Moving Abroad

A British newspaper has claimed that a record number of UK nationals are selling their home and moving abroad. The News of the World said the number of Britons selling their home and moving abroad went up from 207,000 in 2006 to 250,000 last year. According to the newspaper, the figures have come from as-yet unpublished government statistics. If the figures are accurate, this means that outward migration from the UK rose by 21 per cent in 2008.

On the subject of selling your home and moving abroad Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group, commented: "People [are] not just wanting to escape the bleak weather, but seeking a whole change of lifestyle." He added that Australia was proving to be an especially popular destination with migrants from the UK, along with property in France and Spain.

More than a third of Britons are likely to consider selling their home and moving abroad when they retire due to the country's poor weather and rising costs, new research has revealed. Britain's poor climate was a key reason for thinking about leaving, with almost two-thirds (69%) saying that the temperamental weather would drive them overseas. The Scottish Widows study found finances were also a major reason why 35% of those questioned, dubbed "emi-greys", said they would consider moving abroad after retirement.

The survey found that Londoners were most likely to want to sell their home and move abroad with almost a quarter (24%) saying they are very likely to consider moving abroad. Scots are the most likely to stay put, with only one in 10 saying they would consider such a move.