We all have a tendency to dream about moving to far flung sunny destinations but which are those locations in 2026? New research from the immigration lawyers at Philippou Law, has dived into Google search data from the last 12 months to discover where Brits are looking to relocate to. 

The study analysed monthly searches across the country on relocation related terms, such as: “Move to [destination]”, “Relocate to [destination]” and “House prices in [location]”, these averages were combined to discover which locations see the most demand on average per month. 

Key findings highlighted: 

• The Southern Hemisphere remains the ultimate dream for Brits, with Australia and New Zealand capturing nearly 10,000 combined monthly searches. Despite the distance, the lure of a complete lifestyle overhaul remains the #1 priority for 2026.
• Perhaps the most surprising trend is the surge in interest for non-traditional markets. Relocation searches for Brazil and Romania have seen a significant uptick, signalling that Brits are increasingly open to vibrant cultural shifts and the emerging tech hubs of Eastern Europe and South America.
• Southeast Asia is no longer just for backpacking. Thailand has officially cracked the top 10, matching Ireland in relocation intent. Simultaneously, search interest in Sri Lanka has surged over the last 12 months, suggesting a significant shift toward long-term investment and permanent coastal living in the region.
• While long-haul may not be for everyone, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland dominate the European rankings. Spain remains the undisputed king of the continent, outperforming its nearest rival, Portugal, by over 66% in relocation intent.

Where Brits are looking to relocate to in 2026

Rank	Location	“Move to” searches per month	“Relocate to”searches per month	“House Prices in” searches per month	Total Monthly Searches [Average]
1	Australia	2400	2400	1000	5800
2	New Zealand	1300	1300	1000	3600
3	Spain	1300	1300	590	3190
4	USA	1600	320	480	2400
5	Canada	1300	170	880	2350
6	Portugal	720	720	480	1920
7	Switzerland	720	720	320	1760
8	Ireland	590	590	480	1660
8	Thailand	590	590	480	1660
10	France	590	590	260	1440

Gregoris Philippou, Managing Partner at Philippou Law, has shared his insights on the findings: 

“The data for 2026 clearly shows that the British relocation itch has evolved into a search for stability and quality of life. While Australia and New Zealand consistently top the charts due to the lack of language barriers and familiar climates, we are seeing a specific shift in how Brits approach the move.

“Even more telling is the growing magnetism of South Asia. With Thailand firmly established in our top 10 and a notable jump in searches for Sri Lanka, it’s clear that Brits are looking beyond the traditional Mediterranean bubble. They are seeking destinations that offer a high quality of life and tropical surroundings but with the legal and digital infrastructure that allows for a permanent move rather than just a holiday. The 2026 expat is no longer just a sun seeker; they are savvy, strategic and increasingly looking toward the East for their next chapter.”