Top ten countries British expats most want to live

Following a survey we ran during October and November, we’ve collated the responses and we’re delighted to present the top ten countries where British expats would most like to live.

10. Italy

“Relaxed way of life” was how one person explained why Italy was where they’d love to live. Great food and drink, plus a perceived warmer climate also meant that 2.6% of British expats would love to live in Italy.

9. Ireland

Location is paramount, along with majestic landscapes and a welcoming culture – combined with family reasons – mean that our Gaelic cousins sneak into the top ten, chosen by 3.1% of British Expats.

8. New Zealand

Home from home is how 3.3% of people explained their love for New Zealand. With a culture and quality of life similar to the UK, it’s easy to understand why New Zealand is more popular than some of the more popular destinations in Europe.

7. Canada

Surprisingly lower on the list than expected, the quality of life in Canada is rated incredibly highly, along with the space and natural landscapes which make Canada the choice for 3.4% of British expats. Wintry weather and being so far from home reduce the desirability of Canada.

6. France

Wonderful countryside, a culture of great food and drink and being located close to home were the reasons typically cited by 5.1% of British expats who revealed that their perfect place to live would be France.

5. Spain

The Spanish culture is highly desirable for 5.5% of British expats who view Spain as the perfect balance of culture, quality of life and weather – while remaining close enough to home to not feel too homesick.

4. Caribbean

While weather is a downplayed component of choosing where to live, it’s undeniable that it is not one of the primary factors behind 5.7% of British expats declaring that they would like to live in the Caribbean. Culture and pace of life are also key factors for people looking to move, although the survey also found that for most people living in the Caribbean is based on the fantasy image portrayed with many people not having stepped foot in the sun drench region.

3. United States

The American way of life is a huge draw for 8.5% of British expats, with amazing landscape and a culture not too dissimilar to life in the UK. However, the overriding elements of why expats in our survey wanted to live in the US were the amount of space and also the value for money people got when living in the US.

2. Australia

With a superior quality of life, culture and of course the weather, 12.2% of British expats declared Australia as their destination of choice meaning the land down under is the most popular overseas destination for British expats.

1. United Kingdom

That’s right, when it comes to living anywhere in the world, for British expats there really is no place like home. According to our survey nearly 35% of expats would return home due to homesickness and to be closer to family and friends. While some people also value the countryside, one thing which isn’t a driving force is the working culture with only 1% saying they’d mover home for their career.