Finance Fridays - 5 reasons you should emigrate abroad in 2016

Welcome to this week's Finance Fridays. Last week we were looking at how to deal with unwanted presents and this week it's all about emigrating abroad. Many of us at this time of year will say that they would like to move aboard but of course do nothing about it. It's a huge decision to make but it really can be the right one for people of all ages. My grandparents-in-law first dipped their toes in living in Portugal over 18 years ago. They tried spending a couple of months in the winter first of all before finding a base and renting a property. In time they found other people who had moved out permanently and had bought their own apartments and houses. After a while they bought their own property.

You don't have to be retired to be thinking about moving to somewhere like Portugal. Many families have found their quality of life has greatly improved by moving away from the hectic nature of city life. Those with health concerns have found the warmer weather and brighter days have greatly benefited them. If you're still not sold on the idea of emigrating check out these five reasons to take the plunge in this week's guest post.

“2016 will be the year you finally take the plunge, pack up your belongings and head abroad. The overseas property market is proving lucrative for investors and those looking to make another life in a new country, with predictions that property overseas will be more attractive than those in the UK this year and the most popular locations to buy will include Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and the USA.

If you're still not sold from an initial financial point of view, then here are five reasons why you should emigrate abroad in 2016:

1. Lower house prices

It's safe to say that house prices in the UK are extortionately overpriced, and you will more than likely enjoy a better return on your money in another country. Brazil, Barcelona and Switzerland are all coming out on top when it comes to locations to buy, as property prices prove to be lower in price but offer better value. A property in a ski-in, ski-out development in Switzerland will set you back just £110,000, while in Portugal you can find a one bed apartment overlooking the beach for €227,000 if you go through an agent such as Portugal Property.

2. Happiness

A poll last year discovered that Switzerland is the happiest place in the world to live, with Britain 21st in the list - indicating that perhaps your happiness can be affected by moving to a new location, outside of the UK. Think about what you want from your new location and find somewhere that ticks all the boxes to improve your chances of happiness.

3. Weather

It's safe to say that wherever you move, the weather is probably going to be infinitely better, unless you head off to Russia during the winter. Most people emigrate looking for warmer temperatures and therefore a European destination is the best idea as you get hot temperatures during the summer months and pleasantly mild winters on top of that - so you're never suffering with a snow shovel or hiding away in a blanket from the cold. Better weather offers you a new lease of life, it doesn't hold you back and encourages you to enjoy the great outdoors more.

4. Lower cost of living.

Many countries offer a lower cost of living compared to the UK, especially if you're currently based in one of Britain's larger cities such as London or Manchester. Ukraine offers the lowest cost of living, according to Insider Monkey, with an average monthly cost of just over £1,000 while Greece will, on average, set you back just £1,253.

5. Healthier lifestyle

Many people claim that living outside the UK encourages them to live a healthier lifestyle. Sweden, Austria, Switzerland and Norway are all in the top 10 list of the healthiest countries in the world but people also move outside the UK to warmer countries such as Spain to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet, consisting of plenty of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables as well as indulging in a little sangria and fresh pastries.

Wherever you decide to emigrate to in 2016, scope out the place first, ensure you are working with a reputable developer or overseas estate agent and try to rid yourself of as much baggage as you can in terms of furniture and possessions to really start fresh when you make the move.”

Have you ever thought of leaving the UK for a life in another country? If you have why did you go?

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