UK interest in australian property on the rise

Yearning for warmer climes and year-long barbecues, and has been the lot of many northern Europeans as we struggle through the dark, cold days of winter. Now more of us are no longer satisfied with the fantasy, and are taking steps to turn it into a permanent reality.

In the past two months, searches on the Rightmove Overseas website increased by more than 50 per cent, with traditional "emigration destinations" leading the way, with searches for homes in New Zealand rising by 91 per cent, and in Canada by 80 per cent.

But the biggest rise was for property in Australia, which increased by a massive 114 per cent. "We always see a pick-up in January and February of 'dreamers' visiting the site," says Robin Wilson, the head of Rightmove Overseas. "But nothing on this scale before. It is also noticeable that searches for white-village properties in countries like Spain and Portugal are down on previous years. People seem to be moving towards wanting more authentic destinations."

Which country's properties attract attention is closely correlated to national and world events, Mr Wilson said. "I suspect when we review this month's figures searches, New Zealand will be down, following the earthquake, while those for Australia may well be up again after a series of TV programmes on relocating there."

Source: The Independent