An estimated 3.5 million British citizens already live overseas – could you be next?

If you’re thinking of leaving the UK behind in 2025, whether for work, family, retirement or just a change of scenery, our list of 11 of the most popular countries to move will help you choose wisely. From the most popular destinations with Brits and trending hotspots to the places where your pound can go the furthest, there’s something for every taste.

Australia: Enjoy the good life Down Under

Brits make up Australia’s largest foreign-born population, with nearly one million having made the 10,000 mile journey to start anew. The biggest draw is the healthy outdoor lifestyle and work-life balance, as well as a stable economy with plenty of work opportunities. If you’re dreaming of coastal living by the surf in the sunshine, Australia is a great place to make a fresh start.

Cyprus: Come for the ancient ruins. Stay for the building boom

This relentlessly sunny Mediterranean island is one that many Brits will have visited on holiday, but over 30,000 have put down roots. In fact, there have always been close ties between the two countries and English is widely spoken. Away from the resorts, there are some charming coastal towns and mountain villages, with historical sites going back to the Stone Age scattered across the island. With a residential property boom driving construction, now might be the right time to sample a slice of Cyprus.

France: Linger longer in the world’s most visited country

It might be just across the English Channel, but the lifestyle in France can feel a world away, from gastronomy to work-life balance. Many Brits choose to congregate in regions with quick links back to the UK, but there are beautiful and affordable properties to be found across the country. France is astonishingly varied in its regional landscape, climate, and lifestyle, making it a magical place to put down roots.

Greece: Your sun-drenched island villa awaits

Whitewash villages perched above the azure ocean exert a mythical pull on property buyers from Britain and beyond. Greece combines a historic mainland dotted with ancient sites and 6,000 islands (277 inhabited) where the easy pace of life sets the pulse slowing. The biggest surprise is how inexpensive life in Greece can be. It’s so affordable to dine out, you can indulge in the outstanding cuisine to the fullest.

Ireland: Wherever you’re from, you’re home

The irony of Ireland as a place to find a new home is that it’s a great country for staying outdoors. It has some world-class coastal hiking, biking, and golf, not to mention a legendary welcome and ‘craic’. Beyond the traditional charms, there’s a modern Ireland that serves as an international tech hub, so you can choose cosmopolitan city life in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, or relaxing county life in the wild rural regions.

Italy: The world’s best work-life balance

A cultural cradle for art and gastronomy, Italy is the place to enjoy life beyond the office. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of professional opportunities, but really the appeal is the finer things in life: dining, family, sport and travel. If you venture further into the less-visited regions, you’ll be amazed at what your budget can buy. Palazzo, anyone?

New Zealand: A good place to get lost in space

With a population of just 5 million and vast stretches of unspoilt beauty on both islands, New Zealand has always attracted British expats looking to get away from it all. More rigorous restrictions on buying residential property mean you might have to wait until you’re settled in to get onto the property ladder, but if you do meet the eligibility criteria, there are enough similarities in culture and climate to make you feel at home.

Portugal: Britain’s first special relationship

Our diplomatic relationship with Portugal goes back over 650 years, making it the oldest alliance still in force today. It’s surprising, then, that Portugal has taken so long to register on British home-buyers’ radar, at least compared to its neighbour, Spain. The secret’s out now, however, and there’s a rapidly growing demand for coastal or farmhouse properties. In return, Portugal offers an attractive cost of living, glorious weather, and an abundance of culture.

Spain: Reset your Costa living

Sunny Spain has always been a strong favourite with British property buyers. Prices are affordable, the lifestyle is attractive, and there are large expat communities throughout the Mediterranean coast and islands. Whether you stay for winter or settle year-round, Spain is a great place to recharge, relax, or reboot entirely, and you’re still just a quick flight back to the UK.

Turkey: The place to get your smile back

Turkey offers a vibrant blend of East and West, where rich history meets modern living – all wrapped in sun-soaked scenery and warm hospitality. Although the cultural shift can feel like a bold leap compared to many countries on this list, Turkey is welcoming and surprisingly accessible to foreign buyers. Many Brits are drawn to the relaxed pace of life along the stunning southern Mediterranean coast, where resort towns offer a mix of local charm and familiar comforts.

USA: From golf on the Gulf to laid-back West Coast living

Some are drawn by the employment opportunities and the high quality of life. Others come for family, retirement, or a new beginning. In each case, the United States are a great fit. This vast, varied country prides itself on having an opportunity for everyone, so whether you’re looking for an ambitious lifestyle upgrade in the city or a simpler life in the country, there are ample options across the pond.

Have any of these countries caught your eye or got you itching to start packing up boxes? Check out our range of property buying guides to get started on your journey to purchase a home in your dream location.

Currency Zone

For guidance on protecting your property budget against currency fluctuations, head to our Currency Zone. We partner with Lumon, a trusted currency specialist with over 25 years of experience helping international property buyers. Choosing to work with a currency specialist rather than your high-street bank will allow you to benefit from competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge. For more information, head to our Currency Zone.

Written by Lumon for Rightmove

This article is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon or its subsidiaries, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from the relevant professional services. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date