expat network

UK Expats Feel Better Financially Than Twelve Months Ago

According to the 2025 Worldwide Wealth Survey fifty-four per cent of UK expats living overseas feel either better or slightly better financially than they did twelve months ago, with a 39 per cent attributing this to cheaper living costs, 25 per cent to the performance of their investment portfolios: 17 per cent to rising property values, and 16 per cent to their growing pension pot.

Nearly a fifth (23 per cent) said they felt either worse or slightly worse off, the remainder of respondents believed their position was around the same as a year ago.

These are the top line findings from the annual 2025 Worldwide Wealth Survey conducted by international financial advisory firm, Hoxton Wealth, which saw responses from 1,050 British expats living in Europe, the Middle East, North America, South East Asia and Australia and New Zealand.

When asked about their financial priorities 63 per cent of UK expats said it was to plan for their retirement; 41 per cent to invest, and 39 per cent to build up their savings. Just 10 per cent said their priority was debt reduction.

93 per cent of those surveyed said they were either somewhat confident or very confident in their ability to plan for their long-term financial goals. Only 7 per cent said they were not confident.

“It’s encouraging to see that more than half of UK expats feel financially better off than they did a year ago, driven by factors such as rising portfolios and property values,” says Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth.

“However, the fact that 42 per cent still don’t have a relationship with a financial adviser is a concern. While many expats feel confident about their long-term planning, without professional guidance they may be missing opportunities to maximise their wealth or protect against future risks. For those navigating pensions, investments, and cross-border tax considerations, tailored financial advice can make the difference between feeling secure today and being truly prepared for tomorrow.”

46 per cent of those surveyed said they use spreadsheets to monitor their financial performance, compared with 40 per cent who use specialist apps, including the Hoxton Wealth app. 13 per cent said they still use pen and paper.

“While spreadsheets and even pen and paper remain popular, specialist financial apps give expats a clearer, real-time view of their wealth and goals,” adds Ball.

“By switching to tools like the Hoxton Wealth app, individuals can track performance more accurately, access tailored insights, and make smarter, faster decisions. For those managing assets across borders, the ability to consolidate information securely in one place is a major step forward in taking control of their financial future.”

The 54 per cent of British expats feeling better financially figure compares to a 75 per cent average for all expats around the world feeling similarly better off.

Twelve months ago, 50 per cent of respondents globally reported feeling better with 41 per cent feeling financially worse. This year found 24 per cent saying they felt either worse off or slightly worse off, with the remaining saying they felt about the same as last year.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.