British expats head to Australia

Australia is becoming increasingly popular with expatriates from the UK, property analysts have stated.

According to ShelterOffshore.com, most of the Britons who are purchasing homes in the country are doing so in order to live there permanently.

Rhiannon Davies, director at the online portal, said this is mainly because Australia is seen to offer a good quality of life and affordable living costs.

She commented: "There is an energy and positivity about the nation that seems to be lacking in the UK."

Ms Davies said the lack of a language barrier is another "major plus", particularly if skilled professionals want to find work after expatriating.

She added that businesses in Australia are actively encouraging qualified British people to relocate and join their workforce.

This comes after a study by Manpower found that Australia is an attractive option for the 53 per cent of Britons who would consider working overseas.