Andy Burnham used the Labour Party conference to unveil a series of policies so poorly judged that some people may already be wondering whether it is time to leave Britain altogether.
The Prime Minister’s plan to scrap the pensions triple lock is set to affect thousands of retirees. Meanwhile, higher energy costs, persistent inflation and a weakening economy are deepening the sense of uncertainty.
And all of that comes before Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget on October 28.
Yet Britain is not the only option. Around the world, there are countries offering warmer weather, lower living costs and a better quality of life — provided would-be expats can navigate the immigration rules needed to remain beyond a standard tourist stay. In the European Union, that generally means overcoming the 90-day limit in any 180-day period, a challenge millions of Britons have already faced.
This is our guide to some of the most appealing destinations for anyone considering a new life away from Burnham’s Britain.
Greece
The village of Paleokastritsa on Corfu’s north-west coast. A detached two-bedroom property on the island could cost about £251,000
For generations, British buyers have been drawn to the Greek islands by their food, culture, sunshine and relatively affordable lifestyle. Those hoping to settle in Greece can choose from several visa routes, including the financially independent person, or FIP, visa and the digital nomad visa. Wealthier applicants may also be eligible for the Golden Visa, which grants residency in exchange for investment.
Housing: A detached two-bedroom home in Corfu — the island made famous in part by television’s The Durrells — could be purchased for approximately £251,000. The UK average house price, by comparison, stands at £298,468.
Weather: Corfu enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year. Average temperatures range from about 10C (50F) in January to 29C (84F) during the summer.
Taxes: New residents can pay an annual flat charge of €100,000 on worldwide income earned outside Greece for up to 15 years. UK pensioners have a separate arrangement allowing them to stay for as long as 15 years while paying a flat 7 per cent tax on all income.
Income tax varies from 9 per cent to 39 per cent on salaries between £8,578 and £51,227, increasing to 44 per cent for earnings above that level. Self-employed workers receive a 50 per cent discount.
Capital gains are taxed at 15 per cent, while dividends face a 5 per cent rate. In Britain, capital gains tax is charged at 18 per cent for basic-rate taxpayers and 24 per cent for higher-rate taxpayers.
Healthcare: Healthcare is free once residents have obtained a social insurance number.
Social care: Access to free state-funded social care requires residency.
Cost of living: Living costs are 22.3 per cent lower than in the UK. A three-course meal for two costs around £42.71.
Education: Foreign children can attend Greek-language state schools free of charge. Fees at English-speaking international secondary schools begin at roughly £10,672 a year.
Immigration: Greece has a population of 9.8 million, including approximately 17,000 British expats and 1.2 million immigrants overall.
Crime: Crime levels are considered low to moderate. Greece ranked 53rd in the 2026 Global Peace Index, which assesses factors such as crime, political instability and terrorist activity.
Who’s in charge? The country is led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the centre-right New Democracy party.
Portugal
A two-bedroom townhouse in Carvoeiro, in Portugal’s Algarve, could be purchased for £351,638
More than 47,700 UK citizens live in Portugal, with the southern Algarve region the most popular. Golden visas are possible for those who invest more than £427,000, though this does not include property investment. Portugal’s D7 visa, also known as the ‘passive income visa’ is available for non-EU nationals who can support themselves through regular income sources, such as pensions, rental income and investments. This is equivalent to roughly £9,403 per year.
Housing: The average house price is £1,876 per sqm – in South East England it’s £4,300 – with a two-bedroom townhouse in Carvoeiro in the Algarve seen on the market for £351,638.
Weather: More than 300 days of sunshine each year. The average temperature dips to 12C (54F) in January and rises to 24C (75F) in the summer.
Taxes: Range between 15.7 per cent and 44.6 per cent on salaries between £7,122 and £73,967 – in the UK tax starts at 20 per cent on income over £12,570 – and 48 per cent on salaries over this amount. Investment income (interest, dividends, rental income, capital gains) is taxed at a flat rate of 28 per cent.
