This episode is Part 2 of Stephanie's conversation with Michele Coleman. For the full conversation, make sure you listen to Part 1 and subscribe to the podcast.

In this episode of Taxbytes for Expats, I’m joined again by Michele Coleman, a valued Expat Taxes client, as she shares the reality of returning to Ireland after decades living in the UK. Michele speaks candidly about what surprised her most, from banking and buying property, to moving her belongings, importing a car, and navigating everyday life back home.

We talk through the practical lessons Michele learned the hard way: why having the right advisers early matters, how UK–Ireland differences can catch people out post-Brexit, and why planning currency transfers, removals, insurance, and car registration properly can save serious stress and cost.

Michele also reflects on the emotional side of returning: resetting routines, rebuilding community, and adjusting expectations when “home” has changed. This conversation hit close to home for me, as my experience moving back from Australia was similar regarding the connection with friends and family when you return to Ireland not for a holiday, but for the long-term.

Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:

Buying Property and Banking on Returning to Ireland: Michele shares her experience navigating Ireland’s stricter banking system, the importance of existing accounts, and how having the right solicitor and advisers made the property purchase run smoothly.
Moving Belongings from the UK Post-Brexit: We discuss the realities of international removals, why specialist experience and proper insurance matter, and the costly lessons Michele learned when things went wrong.
Importing a Car and Avoiding Unexpected Taxes: Michele outlines what repats need to know about bringing a car from the UK, including registration timelines, exemptions, and the real risk of penalties if the process isn’t followed correctly.
Tax Planning Between the UK and Ireland: We cover the importance of understanding double taxation, pensions, capital gains, and investment differences — and why getting tax advice well before the move is essential.
Readjusting to Life Back Home: Beyond the logistics, Michele reflects on the emotional and practical side of returning to Ireland, from rebuilding routines and friendships to adjusting expectations about infrastructure and daily life.

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome to Taxbytes for Expats
(00:49) Buying Property and Re-Entering the Irish Banking System
(02:34) The Role of Solicitors and Trusted Advisers
(03:02) Moving Money from the UK to Ireland
(04:32) Why the Right Support Network Matters When Returning
(06:05) Key Lessons Michele Wishes She’d Known Before Moving
(06:23) The Reality of Moving Belongings Post-Brexit
(08:20) Insurance, Loss Adjusters, and Costly Removal Mistakes
(10:00) What to Bring — and What Won’t Fit in Irish Homes
(10:31) Importing a Car and Avoiding Registration Tax Pitfalls
(13:30) Tax Planning, Double Taxation, and Pensions
(17:46) Readjusting to Life, Community, and Expectations Back Home