Hiya Greg.
I too do not live in the UK since I moved to Roma 20 years ago. I visited last week as I do quite often for a combination of work and visiting mates and note the following:

1. Euro to Pound has strengthened recently, now 1.25E per Pound.
2. Flats have never been easy in the UK, small market.
3. I would suggest buy and not rent, if you intend to stay a while.
4. Near Oxford there are several great places which are not tooooo expensive to live.
5. Loads of good bike roads in the area!!!

Have fun, all the best, Simon.

__________________
(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....