Healthcare: State healthcare provides children under 18 and people over 65 with free care, while others may be asked to pay small fees.
Social care: Care homes charge a sliding monthly fee based on your income.
Cost of living: 29.4 per cent lower than the UK. A three-course meal for two is £38.44.
Education: State schools (taught in Portuguese) are free for citizens and foreigners. English speaking international schools start from around £5,120 a year.
Immigration: Portugal’s population stands at 10.4 million and its number of foreign retirees has more than doubled in the past decade.
Crime: Very low. Rated seventh in the 2026 GPI. The UK is currently 39.
Who’s in charge? Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of the centre-right Social Democratic Party.
Spain
More than 370,000 Britons live permanently in Spain, the most in any European country, lured by sunshine, cheaper prices and clean beaches – such as the Tossa de Mar beach on the Costa Brava, pictured
More than 370,000 Britons live permanently in Spain, the most in any European country, lured by sunshine, clean beaches, cheaper prices and a tapas lifestyle. The ‘Non-Lucrative’ visa available here is popular with retirees, and those living off other sources of income. A digital nomad visa is also available, requiring an income of roughly £2,450 a month.
Housing: Considerably lower than the UK average house price of £298,468 – a three-bedroom, semi-detached villa in Andalucia is currently on sale for £525,579. Mortgage rates are currently between 2.5 per cent for residents and 3.2 per cent for non-residents. In the UK, currently a fixed deal will be at least 5.5 per cent.
Weather: 22-24C on average between June and September with 31C (88F) average highs in July and August, and lows of 12-13C from December to February.
Taxes: Income tax starts at 19 per cent up to £10,623, rising to 47 per cent on incomes over approximately £256,000; capital gains tax ranges from 19-30 per cent. In the UK, the highest rate of income – 45 per cent – kicks in when salaries hit £125,141.
Healthcare: Free for residents contributing to social security.
Social care: Residents of care homes typically contribute 75 per cent of their pension.
Cost of living: 25.6 per cent lower than in the UK. Utilities are approximately 52.8 per cent lower than UK. Beer is £2.56 for 500ml. For a pint, which is just over 500ml, in the UK you will pay £4.82 to £5.50. A three-course evening meal for two without wine here averages around £42.71. In London that figure jumps to £98.30, albeit including house wine.
Education: Free state education, with free pre-school for ages 3-6, and childcare costs of around £280 a month for 0-3 years. Private annual tuition fees are from £8,676.
Immigration: There are ten million immigrants out of a population of 49.8 million.
Crime: Generally low and Spain is 27th in the 2026 GPI.
Who’s in charge? Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Spanish Socialist Workers Party.
Italy
The rural splendour of converted farmhouses in the likes of Tuscany attract plenty of Britons
We love Italy for a holiday yet a mere 30,000 or so Britons live there. Culture vultures are drawn to Venice, Rome and Florence, while the rural splendour of converted farmhouses in Tuscany, Abruzzo and Puglia attract others.
Italy offers an ‘Elective Residency Visa’ for non-EU citizens able to show a passive income of about £26,500 a year for a single person from pensions, rents or similar.
Housing: Cheaper than the UK, a four-bedroom villa in Trabia, near Palermo, Sicily, will set you back £230,742.
Weather: Varies by region – summers in Venice are 20-23C on average; Palermo on Sicily range between 23-27C.
Taxes: Income tax is progressive, ranging from 23 per cent to 43 per cent. Italy encourages foreign workers to emigrate there and contribute to its economy, offering some enticing tax schemes.
Crime: Italy ranks 35th in the GPI.
Education: State education is free; there are a small number of private schools with average annual fees of £10,590.
Healthcare: The free healthcare system is called the Servizio Sanitario Nationale. You must register if you’re going to be living in Italy for longer than three months.
Social care: If a family cannot afford care home costs, local communes may pay fees.
Cost of living: 11 per cent lower than in the UK, with rent on average 37.7 per cent lower and monthly utility bills from £172. A beer is £4.27 (500ml) and a mid-range three-course meal for two is £59.79.
