The number of Brits keen to buy property abroad has doubled in the last year, as Britain suffers one of the wettest, dullest summers ever…

Whilst many people cite rocketing UK property prices, rising crime and a skewed work life balance as reasons for increasing numbers relocating abroad, the new figures from Barclays Buying Abroad highlight the prominent effect of the weather.

These new figures are based on the number of enquiries received by Barclays for their locally based mortgage services in Spain, France, Portugal and Italy – soon to be joined by Dubai and South Africa.

Record rainfall

The early summer was the wettest in Britain since records began more than 240 years ago, with 387.6mm rain falling in this period[2]. That is more than double the usual average of 186mm (7.3in) for the period, resulting in two bouts of devastating floods in parts of England in June and July.

We have also recently experienced below average levels of sunshine, with parts of England suffering the dullest June on record.

This July, rainfall was well above the norm, with England and Wales recording over double their average, and some areas in Worcestershire recording over four times their average July rainfall – for example, Pershore College recorded 157mm in a 48 hour period[3].

Compare this to Spain, with 436mm for the whole of 2006, whilst dry Dubai had less than 65mm during the year. Average hours of sunshine, temperatures, and rainfall give a good indication of why people are escaping soggy Britain.

Desperate for sunnier climes

Richard Exton, Director of Barclays Buying Abroad said “Brits are familiar with the idea that we only have two seasons: the winter and July. It seems that this year, with the terrible weather we have experienced in July and throughout the summer many people are not prepared to sit through a year-long winter and are looking for a getaway to sunnier climates.

Barclays Buying Abroad offers a locally based service that will help you through the whole buying process and beyond, making the option of escaping our dismal weather far more attractive”

According to the BBC Weather Office “…it's too late to save this miserable summer”. Looking at the forecast for the 3rd to 16th September 2007 any hopes of an Indian summer may too be dashed; “Summer is over - here comes Autumn”[4] With many asking “what summer?” it may be that this is the last straw for even more damp Brits .

For more information on taking that first step to escaping the weather and buying a dream home overseas visit www.barclays.com/buyingabroad