Many who spent their working lives dreaming of sunnier climates to retire to have not found the experience as enjoyable as they had hoped. In the study, 33% said they are planning to return back to the UK, while another 23% are considering returning sometime in the future.
Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, said it was crucial for anyone planning a move abroad to do their research about exactly what living abroad would entail for them in order to make an informed decision about whether it’s a good move. "It is important that people do not expect an extended holiday when they plan their new life away from the UK."
Financial concerns are the main reason retired expatriates are planning to return to the UK. Of those surveyed a massive 97% admitted that the cost of living in their chosen country was higher than they had expected. The global economic downturn has particularly affected expats living in European countries where property prices have been falling.
It is not just money that is pulling pensioners back to the UK though. An overwhelming 94% of retired expats said they missed their family and friends, while three out of four said they missed British culture. All of the people surveyed said their loyalty still lies with the UK despite living abroad, and that they see their identity as a British national as a useful asset.
Spain remains the most popular retirement destination for Britons according to research by Retirement Advantage last year. The survey found that 24% of the over-50s who would retire abroad picked Spain as their favoured destination, followed by North America at 22% and France at 20%.
While Britain’s pensioners may be returning home after their expatriate dreams turned sour, younger people are increasingly moving abroad. NatWest’s research found that the number of expats aged 25-35 is increasing. That age group now makes up 27% of all British people living abroad.
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The NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Report is a global study of British expatriates’ opinion and attitudes to living abroad. The Report, now in its eighth year, examines attitudes to lifestyle, employment and financial status and is conducted in conjunction with the Centre of Future Studies among 2,400 British expats.You fail to mention in the article that this so called 'research' was undertaken by 2,400 expats GLOBALLY!
A 'Brexit ' and falling exchange rate are the main reasons. Followed very closely by the loss of Medical Cover, when the EHIC ( E 111 ) should become redundant. The bad treatment from Spanish/Mallorcan so called Banks/Business/Estate Agents/Scammers/solicitors/Councils etc. has destroyed the British illusion of Spain and its Islands. Eventually the younger inexperienced people, will be subjected to lots of the afore mentioned companys etc.Then they will return to the UK, usually with very little money left.