Over 55s look forward to moving to Australia and elsewhere
March 25 2010 by Liam Clifford
Recent figures released from the Foreign Office show that 42% of retirement-age Britons want to move to Australia and other countries with warm weather. Around 38% hope to do so within the next five years.
Analysts believe the reason so many
over-55s want to move abroad is a combination of the recent cold winter and the
economic downturn which has reduced interest rates on savings.
British
pensions can still be claimed by citizens living in Australia and other
countries, where the cost of living is lower than in the UK. The most popular
European countries amongst emigrating Britons are Spain, France and
Cyprus.
Foreign Office data shows that a third of emigrating Britons go
to live in Australia and New Zealand. More than a quarter emigrate to Spain or
France, and one in 12 choose to move to the US.
Foreign Office minister
Chris Bryant urged prospective migrants top do their research before taking the
plunge and buying a property abroad: “In the excitement of making plans for a
future in the sun, people don't always think about the possible downsides or the
problems that can occur. It's always worthwhile being extra cautious when you
are making a purchase abroad. Local laws can be complex and unclear, so always
seek legal advice.”
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