Property abroad: The emigration option

Britain's slide into recession is making people think about moving abroad in an attempt to escape. According to immigration specialist GlobalVisas there has been a 50 per cent increase this year in enquiries from those wanting to emigrate to countries perceived as offering a better quality of life.

"Canada and Australia are receiving a great amount of interest," says GlobalVisas' director Liam Clifford. "Canada recently asked for a million people to migrate there, while Australia continues to require up to 300,000 skilled workers." New Zealand is another popular choice – last year it was voted the best place for Brits to live abroad – and is currently encouraging applications from skilled workers, particularly nurses and police officers.

All three countries operate a points system that grades an applicant's suitability for residency. Criteria include education, occupation, languages and health. It's possible that, with the global economic downturn, unemployment in these countries may soon limit how many immigrants they're willing to take. However, Clifford says anyone with an occupation that's in demand, such as the medical profession or IT specialists, shouldn't have a problem.

In most cases the quality of life is better and cost of living lower than the UK. Property prices in the most expensive Canadian cities, for example, have dropped in the past year and it's possible to find city centre apartments and solid suburban homes from around £150,000 to £300,000.

"There's more space in Canada," says Kevin Gregory who moved his family from Kent to the Three Sisters resort in Canmore, Alberta, last year. "And you get more for your money. It's a different way of life."

Australia's property boom also seems to be faltering, bringing costs down. Average prices of suburban family homes hover at around £200,000 to £400,000 in the major cities.

New Zealand offers far better value, with suburban houses in Auckland from around £200,000. "New Zealand holds great appeal for Brits looking for a slower pace of life," says local estate agent Grant Harris-Rhodes. "It has a similar culture, so is relatively easy to emigrate to."

GlobalVisas: www.globalvisas.com ; Omaru Real Estate: www.oamaruralestate.co.nz ; Three Sisters Resort: www.robsonbarnes.com ; Pure International: www.pureintl.com

Emigrating: The facts

* If you have corporate sponsorship but lose your job you'll have to leave the country. If you're accepted as a skilled worker you have the right to remain even if unemployed.

* One residency option is starting a business. For Canada you must invest at least CAD$400,000 (£230,000), while Australia requires you have assets of at least AUS$250,000 (£117,000) and New Zealand simply requests you have enough means to establish a business.

* To get a business visa you'll need to prove you have relevant experience.

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