Research by Moneycorp reveals that 72% of Brits would consider moving abroad.

Australia is the favourite destination for people wanting a new start – with over a quarter (27%) of those surveyed considering a life down under. Oz is particularly popular with the middle-aged; 33% of those individuals looking to move to Australia are aged between 35 and 44. Other idyllic destinations include the USA (12%), Spain (9%), Canada (7%), France (7%) and New Zealand (4%).

For many, the British weather is the clincher, with a quarter (24%) of those who would consider emigrating citing climate as one of the reasons for going. The most popular reason is general quality of life, with over half (52%) of respondents suggesting that a lifestyle change would tempt them to move abroad. Other key factors include the UK economy (16%) and the UK political environment (12%).

David Kerns, Personal Client Dealing Manager at Moneycorp comments:

“Government cuts, tax increases and one of the coldest winters on records have made many people in the UK dream of starting a new life abroad. As we move into what is deemed to be the most depressing time of year, we expect to see a rising number of enquiries at Moneycorp from those looking to make a new start in places like Australia, the USA and Spain.”

Employment opportunities abroad are also a key reason for making the move – with a fifth (20%) looking at moving overseas for work. This is particularly true of men, with double the number of males citing their job as a reason for emigrating (27%) compared to women (14%).

While employment is a strong consideration for Brits thinking about emigrating, almost half (46%) do not necessarily believe that they would be able to get a better role overseas. Almost a fifth (19%) claimed that they would be looking to change profession if moving overseas, whilst a further 18% of those questioned would be concerned about not being able to find a job abroad.

Steven Lewis, Managing Director of The Network and International Sales Director for Totaljobs.com, adds:

“This time of the year is traditionally one where we look to evaluate our lives and inevitably jobs are high on the list. Our own research into this area shows that UK jobseekers are overwhelmingly drawn to Anglophone countries, with the USA (62%), Australia (51%) and Canada (49%) the three most popularly cited countries they would want to work in. With our latest Totaljobs Barometer predicting uncertainty in the UK job market in the coming months, opportunities abroad seem to be all the more attractive. However, for those seeking brighter skies and better opportunities overseas, it is important they remember how competitive the market is and to ensure they consider the motivations of those they will be competing with for jobs.”

Fluctuating exchange rates are of little concern to Brits thinking of moving abroad, with only 7% of respondents citing this as their main worry ¬– despite two thirds (66%) of individuals potentially needing to transfer money from the UK on a regular basis for a pension or salary. This means people could really lose out due to currency market movements.

As David Kerns explains:

“We’d strongly advise anyone who is tempted to move abroad to put their finances first. The dream can be shattered if you haven’t thought about possible currency fluctuations and how you’ll transfer money to the country you are moving to.

For instance, buying a house in Australia worth $250,000 currently costs around £27,000 more than it did this time last year – all because of changes in the exchange rate.

A foreign exchange specialist like Moneycorp can give you free, expert guidance on the currency markets and will help you transfer your funds in the right way, when rates are in your favour.”

Do your customers send money overseas?

The Moneycorp Partner Programme will enable you to offer their services to your clients. You will have a dedicated Account Manager with expert knowledge of the overseas property industry. They aim to build an ongoing relationship with your business to continually meet your expectations and those of your customers.

Moneycorp ticks all the right boxes for helping your customers but there are also plenty of benefits for you and your staff. Moneycorp can provide your company with an additional revenue stream, as you can elect to receive referral fees on all of your customers’ transactions over the lifetime of your agreement with them.

Call +44 (0)20 7828 7000 or email newpartners@moneycorp.com to find out more.

Source: Moneycorp