Brits seek property abroad to cure winter blues

Thursday, 29 November 2007 12:00 AM

The long winter nights, cold and wet weather and the unsuitability of open-toed shoes are all reasons Brits are considering moving abroad this summer.

As many as one in two Brits would consider purchasing a property abroad during the winter months, according to Foreign Currency Direct (FCD).

While 42 per cent of the population would only consider heading off on holiday to cure winter ills, some 28 per cent are considering the radical step of moving permanently abroad.

Meanwhile, one in four (26 per cent) would like the best of both worlds by buying a holiday home abroad.

"We Brits love to moan about the weather - but the fact that over half of the population are considering either permanently moving abroad, or buying a holiday home is staggering," said Peter S Ellis, chief executive of Foreign Currency Direct.

Some 94 per cent of Brits have gripes with the changing of the season.

The most common complaint was leaving home and work in the dark, which was to the chagrin of 50 per cent of those questioned.

Christmas decorations in October annoyed 49 per cent, while long, dark winter nights (47 per cent), winter flu (40 per cent) and cold weather (38 per cent) were also concerns.

Other findings also reveal Yorkshire and the Humber is the vainest place in the UK, with one in five (22 per cent) concerned about looking pale over winter.

Finally rainy weather is most likely to irritate the Welsh and least likely to annoy those in Newcastle, with 51 and 30 per citing it as a cause for concern.

Tags:
• uk property news