Latest news with #GlobalCitizenSolutions
Travel Daily News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report unvealed
Global Citizen Solutions' first RCBI Report ranks 37 countries' investment migration programs, highlighting top destinations for citizenship and residency amid global uncertainty. LONDON – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenships can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship with most schemes offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal grey zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residence requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
Travel Daily News
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Citizen Solutions unveils Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report
According to Global Citizen Solutions' report, Caribbean nations lead rankings for citizenship by investment, while Greece and Malta top 'Golden Visa' residency by investment programs. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta, which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residency by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenship can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual Citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship, with most offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal gray zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residency requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
Travel Daily News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Global Citizen Solutions unveils Global Residence and Citizenship by Investment report
Global Citizen Solutions releases first Global RCBI Report, ranking 37 countries' citizenship and residency programs amid rising demand for mobility, security, and tax efficiency. LONDON – As the world navigates geopolitical instability, market volatility and shifting regulations, Global Citizen Solutions, a leading advisory firm specializing in investment migration, has released its first-ever Global Residence and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) Report. The report evaluates Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programs currently available across 37 countries, providing key insights for those seeking a new beginning beyond their home nation. This timely report is the most comprehensive, data-driven analysis of global CBI and RBI programs to date, highlighting the top destinations where individuals can obtain a second passport or secure long-term residency. Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada lead the CBI rankings, while Greece and Malta lead the global RBI list. 'This groundbreaking new report reveals a growing interest in dual and multiple citizenships, made possible by the fact that more than 75% of countries now allow some form of dual nationality. In today's world, investment migration is no longer just about obtaining a second passport – it's about unlocking global mobility, securing long-term opportunities and building a legacy,' said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our Global RCBI Report, designed to serve as an essential guide to navigating complex RCBI programs, helps individuals understand how and where they can protect their wealth, move freely and hedge against global uncertainty.' Whether seeking a long-term home or exploring the best options for dual citizenship, the report offers a new perspective on how legal frameworks of RBI and CBI programs can serve as platforms for greater freedom, improved quality of life and financial advantages aligned with individuals' mobility goals. The report evaluated programs using 18 key indicators across the following five dimensions: Procedure Index: Minimum Investment Threshold, Average Processing Time, Path to Citizenship (RBI only), Investment Options, Visit and Residency Requirements, Family Member Inclusion and Program Reputation Tax Optimization Index: Type of Tax System and Tax Rates Mobility Index: Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access and Destination Attractiveness Quality of Life Index: Human Development, Migrant's Acceptance, Global Peace, and Healthcare Investment Environment Index: Ease of Doing Business and Economic Stability Top Countries for Global Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs – programs where full citizenship and a passport are granted in exchange for an economic contribution, such as real estate, bonds or a business: Rank Country Total Score 1 Antigua and Barbuda 94.33 2 St. Kitts and Nevis 93.62 3 Grenada 93.16 4 Dominica 90.51 5 St. Lucia 89.79 The Caribbean region, known for its flexible investment options, moderate cost of living, and efficient processing timelines, suit individuals and families seeking fast-track citizenship with moderate investments, no residency requirements and attractive tax regimes. The region accounts for 36% of all active programs and ranks among the top five in the CBI Index. European countries such as Malta which is still processing pending applications despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. to end the Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and Austria offer access to the European Union and high-quality healthcare, education and lifestyle, though tagged with significantly higher investment thresholds and processing times. Both programs appeal to investors seeking enhanced global mobility and seamless EU access, thanks to the strength of the passports they confer. Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa regions including Cambodia in Asia and Vanuatu and Nauru in the Pacific, feature lower investment thresholds and accelerated timelines, making them attractive to cost-conscious investors seeking rapid access and flexible requirements, though their passports offer more limited, regionally focused mobility. Türkiye's CBI program stands out by offering a low investment threshold, expedited processing, and a passport granting visa-free access to important parts of the world. Top Countries for Global Residence by Investment (RBI) Programs – commonly referred to as 'golden visa' programs, these initiatives allow foreign nationals to obtain a legal residency through investment: Rank Country Total Score 1 Greece 91.47 2 Malta 89.97 3 Switzerland 89.94 4 Luxembourg 89.26 5 Portugal 89.2 European RBI programs are heavily weighted toward Europe, which accounts nearly for 50% of the 23 active programs worldwide. This reflects a shift