The United Kingdom is a beautiful country, full of some of the most interesting history and people in the world. The standards of living are high throughout, literacy is near 100 percent and there are cultural attractions second to none. Whilst Britain is not a place to move to solely for the weather – though the summers do get hot – there is more than enough to convince even the most sceptical of potential off plan investors to put their money into Blighty. Costs are not low – house prices are relatively high by European standards, and the cost of living ranks up there too, but those that can afford it should certainly look into it. Bargain hunters will be disappointed in the most part, but there are bargains to be had – intrepid hunting will produce some, be it an unwanted inheritance or simply a fixer-upper, they are present. Just not widespread.

London sees the highest property prices of anywhere in the world, with average house prices coming in at around £1.1million in Central London, and flats hitting an average of around £380,000. Those hunting something cheap in the capital are not going to find anything quick, and the further from the centre of the district one travels, the more the prices fall – in North, West, East London etc. prices for houses average from around £220,000 to £310,000, meaning in just a short jaunt costs have come down by some £800,000. Travel to other cities and locations in Britain and prices tend to be lower than the capital and the surrounding area, and the north tends to be cheaper than the south. Houses in the capitals of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are again more expensive than in the rest of these countries, but not on a par with the prices of London. As said – bargains are attainable, but they are either very rare or come with stipulations attached.

With a dominating economy – one of the largest in the world – a stable political scene and some wonderful people, the United Kingdom is an ideal place to begin a new life, or simply to retire to. Britain is a land of many legends, some true, some not, but there is no doubt that this is a nation of true glory. Those that can afford it (and who aren’t fussed about weather!) should kick themselves if they ignore Britannia and all she has to offer.