Immigration: 5.56 million immigrants out of the country’s total population of 58.9 million.
Who’s in charge? Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Brothers of Italy party, a Right-wing populist party.
France
A three-bedroom cottage with a small pool in the Dordogne could be bought for £102,000
It was Peter Mayle’s best-selling book A Year in Provence that began the stampede to France. Approximately 172,000 British citizens hold residency cards, according to the French Interior Ministry. Brits can apply for a VLS-T (temporary longstay visa), which permits four to six months of residency without the right to work. For those wishing to stay longer, the VLS-TS (valid for four to 12 months), can be later converted into a renewable residence permit.
Housing: A three-bedroom cottage with a small pool in the Dordogne is £102,000. Mortgage interest rates are currently about 3.5 to 4.25 per cent.
Weather: In the south of France there’s a 19-22C average from June to September with highs of 27C (81F) in August and lows of 3-13C in winter. In Brittany, average daily highs in July and August are 20C (68F).
Taxes: Range from 11 per cent to 41 per cent on income between £9,901 and £155,281, rising to 45 per cent above this.
Crime: Unfortunately France ranks number one in Europe Crime Index by Country 2026. Pick-pocketing, residential break-ins, bicycle theft and muggings are common.
Education: State education is of high standard. Annual fees of around £10,242 for international schools.
Healthcare: Health insurance cover is required as state healthcare is not free.
Social care: Care home fees are about £2,000 a month. In the UK, the average is around £1,298 per week, rising depending on medical need.
Cost of living: 3.5 per cent lower than in the UK. A mid-range three-course meal is from £51.25 and a large beer is £5.13.
Immigration: 7.7 million immigrants, about 11 per cent of the 65 million-strong population. Expats wishing to stay in France for longer than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa or a residency permit.
Who’s in charge? President Emmanuel Macron of the Renaissance Party.
Malta
Malta’s relaxed lifestyle is enjoyed by more than 15,000 expats. Pictured: Its capital, Valletta
English is the official language – thanks to it being a former British colony – and it’s almost always sunny, plus it has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. More than 15,000 expats live in Malta.
There are a range of routes to residency for those wanting to enjoy Malta’s relaxed lifestyle, including permits for employment, self-employment and retirement. Remote workers can explore Malta’s digital nomad scheme.
Housing: House prices have risen by 45 per cent since 2020, according to Malta’s National Statistics Office. A smart two-bedroom apartment with use of a communal pool near Ghasri on Gozo, Malta, is £423,027.
Weather: The average temperature ranges from 13C (55F) in January to 27C (81F) in the summer.
Taxes: Range from 15 per cent to 25 per cent on income between £10,232 and £51,158, rising to 35 per cent above this.
Crime: Very low – crime rates fell by 6.5 per cent last year.
Education: State education is free. Annual fees at private schools range from £5,113 to around £18,000.
Healthcare: If you have a local job and pay into local social security, healthcare is free.
Social care: Care homes require residents to pay in 60-80 per cent of their pension or social security income.
Cost of living: 16.8 per cent lower than in the UK. A mid-range three-course meal is from £64.06 and a 500ml beer is £3.42.
Immigration: High – about 30 per cent of the population of about 588,000.
Who’s in charge? Prime Minister Robert Abela of the centre-left Malta Labour Party.
Cyprus
The climate of Cyprus is considered one of the healthiest in the world, with between 300 to 340 sunny days per year – as evidenced at the sun-soaked harbour of Paphos
This sun-soaked Mediterranean island is a fantastic choice for British expats wanting to enjoy its great beaches and relaxed lifestyle. What’s more, English is spoken here and the cost of living is cheap. The Pink Slip visa is popular with retirees and those with independent income, requiring annual foreign income of roughly £8,515.
Housing: Particularly outside Limassol, property is generally cheaper than the UK, with municipal taxes also significantly lower than British council tax. Rent prices are also 18.7 per cent lower than in the UK. A two-bedroom home in Paphos was on the market for £333,294.
