Established markets in Europe are still highly popular with British property investors, a new study has found.

According to Global Edge, towns and cities in Spain have attracted more online searches from prospective investors than anywhere else in the world.

Major tourist hotspots such as Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol were found to be especially popular, along with places including Valencia and Murcia.

In addition, many buyers were found to be very interested in buying a house on Spanish islands such as Lanzarote and Tenerife.

Global Edge commented: "Five out of the top ten most popular locations are Spanish and the top 103 locations are dotted with Spanish towns and coastal names."

Spain was rated as the most popular location overall, despite the strong competition from rival markets such as Turkey and Cyprus.

Figures from Holiday-Rentals show that 31 per cent of British-owned properties within the continent are in Spanish towns and cities.
 

The number of Britons who are thinking of moving abroad has reached record levels, according to a new study.

Removals firm Robinsons International said that more people than ever are looking at relocating to countries such as Australia.

Research by the company showed that many are disenchanted with life in the UK because the cost of living is continuing to go up.

Other respondents cited loutish behaviour as one major concern, while some said they felt under too much pressure at work.

Meanwhile, a poll of the people Britons would be most pleased to see the back of highlighted an apparent dissatisfaction with the government, as prime minister Gordon Brown and his predecessor Tony Blair came top of the list.

Furthermore, 15 per cent of respondents said they blamed the government for driving them out of the country.

Anthony Robinson, managing director of Robinsons International, commented: "It's not surprising that so many people are looking for the better standard of living offered by other countries."

This comes after a recent poll of expatriates by NatWest revealed that the vast majority believe they are financially better off now that they live abroad.