in EU strategy toward longer-term integration and development goals, with countries like Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg offering well-structured RBI options. Asia and the Middle East offer RBI programs characterized by business-friendly climates and favorable tax regimes, with the UAE and Singapore standing out for their global connectivity and zero-tax policies, attracting tech entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Oceania, led by New Zealand, targets innovative entrepreneurs and venture capitalists through high-threshold programs tied to business creation and job development. The country also ranks highly for quality of life, appealing to families and retirees seeking long-term relocation. In Africa, Mauritius is the option for regional diversification and future mobility. The country draws real estate and business investors with strong legal protections and tax incentives. Additional key takeaways that emerged from Global Citizen Solutions' RCBI Report include: Increased Interest in Wealth Preservation and Security Through Global Mobility: Global mobility is no longer a luxury but a necessity for individuals navigating a world of shifting borders, regulations and economic realities. Second citizenships can simplify this process, allowing heirs to reside in or manage assets from locations with more favorable inheritance laws. New-Generation Programs Emphasize Talent, Innovation, and Sustainability: Countries like Canada, and Singapore are moving away from passive capital inflows and focusing on attracting skilled entrepreneurs and professionals in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biotechnology. Dual citizenship: Most of Europe and the Anglosphere RBI jurisdictions (61%) allow dual citizenship with most schemes offering a pathway to naturalization, making them attractive to globally mobile individuals. In contrast, 26% of countries require renunciation of prior citizenship, mainly in Asia, which limits their appeal. Another 13%, in the Middle East, operate in legal grey zones where dual nationality is restricted but inconsistently enforced, creating uncertainty. Tax Optimization: The Caribbean remains the go-to region for CBI, offering minimal residence requirements, straight forward procedures and favorable tax structures. These programs operate under zero or territorial tax regimes, making them ideal for high-net-worth individuals focused on global mobility and tax neutrality, with relatively little regulatory friction. 'This is the first report of its kind to offer a holistic, transparent and comparable view of both CBI and RBI programs worldwide,' added Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto, research lead at Global Citizen Solutions. 'Our goal was to provide a resource that empowers stakeholders to make informed, forward-looking decisions.'
Local Spain
15-04-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
Spain crowned best country for Americans to retire to
Spain has long been a popular country for Europeans to retire to due to its great climate, relatively low cost of living, vibrant culture and strong social communities. Now a new study from Global Citizen Solutions, an investment migration consultancy firm, classes Spain as the top country for US nationals to retire to as well. The study is based on the firm's Global Intelligence Unit's Retirement Index which looks at factors such as living expenses, healthcare and retirement visa options. Spain ranked first place on the index, beating the likes of Portugal at number two, Costa Rica at number three, Uruguay at number four and Mexico at number five. It scored 100 points in their US Retirement Trend report, due to its low cost of living, excellent quality of life, good public and private healthcare systems and visas for being able to move there. According to the price comparison website Expatistan, the cost of living in United States is 75 percent higher than in Spain. For example, it states that living in Madrid is 67 percent less than in New York, 49 percent cheaper than San Francisco, 46 percent more inexpensive than Miami and 39 percent cheaper than in Los Angeles. Spain ranked as the second in terms of its healthcare system, fifth on climate, and sixth in terms of flight distance from the United States. It also ranked seventh due to its relatively low crime rate, "despite the fact that petty theft can occur in tourist areas like Madrid and Barcelona', the company reported. The report suggests that Madrid is a popular choice for American retirees, 'known for its culture and history' and praises it for its low cost of living. It suggests that a single person can live in the capital for around $2000 to $2500 USD per month – the equivalent of €1,765 to €2,207. But it's worth keeping in mind this might be a little low given the current rising costs in Spain. For example, it says you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in central Madrid for $1,322.50 USD, which is €1,176.33. This is low given the fact that Idealista has the average rental price down in central Madrid as €25.7 /m2. This would be at least €1,542 for even a small apartment of 60m2. So if you are thinking of retiring here it's worth budgeting a little more than perhaps you've been led to believe. The index also took into account the visa options that Americans could use to retire to Spain. It states that the 'Non-Lucrative Visa is perfect for those who want to live in Spain without working'. In order to be eligible for the NLV you need to show you have savings or passive income of €28,800 per year or €36,000 for a couple. This is currently equivalent to $32,571.08 or $40,718.45 per year. You also need to have private health insurance. The report also says that the Golden Visa is another good option, for those making a real estate investment of more than €500,000, but unfortunately this is no longer an option as the Spanish government decided to cancel it. It officially ended on April 3red 2025. This means that the NLV is really the only visa option for Americans to retire to Spain. Many of the reasons it gives for retiring to Spain are reasons that other American readers gave The Local Spain for moving here. Among the most popular reasons were the getting away from the current political situation, safer and a better quality of life, as well as the lower cost of living. In fact, the number of Americans living in Spain soared by 10,000 in two years according to official data.
