Study reveals top ten overseas retirement destinations for UK citizens

The results of a recent survey have revealed that around six million UK citizens are planning to retire overseas, with over half of those surveyed hoping to head for expat hotspots outside Europe.

Unsurprisingly, Spain is again the top destination for UK retirees, with France taking second place and the USA ranking third for its popularity with those attempting to avoid the harsh UK winters by spending up to six months in Florida. The choice of nearby France or Spain seems sensible for retirees with extended family and close friends still living in the UK.

Australia took fourth place in the survey, proving it’s still a favourite for Brits looking for great weather and new friends, and the surprise element was the Far East in fifth place. South East Asia’s sun, sea and sex hub of Thailand wasn’t specifically mentioned, and may be far harder for retirees to access in the future due to its recent military take-over.

Canada with its superb scenery, snowy winters and colonial ambience took sixth place and Italy and Southeast Europe came in at numbers seven and eight. Already renowned for their charm, inexpensive cost of living and mild winters, the Mediterranean states are becoming ever more popular with those wanting a ready-made expat community and sunny summers.

However, over half of those surveyed were looking at destinations outside Europe as a base for their retirement years. The USA was top of the list with 16 per cent of the total votes, and exotic locations in Asia pulled 13 per cent, whilst Australia came second with 14 per cent.

A report on the survey stresses the need to carefully research all aspects of the chosen destination before taking the plunge, and recommends particular attention to local medical care facilities and the quality and security of housing options. For those without work-related pensions or considerable savings, avoiding countries where the UK state pension is frozen is the best idea.