Interest in buying abroad 'is higher than ever'

The number of Britons who are looking at buying property abroad is now at a record level, an expert has stated.

According to broadcaster Amanda Lamb, more people than ever are interested in purchasing a residence overseas.

Ms Lamb, presenter of Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, said that while many are doing it as a lifestyle choice, others are doing it out of financial necessity.

"First-time buyers who are finding it impossible to get on the housing ladder in the UK," she commented.

Ms Lamb added that about 250,000 people are choosing to leave Britain every year in order to live in another country full-time.

The comments came alongside research by A Place in the Sun Live, which found that the prospect of good weather is not the sole consideration for foreign property buyers.

According to the study, many have also been "seduced" by the potential to earn healthy returns on their investment.

This comes after a poll by A Place in the Sun magazine identified property in Spain and French property as the two most popular destinations for British buyers.