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Save or borrow?

According to the survey nearly one in three homeowners use equity in their homes to holiday. Visits to English speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are among the most popular retiree holiday destinations, perhaps because many of the borrowers have family in these countries.

However, it should be considered that releasing equity in this way comes at a cost. In fact, many fail to repay their loans until their houses are sold. It is clear that having a strategy to ensure sufficient expat regular savings can help avoid this pitfall.

Naturally, it is homeowners in the areas of the UK with the highest value house prices – for example, London, Sussex and Surrey – who are most likely to borrow against the value of their homes.

“Whether it’s jetting off to exotic climates, purchasing a holiday home or visiting relations in far-flung corners of the world, property wealth is providing the opportunity for over-55s to visit places they have previously only dreamed of. It is also enabling many to have a second home in the UK or abroad, which for many would not be possible without access to the wealth tied up in their main homes,” said Mirfin.

According to the Association of British Insurers, last year nearly 4,000 people withdrew 10% or more of their expat regular savings in the past year.

Other News

Expats – help beat the homesickness bug

Woman standing on a bridgeRelocating to a new place can be an exciting time. Experiencing different environments is usually a good thing, and moving abroad can open up many opportunities, such as the chance to learn a new language and experience a different culture first hand. Whether you’ve relocated in retirement, because of work, or to be with a partner, the expat life can certainly be a fascinating one.

However, once you have your accommodation and finances sorted out, the absence of friends, family and UK home comforts can begin to take its toll. Homesickness can be hard to shake.

If, as an expat, you are feeling low, there are several things you can do to help make yourself feel at home no matter where in the world you find yourself.

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New to France? Here’s what you need to know

Whilst France is one of the most popular destinations for expats to move and settle in, it is also notoriously difficult to navigate in terms of tax efficiency and financial planning. To avoid large tax liabilities, it is a good idea to consider your options beforehand; consulting a financial adviser with the relevant local knowledge […]

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