Nearly Half Of Brits Would Rather Be Somewhere Else

by Carla Johnson, Investors Offshore, London

24 May 2007

According to new research from the Bank of Scotland International, more than two fifths of Britons (42%) are interested in buying property abroad or moving abroad, with Australia being the favourite destination.

10% of respondents ranked Australia in the top spot with 10%, followed by New Zealand at 9% and America and Canada with 7% each. France topped the European destinations with 6% of people wanting to move there, followed by Spain at 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%.)

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."

The research was undertaken by GfK financial. A representative sample of 1321 people were surveyed between 24th and 30th April 2007.

Bank of Scotland International offers a comprehensive range of banking and savings solutions worldwide from its offices in Jersey and Isle of Man. Bank of Scotland International provides financial support to expatriates, international clients and the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Island communities.

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