A record number of Brits are leaving the UK and purchasing properties overseas, with Australia, New Zealand and Canada leading the way in terms of being the most sought-after destinations.

A recent report published by currency conversion specialists HiFX has revealed that the number of UK enquiries regarding Australian, Canadian and New Zealand immigration increased by 22 per cent in 2007 compared to the previous year. To convert these statistics into numbers, some 400,000 long-term British residents left the country last year, up from 359,000 in the previous year; the largest increase since the records began in 1991.

“A strong pound, rising house prices and good job opportunities abroad tend to be main reasons for Brits to emigrate,” said Mark Bodega, director of HiFX.

“However different destinations hold different appeal and changes to the migration process in certain countries is really affecting the numbers of people choosing to move there.”

Australia remains the most popular destination for Brits moving abroad, with a 15 per cent increase in Australian immigration in 2007 compared to 2006.

However, experts believe that the trend may be slowed in years to come due to changes in the Australian visa application process.

In September 2007, the Australian government introduced changes to the skills assessment process for tradespeople,” continued Mr Bodega.

“The changes have already had a significant impact on the numbers of visa applications being lodged from the UK; in particular among applicants who have no formal qualifications.”

Enquiries for Canadian immigration are also massively on the increase at present, with Canadian visa applications in 2007 almost doubling those recorded in the previous year.