Retirement in the UK is often a gloomy prospect. There’s the distinct lack of sun, the somewhat harsh winters, and the potentially high cost of living. Stories of struggling pensioners are frequent bait for the tabloids, and the living conditions of many retirees are slowly getting less comfortable.

With many British pension plans paying out internationally, a number of UK citizens are considering moving abroad for their retirement, new studies show. Of the retired Britons surveyed, over 40% noted that they were considering moving overseas during their retirement, with approximately 38% of participants claiming that a move within five years was likely.

Expat-friendly locations such as Spain and France still top the list of potential destinations, while developing nations are becoming frequently eyed up as potential cost-cutting lifestyle choices. Many retiring Britons opt to travel overseas to take their income further, using low-cost countries outside the European Union to counteract the pound’s ever-decreasing value.

Many retirement-aged expatriates barely consider currency fluctuations and income in their search for an overseas destination, figures show. Many are simply searching for a better lifestyle, often in a location with lower spending requirements. With many overseas removals companies offering competitive service, moving an entire home’s worth of possessions overseas is becoming less costly and more realistic for many expats.

With Britain coming off one of the harshest winters in recent history, the draw abroad could be stronger than ever. With the right combination of planning, long-term investment, and overseas removals preparation, many Britons could be making the right choice in moving overseas.

Many British expatriates are finding an international move to be more than they bargained for. With hundreds of thousands of Britons living overseas, a range of resources have appeared for expatriates the world over. Almost all are now making mention of one thing: the incredibly common belief that an overseas move is “easy.”

While a number of international movers firms provide excellent service and flexible moving conditions, many expatriates are finding that the overall moving process can be quite difficult. Culturally different countries carry an extra stress-test for Britons, as many find themselves without a common language or platform for communication.

With the UK economy on the mend, it’s estimated that many expatriates out of the country for financial reasons may consider returning. The lowered value of the pound makes Britain a relatively affordable place to live, especially for expatriates that have been earning in strengthened foreign currencies.

However, reverse culture shock is often an annoyance for expats, particularly those with long-term positions outside the country. Much like many Britons underestimate the physical and mental requirements of moving overseas, a move back home can result in some taxing moments and potentially difficult adjustments.

Beyond furniture removals and business rearrangements, there is a lot going on during an overseas move. Brits considering an international career should consider it in its entirety, much like those returning home should consider the potential adjustments. Long-term overseas placements can be a relaxing and growth-filled affair, but only with the right degree of planning and consideration.

As the global economy continues to lack growth and global property markets prove a turbulent investment, many UK-based investors are looking at their overseas properties as lifestyle assets above long-term investments. With holiday and investment properties ranging from exotic locations in Cape Verde and Bulgaria, all the way to trusted holiday spots in Spain, Portugal, and USA hotspots like Florida, many Brits are looking for an improved lifestyle overseas with foreign property.

Of course, these properties aren’t for emigration, but temporary moves for the better climate, lifestyle, and attractions on offer. Despite overseas home ownership slumping since 2006, over 430,000 foreign properties are owned by Brits. Many are used as holiday homes – often summer houses in warmer climates – while others are used as investment properties or short-term rentals.

The vast majority of the overseas properties were situated in Europe, giving many Brits a convenient location for overseas removals and complete long-term moves. Of the 75% situated in Europe, over 25% of the homes were in Spain, with another 25% spread throughout France and Italy. Many international homeowners keep their homes furnished with relatively spartan equipment, choosing an international removals firm to move further items as required.

This investment in lifestyle comes at a time when many Britons are cutting costs left and right. Seen more as a lifestyle investment than a potential source of income, these holiday properties demonstrate that no matter what the economic season, lifestyle expenses will always account for a portion of national spending.