Telegraph
31-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Meet the Americans moving to Britain
Shawn and his wife, Marcia, have just landed back home in Atlanta, Georgia, after several days spent house hunting in the Cotswolds. The couple, who are in their late 50s, started looking for a holiday property in Europe a couple of years ago. Now, however, they are considering making a permanent move across the Atlantic. 'Safety is what drove our initial search in France, but then our son recently spent part of his university studies in London and we realised it would be nice to speak to people in our native tongue – so started looking in the UK,' says Shawn, who owns an accountancy firm and doesn't wish to give his surname. 'Although we live in a very safe community, we are near downtown Atlanta and there's a lot of gun violence. Also, with the current political climate, I truly think we are in a downward trend in the United States right now.' While Britain has its problems, interest in our shores – especially from wealthy Americans – is soaring. Tax and immigration lawyers have been inundated by Americans since November's presidential election, while the Good Schools Guide says enquiries from US parents about British schools are up 250pc so far this year compared to late 2024. A record 6,100 Americans applied to become UK citizens last year, an annual rise of 26pc, according to the Home Office. More than 170,000 American expats already reside in the UK, according to Global Citizen Solutions. Figures from Knight Frank, the estate agents, show that US nationals are now the largest overseas buyer group of the most expensive property in central London, accounting for 11.6pc of sales in the last three months of last year. In the country house market over £2.5m, the number of registered buyers from the US more than doubled year on year in February, says Strutt & Parker, another estate agency. 'Historically, Americans have moved to the UK for a variety of reasons, including security and fear of gun crime in the US, jobs and appreciation of UK culture,' says Abigail Frankish, of the London property consultancy Aykroyd & Co. 'However, the uptick above and beyond the average is certainly in response to one man.' A 38pc property discount Many so-called 'Donald dashers', who typically come from Democrat strongholds such as California, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, are focusing on London, drawn by job opportunities and proximity to the Continent. Henry Sherwood, of The Buying Agents, says 60pc of his present client base is American, up from a normal average of 30pc to 40pc. 'All our current clients are in banking and finance, hedge funds or tech, and their budgets for flats range from £4m to £6m and from £10m to £20m for houses,' he says. Canny buyers are also seeking to make a good investment. Knight Frank says central London's most expensive properties are effectively 38pc cheaper than they were in July 2014, taking account of currency and property price movements. Ollie Marshall, of the buying agency Prime Purchase, bought a property in Belgravia for a client in December for £13m, which is about $16m at current exchange rates. 'The house last changed hands 12 years ago for £20m which back then [given currency changes] would have been worth $32m,' he says. 'Compare that with European cities that have experienced significant capital growth over that period and the appeal is clear, plus we have the shared language.' Many American buyers are focusing on areas such as Notting Hill, Chelsea and Kensington. Leafy Richmond, in south-west London, has also recorded a surge in popularity among Americans – something James Williams, of United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty, partly attributes to the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, which filmed scenes around Richmond Green. Estate agents say many incomers rent before committing to buying and will often move to a place in which friends or acquaintances have already settled. That's the case for British-born Lacey, who wanted to speak under a pseudonym, and her New Yorker husband. The couple and their young son are relocating from New York to Chelsea, renting a house first to see if they want to stay permanently. 'I have an existing network of friends with children in Chelsea,' says Lacey. 'Also, it's not economically viable to live in New York City [because it has] such high taxes and living costs.' London is also known for being expensive to live in, and pay in Britain has lagged behind that in the US for many years – the average full-time wage in the US is about £52,000, compared to £37,430 in the UK. A recent report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) said that Britain is no longer a rich country after 15 years of economic stagnation 'caused UK living standards to plummet', leaving households in the poorest parts of the country worse off than those in the poorest parts of Slovenia and Lithuania. Niesr revealed that the typical British worker would be £4,000 per year better off if productivity growth and wages in the UK had matched those of the US. But while salaries are higher in the US, big cities such as New York City have far higher costs for housing, utilities, lifestyle and childcare. The lack of affordable healthcare in the US is another major factor driving Americans here, says Rose Carey, of the law firm Charles Russell Speechlys. Britain's work-life balance also appeals, adds Emily San Jose, of Mother Euro, a support network for American mothers moving to Europe. 'Many Americans are drawn to longer parental leave and a culture that prioritises life outside of work, something that can be difficult to achieve in the US,' she explains. Buying an escape route Many American buyers are purchasing in the UK as a way of keeping their options open. 