Expat exodus from the UK to Spain is well under way

British would-be expats are changing their plans to ensure they’ll be settled in Spain by the end of December this year.

Whether or not Brexit will be a disaster for the UK, the expat exodus to Spain has started and is likely to continue for the rest of 2020. Predictions that, should Brexit happen, the majority of UK expats in Europe would head home in a hurry haven’t come to pass, with the exodus going in exactly the opposite direction. Selling British properties and taking early retirement sooner than planned is now the fashion, and many Brits seeking career moves are also bringing their departures forward.

Bremain in Spain founder member Sue Wilson is being inundated by daily enquiries as to what needs to be taken care of by this December 31st – the date on which all Brits lose their European citizenship. One would-be expats determined to settle in Fuengirola has brought his deadline forward rather than being robbed of his dream of a more relaxed lifestyle. He’s going for early retirement, selling his home and leaving with his wife, having brought forward his five year plan to A.S.A.P.

UK estate agents are seeing an increase in properties being put on the market to facilitate a fast exit from the UK to one of a number of EU member states. As always, Spain is an all-time favourite, with the suddenly increased demand for expat homes already having a positive effect on property prices. Freedom of movement is the key for many, especially those who’re retiring early and leaving their adult children and their families back in the UK, and the other major issue is Spain’s quality healthcare against the appalling state of the NHS.