Relocating internationally is never easy—especially when it involves moving from one of the world’s most historic cities to one of its most dynamic and fast-paced real estate markets. In this interview, a client shares their experience moving from London to San Francisco, offering valuable insights for anyone considering a similar leap.
🌍 The Move: From Meta London to Meta San Francisco
The couple’s move began when Amy, who worked for Meta in London, received an opportunity to transfer internally to the Bay Area. With only a month’s notice to relocate, they decided to rent out their London home rather than sell it immediately, giving them flexibility in case the U.S. move didn’t work out.
Once settled, both eventually joined Meta in the Bay Area and spent their first few years renting in San Francisco—mostly around Hayes Valley, a lively, walkable neighborhood they quickly fell in love with. After receiving their Green Cards, they felt ready to lay down roots and finally buy a home.
🏡 Comparing Real Estate Markets: London vs. San Francisco
One of the most striking differences they noticed was the speed and certainty of the Bay Area real estate market.
“In the Bay Area, properties move incredibly fast,” they said. “A home can go on the market Monday, you tour it Friday, and offers are due the next Monday. That’s it.”
In contrast, the UK market can drag on for months or even a year, with offers that fall through and chains of dependent transactions that delay everything. In the U.S., offers are binding, timelines are firm, and buyers know exactly when they’ll move in—a welcome certainty after years of uncertainty in the UK system.
They shared a story of a family friend in London stuck in a six-month “chain” involving multiple properties all closing simultaneously. When one party’s lender delayed funds, the entire chain collapsed, leaving everyone stranded and stressed. That experience underscored one of San Francisco’s greatest advantages: liquidity—the ability to buy and sell efficiently without long, tangled dependencies.
🏘️ Finding Home in San Francisco
Knowing they wanted to stay in San Francisco long-term, they focused their home search in Hayes Valley and Noe Valley, two vibrant neighborhoods with strong community feels and easy access to shops and parks.
Initially, they hoped to buy a single-family home, but the limited inventory and high prices made that difficult. They were also hesitant about HOAs (Homeowners Associations)—a concept unfamiliar to most UK buyers. With guidance from their realtor, they shifted focus to smaller apartment-style properties, eventually finding a two-unit condo that offered the balance of privacy, simplicity, and community they wanted.
“Looking back, it was way simpler than I thought it would be,” they said. “Once we understood how things worked, the process was a breeze.”
🌆 Why They Stayed in San Francisco
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the couple never considered leaving. While many moved away during COVID-19, they saw the resilience of local neighborhoods firsthand.
“It was a tale of two cities,” they explained. “Downtown was hit hard, but neighborhoods like Hayes Valley, Noe Valley, and Cole Valley remained vibrant. As soon as restrictions lifted, restaurants and shops bounced back quickly.”
For them, San Francisco’s charm lies in its local culture, scenic beauty, and proximity to nature.
Within minutes, they can go from bustling city streets to the trails of Mount Tamalpais or the coast of Marin—something that keeps them grounded and inspired.
💼 Work-Life Balance and the Meta Connection
Although most Meta employees commute to Menlo Park, the husband works remotely from San Francisco, allowing them to remain fully immersed in city life. They enjoy their work, their community, and the unique lifestyle that comes with living in one of the world’s most beautiful urban environments.
💬 Final Thoughts & Advice
Their advice for anyone considering buying in the Bay Area?
“If you’re intimidated by how things work in the U.S. or the Bay Area, talk to an expert. Having the right realtor makes all the difference. Spencer made it easy and fun—we trust him completely.”
✈️ Key Takeaways for International Movers
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Expect speed: The Bay Area market moves fast—be financially and mentally ready.
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Appreciate liquidity: Unlike the UK’s chain-based system, transactions in the U.S. are direct and dependable.
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Be open-minded: Consider condos or smaller units; HOAs aren’t as daunting as they seem.
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Explore the neighborhoods: San Francisco’s charm lives in its local communities, not just its downtown core.
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Plan for the long term: Once you fall in love with the city, it’s hard to leave.
Thinking about relocating to the Bay Area or San Francisco?
Whether you’re moving from abroad or just across the state, hearing real-life experiences like this shows that—with the right guidance and preparation—building a new life here can be both smooth and rewarding.