I'm thinking of changing my host from US to maybe UK. My site is ranked pretty well for my main keywords and I'm worried if the switch of host/IP/contigent will affect SE's ranking. Anyone can shed a light on this matter?
I am sure it does. I read it somewhere on DP I think. Some guy had changed the IP from US to some Eastern Asian country, and fell out of the SERPs. But I am not sure if same would happen with a US to UK change.
I don't think so. Because I had to change my site more than 3 times last year. It did not affect my SERP position. Because, search engine checks your url only. But when they ban your site, I think they not your IP too.
I've changed my best performing SEO site over 3 servers over the last few years and it hasn't effected the rankings in any way that I noticed.
It depends how often the Ip changes, what ranges and if its banned as a spam. The best way is to request your own dedicated IP to make sure you are clean ! On shared hosting servers someone can run a spam campaign, IP gets reported and you wont even know it.
Depends. If you switch to an IP known for bad practices, it can affect you. I also hear if you move from a dedicated IP to shared one, your link may be - maybe - devalued.