Britons remain among the world’s most globe-trotting homebuyers. Even after Brexit, many UK nationals seek overseas homes, often for lifestyle rather than pure investment, in countries offering good weather, an English-friendly culture or attractive residency visas.
Europe still dominates: sun-soaked coasts in Spain and Portugal, historic villages in France and Italy, and quieter idylls like Greece or Malta top the list. But interest also spans the Americas and Asia-Pacific. In this article, we explore the leading destinations, noting new post-2025 tax and visa rules that shape the picture.
Europe
Destinations closer to home include:
Spain: sun, sea and established expat communities
Spain is the perennial favourite. Official Spanish data show roughly 275,000 UK nationals legally resident there (and likely far more unregistered). British buyers continue to dominate Spain’s foreign property market: 2024 saw a record 139,102 homes sold to non-residents, and UK citizens led that group with about 11,900 purchases (8.6% of the total). Spaniards’ quality of life and English-friendly enclaves explain why.
However, Brexit has changed the game. UK visitors can now stay only 90 days in any 180-day period, so Brits who want long-term residence must apply for local visas. Spain’s non-lucrative visa remains popular with retirees, requiring proof of income or savings. Spain’s Golden Visa has been abolished from April 2025. In practice, Brits can still buy freely, but without the old fast-track to residency.
Portugal: sun, culture and new tax breaks
Next door, Portugal rivals Spain’s appeal. Retiring Brits prize its beaches, golf courses and history. Recent data confirm foreigners play a key role: by early 2025 foreign nationals made up about 12% of Portugal’s population. In the first five months of 2025, British purchasers accounted for roughly 11% of all sales in Portugal’s luxury market.
Portugal’s Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime has long enticed pensioners and workers. Those on foreign income can claim the scheme for 10 years. Golden Visas exist, but from 2024 they no longer cover most urban real estate. Nevertheless, Portugal remains a British favourite.
France: variety and global links
France’s mix of city and countryside continues to attract UK buyers. Its wine regions, Alps and Riviera are classic draws. CurrencyTransfer data suggests France led in actual transactions, with more UK overseas house purchases than any other country. Britain’s long cultural ties to France and the high quality of life bolster demand.
There are no special residency-by-property schemes in France, but foreigners can buy freely. Visas are needed for stays beyond 90 days.
Italy: “la dolce vita” and historic villas
Italy’s romantic image still draws Britons. Quaint Tuscan farms and Amalfi Coast villas are especially popular. In inland Tuscany, village houses can sell for as little as €95,000, while villas average around €230,000.
Italy offers an elective residence visa for those with sufficient foreign income. After five years of legal residence, one may apply for a standard permit and citizenship after 10 years. Overall, Italy combines affordability and culture.
Greece: islands and low-threshold visas
Greece has surged in popularity thanks to its climate and bargain prices. Greek Golden Visas remain among Europe’s cheapest, with residency available from a €250,000 real estate investment. Such schemes offer visa-free travel within Schengen.
Many Brits have bought holiday homes on islands like Crete and Rhodes or in Athens suburbs.
Mediterranean islands: Malta and Cyprus
Malta and Cyprus are tiny but punch above their weight in appeal. Both speak English widely and tax foreigners generously. Malta’s history as a British crown colony left an English-speaking society with UK-friendly laws. Cyprus likewise requires property purchase for permanent residency.
The Americas
A popular option, with no ownership restriction:
USA: luxury and rules
Many UK citizens dream of a second home in the US. Unlike EU countries, the US places no ownership restrictions on foreigners. Research shows UK buyers were 5% of all international homebuyers in Florida from a recent period.
However, owning US real estate does not grant any residency rights. Most Brits who buy in the US do so for holiday use or retirement visits.
Asia-Pacific and the Gulf
Further east, your options include:
Australia: “home from home”
Australia remains the most popular destination for British expats. About 23% of all Brits abroad live in Australia. However, foreign property rules are strict, and non-residents generally cannot buy established homes.
Dubai and the UAE: luxury and zero tax
Dubai is a rising destination. The UAE offers freehold property zones where foreigners can buy outright. From 2022, the UAE introduced a golden visa for qualifying real estate purchases.
Key considerations and new rules
It's important to note recent rule changes:
Residency and visas post-Brexit
British citizens lost EU free-movement rights after 2020. From 2021 onward, stays in the EU or Schengen are capped at 90 days in any 180. In practice, this means UK buyers who love the sun now must navigate local immigration laws.
Tax changes (non-dom rules)
From April 6, 2025 the non-domicile tax regime is abolished. UK residents will pay UK tax on worldwide income. This may encourage some high-net-worth individuals to formalise a move abroad or make the foreign residency and tax change permanent.
Currency and financing
Currency rates and transfer costs can significantly affect an overseas property purchase. Foreign mortgages are often hard to get, with non-residents requiring large deposits. The CurrencyTransfer How to Buy Property Abroad guide covers budgeting, mortgages and payment strategies.
If you’re looking for an efficient solution to transfer currencies into various countries, take a look at our platform: CurrencyTransfer offers access to a network of payment providers, live quotes and 5-star customer service. Sign-up today.
Caleb Hinton
Caleb is a writer specialising in financial copy. He has a background in copywriting, banking, digital wallets, and SEO – and enjoys writing in his spare time too, as well as language learning, chess and investing.
