Britain confirmed an 80% rise in the consumer price cap from October which will take a typical household’s gas and electricity bill to £3,549 a year. The next cap, for the period January to March 2023, could be even higher at over £5,000. A typical energy bill will increase by 80% in October. Photo: Paul Marriott/Rex/Shutterstock The new cap, which starts on October 1, equates to a direct charge of almost £300 a month, although some will pay much more. Church says his projected bill for December alone is more than £500. A lot will also depend on the layout of your home. You’ll still have to pay your rent or mortgage while you’re away, unless, for example, you’re prepared to give up your lease and find somewhere new to live when you return. That being said, some people are lucky enough to currently have very low mortgage costs. The latest research by estate agent chain Hamptons International shows that the average rent for a one-bed flat in the UK is £929 a month – and that’s significantly more than in London. The aggregate figures suggest that some people could spend three months in Europe for less than £2,000, including flights, accommodation, wifi and energy costs, and enjoy a cheaper cost of living overall. However, Church adds: “I want to clarify something. I don’t think it’s a good choice for anyone. It’s absurd! “We’re in dire straits – I see in my thrift community that people are struggling. Saving your energy bills by going away for a few months shouldn’t be an option at all.”
Before you go
If you decide to follow the Church’s example, there are several things to consider when closing your home for the winter. Tell your supplier that you will be leaving and will not use gas or electricity for several months. Suppliers including British Gas and Octopus have confirmed that their fixed-rate bills will be reduced if you tell them you’re leaving. You’ll still have to pay the fixed charge if there’s a meter on your property, so your bills won’t go to zero. If you close up your home and go away for the winter, empty your fridge and freezer – and defrost the latter – before turning off the power. Photo: incamerastock/Alamy Daily fixed charges for electricity and natural gas will be limited to 46 p.m. and 28 a.m. since October. However, these prices are “averages and will vary by region, payment method and meter type.” Empty your fridge and freezer – and defrost the freezer – before unplugging appliances. However, while turning your boiler off while you’re away will save you money, it’s a risky move during the winter that could cause problems – for example, if your pipes freeze. Most boilers can be run for one hour a day. E.ON recommends timing it between 3am and 4 a.m., which is usually the coldest time of day. Alternatively, you can drain the heating system and turn off the water supply. Renting out your home while you’re away is one way to recoup costs, but be sure to double-check the terms of your contract if you’re a renter, as many landlords won’t allow you to sublet. If you are a homeowner, you should consider the additional costs you may incur by becoming a temporary landlord and recruiting someone in the area to be the point of contact for your tenants while you are out of the country. It’s also worth asking a friend or neighbor to check in on your house while you’re away, whether it’s to water the plants or for extra security. Double-check your insurance policy, too, to see if it’s voided if your home is unoccupied for a certain number of days. You may need to purchase a renewal policy.
Accommodation
Airbnb allows guests to book stays longer than 28 days, and energy bills are usually included in the total price. But check the house rules carefully before you book, as they could include extra information about bills – for example, whether you’ll have to pay more in certain cases. Contact the host to come to an agreement about the bills and make sure to get it in writing to avoid conflict later. Airbnb property in Spain. Photo: Perla Requejo/Reuters If a host tries to charge for something that wasn’t included in the listing description or house rules, guests can open a dispute with Airbnb. When booking through other platforms such as Booking.com or directly with the property owner, make sure you are clear on how you will be charged for gas and electricity. We checked how much a three-month stay in or around Málaga in southern Spain would cost on Airbnb. How much you pay will depend on your requirements – for example, whether you’re happy to stay in your host’s spare room or prefer the whole place to yourself. When we looked, a small apartment with a terrace and sea view in Torremolinos, west of Malaga, would cost £2,701 for the whole trip. Meanwhile, a room in an apartment 15 minutes from the beach in Malaga would cost £1,476 for the whole three months, although you would have to share a bathroom and kitchen with other guests. Church found that some of the cheapest rentals were in France, but there were also interesting options a little further afield in places like Montenegro and Romania. Many apartments abroad offer free cancellation, so you can book now and cancel later if you change your mind.
Flights
When we checked on flight comparison site Skyscanner, you could get direct return flights between London and Malaga for £58 with Wizz Air and Vueling, departing on 1 October and returning on 31 December. These figures do not include the cost of checked luggage, which you would probably need for a three-month stay and would have to pay extra for. Double check the Covid rules at your destination before booking.
I work abroad
After Brexit, UK citizens can only stay in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for 90 days or less within a 180-day visa-free period. This is mainly aimed at tourists, but there are some work-related allowances, such as attending a business meeting or conference. Spain plans to introduce visas for people working remotely for foreign companies Double check the visa requirements in the country you plan to visit to avoid breaking the rules. Spain plans to introduce a visa for people working remotely for foreign companies – sometimes known as “digital nomads” – but it has not yet been introduced. This means that UK passport holders may need to apply to the Spanish consulate for a visa if they plan to work remotely for a UK company while in the country. Sybille Steiner, employment law partner at solicitors Irwin Mitchell, says: “People should not enter an EU country as a tourist and then start working there, as this is likely to breach immigration rules. The rules here will vary by country and I recommend taking local advice into account.” There could also be tax implications for your employer, says Steiner.