'They are effectively putting a flag in the sand here so they have an escape route if things get really weird in the States,' says Roarie Scarisbrick, of the buying agency Property Vision. The same is true for many citizenship applications, which are also partly driven by the UK's abolition of non-dom tax status – it has encouraged some wealthy Americans already living in Britain to seek citizenship. 'We have seen a significant uptick in interest from Americans in securing and preserving residence options in the UK,' says Elena Hinchin, of the law firm Farrer & Co. 'This may be through obtaining British citizenship, UK visas or through simply acquiring residential property in the UK, although this in itself does not give the right to reside here.' The UK and US allow dual and multiple nationality, which is a contributing factor in the spike in citizenship applications, says Carey at Charles Russell Speechlys. 'It is also possible in many cases to acquire British citizenship through a grandparent born in the UK,' she adds. An educated move Schooling is a major driver for American relocations. The UK is the top education destination in Europe, according to Global Citizen Solutions, which analyses over 72 countries. A British private education continues to command cachet globally, says Tess Wilkinson, of global citizenship advisory Henley & Partners. And, despite VAT now being levied on private school fees, they are often significantly more affordable than American equivalents. Average day school fees are £21,800 a year when taking in the VAT raid, according to Telegraph analysis; in the US, typical day fees have risen to a record of over £38,000, according to S&P Global Ratings. The Fentanyl crisis in the US and school safety are also often cited by US parents. 'Families want the peace of knowing their child's school day won't be interrupted by a lockdown drill,' says Yasmin Ulhaq, of Glenfield Property Management. 'One American tenant in London said: 'I just feel safer here. I don't have to worry about some guy with an AR-15 heading towards my kid's school'.' Plenty of American accents can be heard at the gates of London's top private schools, with the American School in London, in St John's Wood, one of the top choices. In Surrey, a quarter of the 1,300 pupils at the International School in Cobham, formerly the American Community School, are from the US, while Oxford and Cambridge are also gaining in popularity, says Jonathan Hopper, of Garrington Property Finders. Weather watchers Extreme weather is another factor pushing Americans here. 'Complaining about the weather is a quintessential British pastime, but it's important not to underestimate how our temperate climate is a real selling point,' says Jonathan Brandling-Harris, of House Collective estate agency. 'Especially when compared to the sweltering summer heat and freezing winter temperatures found in many states.' He has seen a new wave of American buyers following the devastating California wildfires in January. 'I've heard of cases where even those whose homes were lucky enough to survive the fires simply couldn't bring themselves to spend another night there,' Brandling-Harris says. William Lingar, his wife, Rosie, and their three children recently moved to the Cotswolds from Kentucky under a two-year working visa for William's job at a software company. The family wanted to live here in part because of the cooler climate, and they are renting a house on the outskirts of Cheltenham, found for them by Property Search Company. 'After some research, we found the Cotswolds an idyllic place to settle,' says Lingar. 'We are really enjoying our time here.' The lure of the lifestyle Scotland has long been a hit with Americans, including the president, for its golf courses and history. But it is the Cotswolds which is now the most searched-for location by those based in the US on the Savills website, up 61pc year-on-year. Research by Property Vision suggests around half of the buyers of properties over £5m in the Cotswolds over the past 18 months were American. 'The Cotswolds has become the destination of choice for American buyers seeking a slower pace of life,' says Harry Gladwin, of agency The Buying Solution. 'It offers a quality of life that rivals the Hamptons or Napa Valley, but with centuries-old character that cannot be replicated in the US.' Sharon Barnard, of Stacks Property Search, has been helping Shawn and Marcia with their property search. Buying in the Cotswolds gives them a chance to enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle. 'We both enjoy hiking and walking and we don't really have that where we live,' says Marcia, a self-employed bookkeeper. 'We also have two dogs and it's great that so many of the pubs in the UK are dog-friendly. In the States, many places don't allow them – they're worried about lawsuits.' Americans' fondness for Britain extends far beyond politics. Sometimes, one of the couple is British and they want to return to their roots, while for others it's because they're an avid sports fan. 'We are seeing so many US clients wanting to buy in London because they have a passion for football, especially Spurs,' says Richard Rogerson, of RFR, a high-end London buying advisory. For Susan Neely, who has worked as special assistant to president George W Bush in the White House, and been CEO at some of America's largest organisations, buying a two-bedroom flat in Pimlico, central London, with the help of the relocation experts R3Location, had a more nostalgic motivation. 'Immediately after I graduated from university, I took what amounted to a gap year on a student visa and worked at the BBC as a typist, living in a small bedsit in Mornington Crescent,' says Neely, 68, who lives in Washington DC and retired late last year. 'It was one of the happiest times of my life and since then I've always wanted to own a small slice of this wonderful city. When I thought about retiring, London was where I wanted to be – I love the culture, the food and visiting the theatre.'
