The “Happiness Index” survey carried out by Post Office International Payments has revealed that 70 per cent of expats claim they are completely happy with their life abroad, however almost two thirds admit to concern regarding their personal finances. 60 per cent of those who responded said they feel a greater sense of community in their new country compared to the UK.
The Post Office survey quizzed 710 customers of Post Office International Payments with properties abroad, of whom 233 were expats living permanently abroad.
The survey showed that people from London and the South East are the most likely to become expats - 39 percent of all expats questioned were from this part of the country. The most popular countries for those surveyed to emigrate to were France and Spain.
Reasons given for leaving included searching for a better quality of life, finding a place to retire or gaining new “life experiences”.
Post Office International Payments representative Sarah Munro said: "Though the vast majority of people who relocated abroad are much happier in their adoptive countries, even just moving across the channel can feel like worlds apart from your old life in the UK.”