Weather: The climate is considered one of the healthiest in the world, with between 300 to 340 sunny days per year.
Taxes: Cyprus provides various tax benefits to residents. For example, the standard corporate income tax is 15 per cent. The first £19,000 is tax free, followed by rates of 20, 25 and 30 per cent, with a top rate of 35 per cent on income above £62,000.
Healthcare: State healthcare, ranked 24th globally by the World Health Organisation, is not entirely free but is partially funded by patients’ contributions, known as co-payments.
Social care: Social care is more limited than in the UK, and often delivered by family members, charities and private providers. Expats tend to arrange and fund services privately.
Education: Most expats opt for private or international schools, where English is the main language. Fees vary but typically range from £5,000 to £12,000 per year. State schools are free and well regarded, but teaching is primarily in Greek.
Cost of living: On average, 15.9 per cent lower than in UK. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around £51.25. Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water and rubbish collection) cost £160.58 per month. In the UK, fuel and water alone are around £200 a month on average.
Immigration: About 18 per cent of the 1.38 million population are immigrants.
Crime: Despite the tensions between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, Cyprus is still considered very safe.
Who’s in charge? Nikos Christodoulides, an independent centrist.
Australia
Australians and expats alike enjoy the afternoon sunshine beside the Sydney Harbour Bridge
With a laid-back lifestyle and good career opportunities – plus a culture resembling our own – Australia is a natural fit for many Britons. Indeed last year approximately 25,600 UK nationals emigrated Down Under – so you’d be in good company. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are the usual choices.
Britons are entitled to a variety of visas in Oz, including skilled worker visas, employer-sponsored permits and family visas. There are also options available for business owners and investors, although these typically require applications to meet strict financial criteria. For those aged 18 to 35, a working holiday visa entitles you to stay for up to three years. Retirement-focused visas are less common here.
Housing: It’s difficult for expats to buy here without permanent residency, and average house prices are high, at approximately £577,820 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Rent prices in Australia are 12.2 per cent higher than in the UK.
Weather: Glorious. Even in the winter, temperatures can reach 30C (86F).
Taxes: The country boasts a high minimum wage and good salaries but tax is high. The average Australian wage earner pays 22.8 per cent in income tax.
Healthcare: Medicare is an insurance scheme that provides Australian citizens and some overseas visitors (such as people on permanent resident visas) with healthcare. Expats who are not entitled to Medicare will need to cover their own medical bills and costs. Health insurance costs around £110 per month for a single adult, although more basic policies can be found for around £50 a month.
Social care: There are strong support services available. However, access is usually limited to citizens and permanent residents rather than temporary visa holders, who may need to rely on private insurance for additional support.
Cost of living: On average, 6.9 per cent lower than the UK (excluding rent). A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs £62.93.
Education: State-funded schools are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. If you’re on a temporary resident’s visa, you may need to pay school fees between £3,360 and £3,990 per year.
Immigration: Australia has one of the highest percentages of foreign-born residents in the world, with immigrants accounting for 30.7 per cent of the 26.70 million population.
Crime: Levels are similar to the UK.
Who’s in charge? Anthony Albanese, of the Australian Labor Party.
South Africa
Temperatures in South Africa are above 20C for much of the year, reaching between 25C and 30C in January and February. This makes it the perfect place for winemaking, with vineyards adding to the beautiful landscape expats can enjoy
Growing numbers of British expats have been drawn to South Africa’s mild climate, resplendent landscapes and extremely low cost of living.
South Africa’s Retired Person Visa is popular with expats and those able to demonstrate a passive income. Skilled workers with a job offer may also apply for employment-based permits.
Housing: There are no restrictions on expats buying properties. A three-bedroom house with a pool in Kommetjie in the Western Cape is £358,458.
Weather: Temperatures are above 20C (68F) for lots of the year, reaching between 25C (77F) and 30C (86F) in January and February. Temperatures can dip to 7C (45F) June to August.
