- Cork, Ireland: If you still want to get abroad but stay a lot closer to British shores, Cork is the perfect choice. The average price of a two bedroom home is £220,000 and the temperature compares favourably with England. There’s a high happiness index here which just might be to do with the fresh air, rolling hills and stunning architecture.
- Mainz, Germany: While some areas of Germany can be expensive to live in, this part of the Rhineland is an exception, as long as you don’t mind the slightly chillier weather. House prices are again just over £220,000 for a two bedroom property and there are hundreds of restaurants to keep you happily fed and watered. There is also a large expat population so you won’t be lost for friends.
- Istria in Croatia: The Baltic states are not necessarily first on people’s list of places to retire but Croatia has a lot to offer. Beautiful countryside and relatively cheap house prices are likely to make this a popular choice in the future. The expat community is pretty small at the moment but expect that to rise in the next decade or so (along with the house prices).