Applications by Americans to relocate to Britain have hit a record high, but not all of them are trying to escape Donald Trump’s US. A record 6,100 Americans applied for British citizenship last year, a year-on-year rise of 26%, Home Office figures show.
Expat Tax Online reports an estimated 200,000 US expats living in the UK, while Global Citizen Solutions puts the figure at more than 170,000. Americans are making the leap across the pond for a variety of reasons, and they aren’t all so-called “Donald dashers.” Reasons include safety, property prices, work-life balance, schools, culture, and Britain’s proximity to mainland Europe. Good Schools Guide has said enquiries from American parents about UK schools have risen 250% to date compared with late last year.
Despite VAT now being added to private school fees, they are said to be much more affordable than those in the US. S&P Global Ratings said typical fees have risen to more than £38,000, compared to the average UK day school fee of £21,800. School safety is another driver, with US parents worried about shootings.
Salaries in the US are higher than Britain, but in some larger cities the costs of housing, childcare and utilities are much higher. Healthcare is another major factor factor driving Americans to the UK, according to Rose Carey from the law firm Charles Russell Speechlys.
A lot of American buyers are looking for property in London, particularly Notting Hill, Kensington, Richmond and Chelsea. Richmond’s appeal may in part be driven by the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, which was partly filmed in the south-west London town.
The Cotswolds is a destination for Americans looking for a slower pace of life, according to Harry Gladwin from The Buying Solution.
Buyers may also be looking for a decent investment, with central London’s priciest properties 38% cheaper than in July 2014, according to Knight Frank.
The work-life balance in Britain also appeals to some Americans. Emily San Jose from US mums support network Mother Euro told the Telegraph many Americans are drawn to longer leave for parents and a culture “that prioritises life outside of work”.
Other agents report an increase in interest in property in the UK as they fear a worsening of the political situation in the US.
Roarie Scarisbrick of the buying agency Property Vision told the Telegraph: “They are effectively putting a flag in the sand here so they have an escape route if things get really weird in the States.”
British sport and culture is another draw, with many US clients of London buying advisory RFR seeking a home in London because of their passion for football, particularly Tottenham Hotspur.