Growth In Expat Buy To Let Mortgages

Growing numbers of British expats looking for a buy to let mortgages has led to a new high in demand, says one firm.

Research from Liquid Expat Mortgages reveals that over the past year demand has soared, with enquiries for UK buy to let mortgages increasing by 90 percent. This is despite stricter stress-testing regulations introduced by the Prudential Regulation Authority, which is part of the Bank of England. However, thanks to a weak pound, the UK's property market is an attractive investment opportunity for many expats. The firm says that most enquiries are from expats in the UAE, who account for 30 percent of the total, with 15 percent coming from Hong Kong and 10 percent from Singapore.    more ...

It's still too early to tell for sure what the ramifications for either a ‘hard’ or a ‘soft’ Brexit might be, since there are other issues to consider, such as:

• The steadily weakening pound
• Uncertainty over pension entitlements
• Interest rates that are below the rate of inflation.    more ...

If you’re new to another country or are looking to move abroad, you might be interested to find out what kind of Halloween celebrations you can look forward to enjoying. While some countries have festivals that can last several days, others celebrate this time of year in a very different way, and some barely acknowledge the event at all. We looked at some of the popular expat destinations to see what you might expect.    more ...

Brexit Could Void Expat Pensions

The UK's chancellor of the exchequer, Philip Hammond, has been warned that British expats face losing their pensions and having their insurance voided as a result of Brexit. This is because insurance and pension firms based in the UK may be barred from taking money from EU customers unless the issue of contracts is addressed in negotiations.    more ...

Whether you’re looking to spend sunny days by the waterfront or want to immerse yourself in cosmopolitan city life, retiring abroad can be an invigorating and exciting experience for those looking for a fresh start in their later years. We looked at ways you can make the most of your retirement overseas, taking into account financial issues such as pensions and property purchases, health considerations, and the sometimes daunting task of settling into a new culture.    more ...

UK expat retirees not returning

UK government data reveal that there will not be a wholesale return of British pensioners living in EU countries because of Brexit. The figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) say there's no evidence to suggest that expat retirees are looking to return to the UK.    more ...

So, you’ve decided to pack up and move abroad in your middle age and are excited to start your journey, but what do you need to consider before you go?

Whether you’re in your mid-thirties or mid-fifties, we’ve covered ten top areas to consider so you can start your new life abroad as prepared as possible.    more ...

British expat retirees rush to Europe

A firm of financial advisers that helps British expat retirees settle in European Union countries says demand for its services is rocketing.

Blevins Franks says that the number of enquiries every month to its website has doubled in the past year, while business has grown by 25%. The financial experts say that British expat retirees will find it more difficult to move to other European Union countries after Brexit. The most popular countries that the expats are heading to currently are Spain, Portugal and France.    more ...

Whether you’re looking to buy a house overseas on the coast to soak up some vitamin D, or you’re just wanting to move money abroad on a regular basis, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting a great exchange rate. But could you soon receive less currency for your money because of central banks and their interest rates?    more ...

Falling pound leads to falling cost of living

The cost of sending expats to live in the UK has fallen dramatically because of the falling value of the pound, according to a survey.

ECA International says that the UK's cities have now fallen below Bangkok, Dublin and Rio De Janeiro in its Global Cost of Living Rankings.    more ...