The colder weather, shorter days and depressingly high house prices have many of us dreaming of foreign shores at this time of year.
If that’s you, you aren’t alone. Over 70%* of Brits would move abroad if they were given the opportunity, a House Buy Fast survey has revealed.
The destinations of America (11%), Australia (10%) and Spain (6%) top of the list.
But, what do these places have that the UK doesn’t? We take a look.
America
There’s something for everyone in America. Beach bum? Surf dude? Nature lover? Adrenaline junkie? Sun seeker? No problem. America has got it all. Many Americans don’t ever leave the country because they don’t feel they need to.
In December 2016** the average house price was around US$300,000 (approx £227,000) and 2,500 square feet (232 square metres). In 2016 the average UK house price was £219,000 and 90 square metres. That’s a whopping 142 extra square metres for almost the same amount of money.
Australia
Like America, Australia has a lot going for it. It’s famed for its sun, sandy beaches and surf. But did you know it’s got ski mountains?
Australia’s homes are even bigger than the American’s – at an average of 240 square metres*** but cost a lot more than in America – an average of AUD$656,800 (approx £382,400).
Spain
Spain has always been popular with Brits looking to retire to a warmer climate. Apart from the weather one of the biggest attractions with Spain is that it is just a short (often cheap) flight away from friends and family back in the UK. Spain can also offer beaches, culture and great food and wine, though there is a language barrier which Australia and America don’t have.
The average house size in Spain is 99 metres squared – so slightly bigger than in the UK. House prices in Spain have been steadily growing so it’s not the bargain it used to be, but still a lot cheaper than the UK. Earlier this year (2017) the average house price was in the region of €150,000 (approx £133,000).
*House Buy Fast survey, May 2017
***https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Previousproducts/8752.0Feature%20Article1Jun%202013
