Moving to the UK From Hong Kong: Dr Lena Chan’s Story
Whether it’s the desire to be closer to loved ones or the need for a fresh start, there are numerous reasons why many choose to move to the UK.
A perfect example comes from Dr Lena Chan—an International University Lecturer—and her husband, Wayne Lo. With the desire to start afresh, the couple decided to make the 6,000-mile move to the UK from Hong Kong, China.
Now, they enjoy a new life at Leighwood Fields in Cranleigh—a leafy development in Surrey created by Berkeley Group. Read about Dr Lena Chan’s experience of the move, including how Berkeley Group helped their journey.
What Inspired Your Move to the UK From Hong Kong?
“We took the decision to move to the UK in 2020, as we wanted to relocate somewhere that we could have more freedom. Our lives in Hong Kong were incredibly different to our new life in the UK, in particular the type of property we have bought.
We were previously living in a 3-bedroom apartment on the 33rd floor of a high-rise building, overlooking the Victoria Harbour in the centre of the city. It was so tiny compared to our beautiful new home, which is a four-bedroom open-plan house surrounded by the Surrey countryside in Cranleigh. The extra space we now have is definitely one of my favourite things about the property.”
- Dr Lena Chan, International university lecturer and Berkeley Group homeowner
How Has Moving Benefited You Personally?
“My job requires me to continue teaching my students at the University of Hong Kong online, and so the extra space in our new home has meant I have been able to transform the downstairs into my office space.
I have turned the living room into a study and reading area which is where I work from, and one of the walls has a large book shelf to display my academic books. I have a lot of gifted students from the University that are currently studying in the UK, and they come to stay with me frequently, so we’ve created a guest bedroom upstairs for when students, friends or family come to stay.”
- Dr Lena Chan, International university lecturer and Berkeley Group homeowner
Why Did You Choose a New Home by Berkeley Group?
“Initially we had no idea about UK property, as we had only visited a handful of times before. A friend of mine was studying here, and he told me that Berkeley Group was one of the best developers in the UK so he recommended us to look at properties crafted by them.
Following this, in August 2020 we came over here to view developments by Berkeley Group in London and the outskirts, to choose where we wanted to buy our new home. We looked at about 20 developments in total, and finally decided on Leighwood Fields as we just fell in love with the area.
Cranleigh is a lovely village and one that we are proud to call our new home. It’s so peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, and the high street is only a few minutes’ walk away, which is great. The greenery and the surrounding countryside are stunning too, particularly in the evening when the sun sets – we’re so lucky to have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep.”
- Dr Lena Chan, International university lecturer and Berkeley Group homeowner
What Is the Community Like in Your New Location?
“We’re so pleased we have such fantastic neighbours in our new home. As soon as we moved in, our neighbours were so welcoming and offered their kind help for anything we would need, knowing that we had moved from so far away.
We have been added into the community WhatsApp group so we can get into contact with our neighbours if we need to, and it is always lovely walking around the development, as we will almost always bump into one of our neighbours and stop for a chat!”
- Dr Lena Chan, International university lecturer and Berkeley Group homeowner
How Was Your Experience With Berkeley Group?
“Buying with Berkeley Group has been such an easy and smooth process, and the sales team at Leighwood Fields were so helpful throughout. We were unable to move in when we completed in February due to COVID-19 lockdowns, so the sales team took care of our new home whilst the house was empty, before we could eventually move over in July.
I would highly recommend buying with Berkeley Group. I have many friends in Hong Kong that are planning to move over to the UK too, so I have already recommended they come and live near us at Leighwood Fields!”
- Dr Lena Chan, International university lecturer and Berkeley Group homeowner
Find Your New Home in the UK With Berkeley Group
Should you plan to move to the UK from Asia, Europe or elsewhere, you can enjoy complete peace of mind when you buy a new home with Berkeley Group.
Our customer commitment means we’re here to support you throughout your journey of buying a new build house. This includes a 10-year warranty—the first two years covered directly by Berkeley Group—to give you added reassurance once you’ve moved in.
Learn more about Berkeley Group or find your new home today.