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.

Despite trends showing an increase in returning British expatriates, a growing number of British citizens are looking to move abroad, either as part of a developing career or for the improved lifestyle on offer. Countries like Spain and Turkey continue to rank amongst top expatriate destinations, offering relatively inexpensive living and a greater degree of financial security than other locations.

Of course, moving abroad is a major decision, and an action that requires significant planning and security. From insurance to overseas removals, many pre-planned investments are required, some of which are absolutely essential for a successful relocation. These two important investments stuck out as necessities for a successful foreign relocation:

1. Health Insurance

Public healthcare levels can be abysmal in some overseas locations, particularly low-income countries and developing nations. By contrast, the level of private healthcare available overseas can often verge on luxury – hospitals closer to 5-star hotels than the healthcare facilities we’ve grown to know.

Health insurance is very important for an overseas relocation. While many professional expatriation packages include adequate health insurance, it’s worthwhile for independent expats to look on their own for quality overseas care.

2. Reliable Overseas Removals

Moving down the street carries a certain level of risk, and moving internationally amplifies the risk level significantly. By hiring a reliable overseas removals firm to help you transport your possessions, you lower the risk of property damage or misplacement, and ensure that your overseas relocation will be stress-free.

The global economy truly is worldwide, as many British expatriates have discovered. Faced with economic uncertainty in foreign countries – many as close to home as Western Europe and Scandinavia – many Brits are choosing to return home to relatively financial security. Faced with a near-complete lack of resident welfare systems as foreign expatriates, the security of the UK is bringing many who left its shores back home.

Of course, many Brits are moving internally throughout the UK, searching for job opportunities or relocating as a result of their careers. For the recession-hit jobless, new locations within the UK represent a new opportunity – the same opportunity that was once pushing many Brits to move overseas.

The number of citizens leaving the UK fell by 12 percent in 2009, landing at 146,000. At the same time, over 87,000 British citizens returned home to take advantage of the UK’s welfare and relatively supportive economy. As foreign expatriates, British citizens are subject to relatively few welfare options and supportive financial programs.

While a large number of British citizens still look for opportunities overseas – over 140,000 left the UK in 2009, while only 87,000 returned home – the change in expatriation rates suggests that Britain’s professionals may eventually look for employment in the UK. Whether the moves were the result of financial necessity or long-term planning is debatable – a decision that the next five years are unlikely to uncover.