Is the UK heatwave changing would be expats minds?

Most expats occasionally wonder why they didn’t just stay home, but what are the real reasons for leaving the home country?

As life gets tougher in the UK, increasing numbers of Britons are admitting to fantasising about life in a warm, less expensive beachside location, but few now seem to be prepared to get up and go, especially after this summer’s soaring temperatures. It has to be admitted that the UK has its share of natural beauty as well as a strong sense of history, charming towns and villages and exciting cities, but its rising cost of living is inescapable by any other means except expatriation. Even so, perhaps its most tempting plus point is that English is the local language!

It’s believed that learning a new language is the biggest deterrent for would-be expatriate Brits, especially those who didn’t take to French at school. The weather is another reason for leaving, although this summer seems to have persuaded a large number of respondents to a recent, small survey to stay put and see what happens next year. Everything in the UK looks better when the sun shines, from parks through countryside views, mountain vistas, beaches and even gritty, grey industrial towns. Unfortunately, there’s no clue as to whether this summer was an exception or the beginning of a rule.

For those still convinced expatriation is the answer, there’s one important reason for going – a less stressful lifestyle. Respondents to the survey reported a strong wish to quit the rat race and its demanding work culture as well as the need to reduce their spending to a reasonable budget level. Others were looking forward to the chance to explore other cultures, travel and get fit by playing more sports, whilst better employment opportunities, more relaxed retirements due to affordable living and lower crime rates were also good reasons for leaving.

It has to be said that TV series such as Channel 4’s ‘Place in the Sun’ has influenced many decisions to move overseas, with the Mediterranean countries the first choice, but Botswana, Bulgaria, Denmark and Australia are also being quoted as desirable locations. Few reports mentioned amenities, although access to English foods was considered important if not essential, and good schools were also required. Depressingly, over three quarters of respondents to the survey said English-speaking locals were a necessity.