Taxes: Start at 18 per cent, rising to 45 per cent for earnings above around £77,000 a year. Residents are usually taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents only on South African-sourced income.
Healthcare: Up to 80 per cent of the population uses the public system, which is underfunded and overstretched. Expats typically take out medical insurance to access South Africa’s well-regarded private hospitals, with costs from around £55 a month for a single adult on a basic plan.
Social care: Limited compared with the UK; many expats rely on private providers for disability support, elderly care and specialist services.
Cost of living: A staggering 43.6 per cent lower than in the UK. A three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant in South Africa is about £31.93, a pint of beer £1.82 and coffee in a cafe £1.75. Utility bills per month are about £99.37.
Education: As well as state schools, independent schools (which 5 per cent of students attend) are available with fees ranging from £2,780 to £9,000 per year.
Immigration: 5.1 per cent of the 61.02 million population.
Crime: Higher levels of violent crime than in the UK, with common offences including robbery, carjacking and burglary occurring in some areas. Security is an important consideration when choosing where to live.
Who’s in charge? President Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress.
Canada
Ontario, whose cities include Toronto (pictured), is a popular pick with British expats, who are likely attracted to the shared language, strong cultural ties and high quality of life
There are currently an estimated 600,000 British expats living here, with many settling in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta – likely attracted to the shared language, strong cultural ties and high quality of life.
Britons can spend up to six months in Canada visa-free, during which UK-based remote work is permitted. Those wanting to extend their stay can explore skilled immigration pathways or work permits – many of which can lead to permanent residency. Unlike European countries, there is no dedicated retirement permit here.
Housing: While prices, naturally, range widely across the vast country, the national average home price is currently an estimated £354,222. However, foreign nationals looking to buy property must meet very strict criteria. Rent prices, however, are 3 per cent lower than in the UK.
Weather: Very cold winters with daily averages around minus 15C (5F) – but minus 50C (58F) is possible; summer highs range from the low 20s to 30C (86F) depending on region.
Taxes: Federal income tax is 14 per cent for earnings of under £31,028 and up to 33 per cent for those earning above £137,047. Additionally, there’s provincial income tax but this depends on where you live.
Healthcare: Apply for a free health insurance card from your provincial or territorial government as soon as possible after arrival.
Social care: Canada offers a strong publicly funded social-care system, which expats who become permanent residents can generally access. Temporary residents will have more limited access but can rely on private insurance or employer benefits for additional support.
Cost of living: 10.5 per cent lower than in the UK. A three-course evening meal for two with wine at a restaurant is from £53.06.
Education: Excellent. Canada is the most educated country in the world, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. British expats can access Canada’s public education system, with permanent residents and work-visa holders able to enrol children in state-funded schools, which are generally free up to secondary level.
Immigration: About 23 per cent of the 39.10 million population.
Crime: Canada’s violent crime rate has risen slightly to 2.08 incidents per 100,000 people, according to Statistics Canada. Break-ins, car theft and fraud have declined.
Who’s in charge? Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party.
What about Asia?
Boosted by post-pandemic employment market growth and a considerably lower cost of living, Malaysia is quietly emerging as a growing destination for British expats. Rent is an average of 56 per cent lower than the UK, and the private hospitals – which most expats opt for – are well regarded, as are the international English-language schools.
There are around 40,000 British expats living in Thailand – most in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. While land ownership is restricted for foreigners, rent prices are 57.3 per cent lower and the overall cost of living 47.0 per cent lower than in the UK. The country’s private healthcare sector is known for its high quality, with expats typically relying on private medical insurance.
Want to live the American dream?
There are currently around 700,000 UK-born residents in the US – drawn to excellent career opportunities, particularly in finance, technology and healthcare. Cost of living varies dramatically between states and major cities, but Florida has long been popular with British expats. There is no income or inheritance tax, and state-funded schools and a dozen public universities. Texas similarly offers no state income tax.
It’s worth considering that there is no state healthcare provided. Insurance costs approximately £480 a month for a single adult, although prices can rise with age and with additional covers included.
