When you consider that the number of British retired persons living abroad now tops 1.3 million and that the rest of us Brits who are pre-retirees are spending tonnes of our money in well over forty countries in terms of buying property abroad, you can easily see that the lure of sunnier and more exotic climes affects a great many of us!
If you're thinking of moving abroad then you are certainly not alone - but there are certain essential considerations that you need to cover before you commit to relocation overseas. Additionally there are aspects of starting a new life abroad that you may not yet have thought about and so in this article I will endeavour to cover all your essential consideration and aspects of moving abroad to aide and abet your planning and thought processes.
First things first, many people want to leave the UK behind simply because the climate can be so poor in Great Britain. That's as good a reason to leave as any especially if you have medical disorders exacerbated by the climate in the UK such as S.A.D or arthritis for example. But then you need to look carefully at the average climate month to month in your chosen overseas location of choice. Sure, Florida might look good right now - but it has hurricanes you know! Sure, Cyprus might be marketed as an island for all seasons but in January and February it rains more than it does in the UK and it gets very cold!
If you're moving abroad in retirement think about how far your pension income will stretch in your preferred overseas location - and find out whether your state entitlement will be frozen and your retirement income taxed - get forewarned about all of these facts.
If you're going to need to find a job overseas or you want to establish a business how likely is it that you will be successful in your endeavours. Do research before you make the commitment to move because you cannot mess about with your future financial security.
Now think about the cost of living - yes, the UK is notoriously expensive for certain services and luxuries as well...so what about the nation you're moving to, how does the cost of living compare - hopefully it's far less for day to day essentials, but then will you have to add on extra money for educating your children or taking out private healthcare?
Touching on both education and healthcare in the financial planning side of things is essential - but it's also wise to look a little more closely at available facilities and to determine whether these fall within your likely requirements and those of your family. If not, what are your alternatives - will you have to move elsewhere or come back to the UK for medical attention, will you have to privately educate your children back in the UK for example?
Other reasons that we Brits cite for leaving Blighty behind are lifestyle and the likes of rising crime statistics in the UK. Yes the British way of life can seem exhausting with the emphasis seemingly on living to work...so look abroad and find a place where the lifestyle more closely matches your own choices for the ways you live your life. With regards to crime - nowhere is crime free so be realistic, be safe and be fairly open minded!
When you move abroad you will have to adapt to a different culture and possibly a different language as well - if you have a strange penchant for xenophobia, chances are you'll find the move uncomfortable and strange and you'll never happily settle! Take time out to rent a property abroad in your preferred country for at least a few months to ensure you really can adapt - do this even if you are the most open minded, tolerant and adaptable person. You never know whether the collective quirks of a given nationality will actually begin to rub you up the wrong way - and it's better to determine this before you've moved lock, stock and barrel really!
Also, know that if you're moving to a country where English is not widely spoken that you will really only get the most out of your relocation if you learn the mother tongue of your new neighbours and associates.
Something you will need to pay close attention to is the emotions you, your family and friends will go through regarding your move. You'll feel excitement and apprehension building up to the relocation and at some point in the first couple of years you'll feel overwhelming senses of homesickness and regret mixed with highs and happiness. This process is normal and you'll get through it - but your family and friends may feel loss and regret when they see you leaving for your new life and you will have to work hard to keep links open and ties closely bound with regular visits 'back home' or with regular invites extended for your nearest and dearest to come and visit you.
Making new friends and enjoying new social experiences is one of the best aspects of moving abroad - so be prepared to embrace the experience with open arms. However, if you're shy and retiring you'll have to force yourself to get out and about otherwise how else will you discover all the interesting people out there!
Finally a word about real estate - property prices the world over have risen sharply in the past decade so look carefully at what your budget will enable you to buy, think about the re-saleability of a property as well in case you ever want to move on or repatriate. Look at exchange rates, the buying process, cost of purchase and ownership of property and also the laws for foreign owners of property in your chosen nation. And then get a lawyer, get your interests looked after and those of your successors because the rules of inheritance differ from nation to nation.
If you take time to review and think more deeply about these essential considerations with regards to your own personal situation you will quickly find a way through the planning and preparing and you'll be well on your way to starting a new life abroad from a position of far deeper understanding of everything involved in the entire relocation process.
Rhiannon Williamson writes about retiring, living and working abroad so if you?re thinking of going to live or work overseas then her resource ShelterOffshore.com has all the information you could possibly need.
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