Brits living abroad 'confident' about finances

Britons who have moved abroad overwhelmingly believe that they are better equipped to survive the recession than if they had stayed at home, a study has revealed.

NatWest carried out a poll of expatriates and identified the United Arab Emirates as the place where they are most confident.

The survey covered aspects such as the future of property prices, as well as changes in quality of life and employment prospects.

Overall 87 per cent of respondents told the bank they believe they are better off, even though many countries are facing economic problems.

Dave Isley of NatWest remarked: "The dream shared by many Brits of living a prosperous life abroad still appears to be alive and kicking, despite the global economic factors which have to some extent affected British expats."

Real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle recently revealed that Abu Dhabi is the area of the Middle East and North Africa that investors expect to perform best over the next 12 to 24 months.