The best European countries for British expats to buy property in post-Brexit
For Britons looking to buy a property abroad, the decision on where to invest has become more complicated post-Brexit.
The ideal country in which to purchase a home can vary depending on what the buyer wants to use it for, as well as their interests and finances.
Since the UK decided by a narrow majority to quit the European Union in 2016, Britons have also had to consider how easy it would be for them to resettle in a foreign country under post-Brexit rules.
We take a look at where Britons are looking to buy, as well as where would be best for an expat considering factors like quality of life and employment opportunities.
Spain
A Place in the Sun compiled a 2023 list of the top 10 locations to buy abroad, which looks at the countries most popular with British buyers, be it for a permanent residence or a regular holiday home.
At the top of the list was Spain, which has been the most sought-after location since the television show started recording the annual list.
The average spend was £159,395, with Britons’ favoured locations being Torrevieja, Villamartin, Estepona, Ciudad Quesada and Marbella.
Spain, like other Schengen countries, allows for British tourists to stay without a visa for 90 days over a 180-day period. If you are intending to work in the country or stay longer for any reason, you will need to apply for a visa or a permit.
If you wish to reside in Spain for a period of more than 90 days but less than five years, you can apply for temporary residency. A long-term residency gives you indefinite leave to remain in the southern European country.
France
Second in the ranking published in January is France. While searches for France were just a quarter of those recorded for Spain, the average price spent on properties in France was almost identical to that in Spain at £158,249.
Nice, the glamorous city on the French Riviera known as the home of famous painters such as Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, was among the most searched for locations in France.
Sauzé-Vaussais in Deux-Sevres came second, followed by Eymet in southwestern France. Villefagnan in the Charente and Limoux were also in demand.
To stay for longer, you can apply for a long-stay visa, which is valid from three months to one year. After that, you must apply for a residence permit at the prefecture.
Portugal
Portugal was the third-most sought location among Britons looking to buy abroad. Average spending for a property in Portugal reached £342,276, up from £339,639 in 12 months, the research published in January shows.
Predictably, the Algarvian perennials of Lagos, Praia da Luz, Cabanas de Tavira and Luz topped the list of locations people searched for, but the central region of Castelo Branco, where you can get a gorgeous house for prices far below average, was also among the Portuguese areas Britons were interested in.
To stay longer than 90 days in Portugal, check what kind of permit you may need with the Portuguese Immigration Service or the Embassy of Portugal in UK.
Other destinations on the list included Florida, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria and Malta.
Iceland
Research by William Russell analysed data from employment opportunities, quality of life and healthcare to reveal the best countries worldwide for expats to live in.
It may be chilly but Iceland was the top European country on the list of best destinations for expats, second only to Australia globally, according to the 2023 World Index by William Russell.
The Nordic island nation came second in the happiness category, but scored well in a variety of other factors, such as health.
Iceland, for example, had one of the lowest Covid mortality rates among the countries analysed, with 61 deaths per 100,000 people, as well as a life expectancy of 83 years.
Finland
Another Nordic nation, Finland, came in narrowly behind to achieve third place in the index.
The Northern European country, aided by the fact it had the lowest pollution levels among the countries researched, made it third place for its high score in the quality of life category.
British people wanting to stay longer than the post-Brexit visa-free allowance of three months must apply for a residence permit.
Switzerland
Switzerland ranked fourth in the World Index, with the beautiful Alpine country performing best in the health category.
The high score in health was helped by the fact that the central European country had a life expectancy of 83 years.
Whether for short stays, meaning up to 90 days in any 180-day period, or for long stays of more than 90 days, British citizens do not need an entry visa.
What are the visa rules for Schengen countries?
When it comes to the Schengen area, British people can spend 90 days in a Schengen country out of a 180-day period before they may have to apply for a visa or permit.
The countries which are part of the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area but have identical rules, meaning each country allows you to stay for 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa.
The time spent in a Schengen area does not affect the time you can spend in one of these countries.
