"We’re right behind our sun-worshipping parents," say Brits

An estimated 2.3 million people chose to leave the country last Christmas and New Year to celebrate the festive season.

A significant number will decide they never want to spend another Christmas in the UK. But, they wonder, what will the family think? Those contemplating a new life in the sun when they retire shouldn’t worry too much about adverse reactions from their families, according to new research from overseas property expert, Parador Properties. Over three quarters of those surveyed said that if their parents announced that they were moving abroad at age 65, they would be pleased for them, looked forward to visiting them for some excellent family holidays, or even felt inclined to follow their example.

The research, carried out for Parador Properties by Tickbox.net, revealed that only 16% of men said that they would feel concerned about their parents being so far away from them, and a mere 28% of women said that they might worry. One in five respondents would be positively pleased and looked forward to spending some wonderful holidays visiting their parents in their new overseas property.

The 35-44 age group were the most likely to be pleased, but they were also the most likely to worry about their parents being far away, their opinions probably being sharpened by their parents being closest to retirement age.

Parador Properties MD, Jack Hamilton explained why the research was carried out. “We are always aware that one of the factors affecting people’s decisions to buy abroad, especially if they are contemplating a permanent move overseas, is the reaction of their family,” he said. “Anecdotally, we find families tend to stand by whatever their parents decide – but we wanted to quantify the level of support, as we sensed that some were hesitating unnecessarily, when their families were ready to back their decision all the way. This research has shown that the levels of support were even higher than we expected!”

An overwhelming 62% of men and 44% of women expressed the view that their parents had worked hard and deserved to enjoy themselves, and would be supportive if they chose to retire abroad at 65. Women were slightly more likely to follow suit; 8% of them saying that they felt inclined to move abroad as well, compared with 6% of men.

Regionally, a massive 86% from the North East would be right behind their parents’ decision to retire abroad, while it was the neighbouring North West (11%) that was keenest to pack up and join the exodus.

One such family is the Theakers from Liverpool. Mum Barbara relocated to Cyprus through Parador Properties in June 2005, and is enjoying the retirement that she had planned with her late husband George. Even though Barbara eventually made the move on her own, her family has been completely supportive. After selling her home in the UK, Barbara bought two properties in Cyprus, and her son Steven and daughter-in-law Tracy decided to join her in a new life in the sun. Sadly, their plans were delayed by their young son being diagnosed with Leukaemia, but now that, thankfully, he is in remission, they are considering the possibility once more.

“I simply love Cyprus,” says Barbara. “Nothing beats waking up to sunshine filled days and the completely stress free way of life. I’ve got great neighbours, a whole new bunch of friends and wall-to-wall visitors. I fill my days with whatever takes my fancy and, at thanks to Parador Properties, I’ve done exactly what I’ve dreamed of for so many years.”

Barbara’s second son even chose to get married in Cyprus recently, making it a real family affair. Barbara adds, “In Liverpool, we’re very familiar with the term ‘SKI-ing’, or Spending the Kids’ Inheritance. They haven’t minded at all, they just want me to be happy.”

Jack Hamilton adds, “The way Barbara’s chosen to ‘SKI’, her money is soundly invested in property, so she can enjoy it now without her family losing out in the long run. In fact if they do also choose to move to Cyprus, they won’t even pay inheritance tax on it in the distant future.”