UK property boom 'has contributed to migration'

Greater personal wealth in the UK is one of the main factors behind growing migration from the country, experts have suggested.

According to Saga Travel Money, many over-50s are benefiting from the fact that the value of their homes has gone up significantly in the last decade.

This is because it has made certain lifestyle aspirations, such as retiring to sunnier climes, more affordable.

Lisa Harris, spokesperson for Saga Travel Money, commented: "Many people sell houses in the UK which gives them the funds they require to buy a property abroad."

She added that rising living costs in the UK are currently prompting more British retirees to consider expatriating to foreign shores.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 200,000 British nationals chose to pack their bags and relocate in 2006 - a record amount under the current measuring system.