Brits want to buy property abroad

Over two fifths of Britons (42%) are interested in buying property abroad or moving abroad, according to new research from Bank of Scotland International.

When asked where they would most like to live in the world, Britons ranked Australia in the top spot with 10%, followed by New Zealand at 9%. France topped the European destinations with 6% of people wanting to move there, followed by Spain at 5%.

Where Britons Would Most Like To Live Overseas

1. Australia 10%
2. New Zealand 9%
3=. America 7%
3=. Canada 7%
4. France 6%
5. Spain 5%

Out of the 42% of people who would like to own property abroad, the largest proportion were based in the South East (18%), followed by the North West and London (10%.)

4% of respondents surveyed already owned property abroad. Over one quarter of these respondents were again based in the South East (28%), followed by London (15%) and Yorkshire and the Humber and West Midlands (7%.)

Bank of Scotland International offers a range of services to suit the needs of British expatriates all over the globe. This includes everything from offshore banking and savings accounts, offshore mortgages and financial planning.

Tony Wilcox, managing director at Bank of Scotland International, said: "If you are planning to leave the UK to live temporarily or permanently overseas, you need the right products and services in place, so that you have a firm foundation for your finances, no matter where you are.

"When moving abroad there are many aspects of life which British expatriates have to adjust to and personal finance is no exception."