More people 'choosing to leave Britain'
29.08.2007
An increasing number of people in the south of England are leaving the country to live abroad, according to an estate agent.
Mark Shearing, director of Hertfordshire-based firm Putterills, said there had been a "noticeable" increase in the amount of people opting to buy an overseas property.
Speaking to the Welwyn and Hatfield Times, he cited this year's wet summer as a major factor behind people choosing to leave the country.
Mr Shearing said: "I'd say there has been an increase of ten per cent from last year.
"The weather has undoubtedly played its part," he added.
Putterills also attributed the trend to concerns among some regarding their quality of life, as well as the cost of living in the region.
Earlier this month, Barclays said that rising house prices, a skewed work-life balance and fear of crime were also making people want to live in an overseas property.