Leicester Family Finds New Life in Harare After 5,000-Mile Move

A Leicester family leaves the UK for Harare (image source)

Natalie Furk and her husband James traded the UK “rat race” for their childhood home in Harare in March 2024, and say they now enjoy a healthier work-life balance, drastically lower living costs and fresh, organic food. After selling their four-bed house in Ringstead, Northamptonshire for £500,000 and shipping their belongings for £8,000, the couple—with children Isabella, nine, and Harvey, seven—has settled into a 15-room family estate owned by James’s mother.

Within six months of moving, the Furks report utilities costs of just US $27.11 (Z $1,940) for water and £90 for solar-powered electricity—compared to £370 for water alone back in the UK.

“All we were doing was surviving. Now I have time for the kids, fresh air, and staff who cook and clean. It’s amazing.”— Natalie Furk, content creator and Leicester native

Construction entrepreneur James continues in his UK role remotely, flying back just four times a year. His salary, coupled with the family’s medical aid at US $620 (£457) monthly, covers swift private healthcare and a top-tier curriculum at a Harare international school charging £8,750 per child annually—still well below comparable UK fees.

“With bills, a high mortgage and electricity in the UK, we had nothing left at month’s end. Here, we thrive.”— Natalie Furk

Local experts say such relocations underscore Zimbabwe’s untapped potential for expatriate families. Dr Aurelia Ncube, a Harare-based economist, notes that “lower fixed costs and household staffing create a multiplier effect in local job markets, while diaspora remittances and remote work boost foreign currency inflows.”

Employment data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency shows a 4 percent uptick in small-business registrations in 2024, many of them servicing hospitality and home-maintenance needs of returning expatriates. The Furks now employ three full-time staff—two housekeepers and a gardener—who earn triple the local minimum wage and receive training opportunities, such as a cooking course funded by the family.

Education specialist Dr Tendai Moyo of the University of Zimbabwe explains that private schools with shorter days—7 a.m. to 1 p.m.—lower operational costs and foster community engagement through compulsory sports and cultural activities. “Parents report happier children and stronger local ties,” she said, “although integration challenges remain for newcomers.”

Background

Britain’s cost-of-living crisis and nationwide wage stagnation have pushed young professionals to explore remote-work hubs abroad. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s currency stabilization since 2023, paired with solar-power incentives and a thriving informal sector, offers an alternative lifestyle. Northamptonshire families like the Furks are among a growing cohort leveraging digital platforms to document their cross-continental moves and inspire peers.

What’s Next

The Furks plan to renovate an annex for James’s mother and expand their garden with indigenous crops. Natalie, who posts lifestyle content online, is partnering with local artisans to launch a Zimbabwe-focused wellness brand. Meanwhile, community groups are lobbying for streamlined residency permits and tax treaties to attract more remote workers.