Many people choose to move away from Britain, whether to avoid the dreary weather or to start fresh somewhere new.

Millions of Britons have left the UK in recent years, and there are some countries that attract more than others. 

Research conducted using data from United Nations 2024 data on international migrant populations revealed where Brits are moving to the most.

The three most popular destinations for Brits to relocate to are all outside of Europe. 

Australia tops the rankings, with a population of over 1.1 million British expats.

The country makes up 23% of all British migration, but the draw seems to have steadied and there has been an 8% decline over the last ten years.

America comes second with 894,700 total British migrants accounted for in 2024 and a gradual increase of 4% over the previous decade.

Canada currently hosts 427,526 British residents, although this number might be on the decline, as the nation has observed a 20% drop in British immigrant numbers over the past decade.

The top three destinations for relocating Brits are all located outside Europe, with Australia leading the list, home to more than 1.1 million British expatriates.

America comes second with 894,700 total British migrants accounted for in 2024 and a gradual increase of 4% over the previous decade

Research carried out by 5 Real Estate indicated that Spain is the most favored European destination for British movers, ranking fourth globally.

Some 294,000 British migrants live there as of 2024 and there has been a slight 1% increase over the past decade.

Ireland follows in fifth, with 293,500 British migrants, coming close to Spain’s population. 

The Emerald Isle has also seen a 5% increase over the past decade.

Elsewhere, other countries have seen a huge increase in British migration over the last ten years, especially Romania. 

The European destination has seen a whopping seven-fold increase in British migrants since 2015.

There has been a surge from 6,600 in 2015 to 48,700 in 2024 – meaning a 636% increase overall.

Meanwhile, there was a huge movement of migration from Romania to the UK, from 69,000 in 2015 to 713,000 in 2024. 

The research conducted by 5 Real Estate identified Spain as the leading European choice for British migrants, coming in fourth place worldwide.

Elsewhere, other countries have seen a huge increase in British migration over the last ten years, especially Romania

Experts predict the shift could be caused by Romanian-born British citizens returning to their home country. 

Poland, which places seventh overall, also saw a notable increase too, with a 340% surge between 2015 to 2024.

The country had 41,000 British migrants in 2015 and jumped to 184,900 in 2024.

While Malta, in 14th place, has experienced a 281% increase with numbers rising from 14,300 to 54,700.

But unlike Romania and Poland, Malta’s migration figures to the UK are low in comparison to the reverse.

This suggests the Mediterranean island could be becoming increasingly popular for British nationals.

Cameron Hamilton, 5 Real Estate director, said: ‘Moving to another country is an exciting life decision. 

‘However, the relocation process can be overwhelming, particularly in the post-Brexit era.’

While Malta, in 14th place, has experienced a 281% increase with numbers rising from 14,300 to 54,700

A spokesperson noted, “Australia, the USA, and Canada continue to draw the majority of British expatriates. This trend is likely due to the attractive quality of life, prevalent use of English, and typically higher salaries compared to the UK.”

‘However, we’re seeing remarkable growth in European destinations, particularly in Eastern Europe.

He further remarked, “The noticeable increases in countries such as Romania and Poland reflect changing preferences among British migrants. Nonetheless, more people seem to be moving from these nations to the UK than the other way around, upon closer examination.”

‘This suggests a proportion of incumbent migrants returning after residing in the UK rather than a trend of British-born citizens increasingly seeking to live there.’