A new study reveals which European countries are now attracting the most interest from UK residents considering a move overseas.

And it compares its results with a similar study in 2023.

The research analysed Google search data for terms like “moving to Spain from UK” across 44 European destinations to identify shifting patterns in relocation interest.

The findings show that Spain continues to be the most sought-after destination for Brits considering a move abroad, with an average of 2,000 monthly searches in 2026, a 25% increase from the 1,600 recorded three years prior.

Portugal has also experienced a significant rise in interest, with monthly searches increasing by 38% from 800 to 1,100, cementing its position as the second most popular destination.

France maintains its place in the top three, with searches rising from 700 to 900 per month – a 29% increase.

The country continues to attract British expats, likely due to its Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and proximity to the UK.

Switzerland has made a climb up the rankings, moving from 5th to 4th place, with searches increasing by 78% from 450 to 800 monthly.

The Swiss combination of economic stability, quality of life, and natural beauty appears to be drawing more British interest than ever before.

Ireland has seen a shift in its position, dropping from joint 2nd place (alongside Portugal) in 2023 to joint 5th (alongside Italy) in 2026, with searches dropping from 800 to 600 per month. This suggests that while Ireland remains popular, other European destinations are growing in appeal at a faster rate.

Italy has experienced significant growth in interest, with searches increasing from 350 to 600 monthly – a 71% rise that has moved the country from 7th to joint 5th place. The Italian lifestyle, cuisine, and property market likely continue to draw British attention.

Norway maintains its position at 6th place with 500 monthly searches, a 25% increase from the 400 searches recorded in 2023. The country’s high standard of living and natural landscapes plausibly remain strong selling points for potential British expats.

Poland is a new entry to the top list in 2026, securing joint 6th place (alongside Norway) with 500 monthly searches. Its absence from the 2023 top 10 suggests a growing interest in Eastern European destinations among Britons considering a move abroad.

Malta has also entered the top destinations for 2026, taking joint 7th place (alongside Greece and Germany) with 400 monthly searches. The Mediterranean island’s warm climate and rich history presumably make it an appealing destination for British expatriates.

Notable Trends in British Relocation Interests

The data reveals a clear preference for warm-weather destinations, with six of the top countries for 2026 located in Southern Europe. This suggests that climate remains a key factor for Britons considering a move abroad.

There is also evidence of growing interest in destinations outside the European Union, with Switzerland and Norway both ranking in the top six.

This may reflect changing attitudes following Brexit and a desire for alternatives to EU member states.

The study was undertaken by Bird & Co Solicitors, and a spokesperson says: “The dream of better weather or a different pace of life is exciting, but the practical side still matters.

“Selling a property here is a legal process that runs on paperwork, deadlines and coordination between several parties.

“Getting your documents together early, speaking to a conveyancer sooner rather than later and building in a bit of breathing space on timings can really help keep things steady.

“When that groundwork is done properly, the move abroad tends to feel far more manageable.”