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Record numbers quit UK - 22 August 2007

It seems that the famed British stiff upper lip is beginning to quiver ever so slightly, and the combination of the poor weather, ever-rising property prices, the high cost of living and rising crime are driving people overseas.

Figures released today by the Office of National Statistics show that some 385,000 people left the UK in the year to mid-2007.

Two new surveys have revealed the main reasons why we are seeking to leave the UK for a fresh start overseas, and the nation’s favourite conversation topics are riding high among reasons for disillusionment with life in Britain today.

The first study was conducted over the course of a three-day exhibition in London, where more than 500 people were asked their reasons for heading overseas by the developers behind the LaVanta project in Turkey. Over 60 per cent of those asked cited the high levels of property prices to be a significant driver behind their move, while 49 per cent blamed the high cost of living in comparison with other countries.

Third on the list was concern over the high level of crime and deteriorating standards of law and order. Other factors cited by those who took part in the survey were tax levels, the public transport system, and related to this, the state of Britain’s roads. Louise Andrews of LaVanta said “There were some very positive reasons for emigrating; however we were surprised by the strength of feeling about certain aspects of life in Britain.”

The second study has shown that as Britain suffers one of the wettest summers on record, the number of people keen to buy a property abroad has doubled in the last year. Based on the number of enquiries received by Barclays Buying Abroad over a 12-month period, the study has found that more Brits than ever are planning to head overseas, and highlights the prominent effect of the weather on buying decisions.

Richard Exton. Director of Barclays Buying Abroad said “Brits are familiar with the idea that we only have two seasons: the winter and July. It seems that this year, many people are not prepared to sit through a year-long winter and are looking for a getaway to sunnier climes.”

 

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