British buyers are increasingly choosing to relocate abroad rather than buy traditional holiday homes with overseas property purchases becoming more focused on full-time or long-term living.
New data from foreign exchange firm Lumon, working with Fine & Country, shows Spain remains the most popular destination for UK buyers, followed by France, Portugal and Italy, with demand driven by lifestyle changes, remote working and the search for better value.
Industry figures say the biggest shift is in buyer intent, with more purchasers planning permanent or semi-permanent moves rather than occasional use.
The change is also leading to larger budgets and more detailed planning around finance, tax and residency rules.
POST PANDEMIC TREND
The trend has been building since the pandemic and has continued into 2026, with agents reporting stronger demand for homes suitable for year-round living rather than seasonal stays.
Stephen Eakins (main picture, inset), Key Partner director at Lumon, says: “Historically many UK buyers were purchasing second homes in Europe, but we’re increasingly seeing full relocations becoming a more prominent driver behind many overseas purchases, particularly to Spain, Portugal and parts of France.
“We’re also seeing continued demand across Europe, with currency movements playing an important role in overall budgets and planning. Five years ago, most buyers only thought about currency at the point of completion, but now we regularly see clients planning their currency strategy much earlier in the process.”
LIFESTYLE RELOCATION
Agents in Spain say British buyers remain one of the largest overseas groups, with many now spending much longer periods abroad.
Cristian Hara, Sales Director at Fine & Country Spain, reckons UK demand remains strong, with a growing number of buyers planning extended stays or permanent moves.
He says: “The transition from holiday-home ownership to lifestyle relocation became particularly evident following the pandemic and has continued to strengthen through 2025 and into 2026.
“Buyers are increasingly prioritising properties suitable for year-round living rather than purely seasonal use.”
Agents say flexible working, climate, cost of living and lifestyle factors are all helping to drive the shift, with demand expected to remain strong over the next year.
