21st August 2007

PROPERTY PRICES, COST OF LIVING AND GROWING

CRIME FUEL DISILLUSIONMENT WITH BRITAIN

New survey highlights just why people are moving abroad

Rising property prices, the high cost of living and concern about growing crime levels in Britain are key factors behind the increasing number of people relocating overseas, according to a new survey published today (August 21).

At the ‘A Place In The Sun Live’ show held earlier this year developers behind the popular LaVanta project in Turkey surveyed 510 Brits who aim to emigrate by the end of 2008, asking them to list their reasons for seeking a new life overseas. And the results reveal widespread disillusionment with life in Britain today.

• 63 per cent of those surveyed said high property prices in Britain played a significant role in their decision to leave the UK.

• 49 per cent cited the high cost of living in Britain as a major factor.

• 47 per cent said that concern about crime and degenerating standards of law and order in Britain were behind their decision to move overseas.

“Of course there were some very positive reasons for emigrating - 63 per cent of respondents said that they were looking for a more laid-back, relaxed lifestyle, while 61 per cent said the prospect of better weather was a major attraction,” said Louise Andrews, LaVanta’s Sales Executive.

“However, we were surprised by the strength of feeling about certain aspects of life in Britain. Clearly, people don’t feel they get value for money here, either on major purchases like property or on the necessities of day-to-day life.

“More disturbing was that nearly half expressed serious concern about crime - they don’t feel completely safe in their homes or on Britain’s streets.”

The survey revealed other significant gripes with life in the UK - high levels of taxation (cited by 42 per cent of those surveyed); poor and overcrowded public transport (35 per cent); and the high volume of traffic on British roads (29 per cent).

LaVanta, developed by Turkey’s leading property specialist Kemer Mediterra, overlooks the upmarket resort of Kalkan on the Turquoise Coast. The gated development has proved hugely popular with British buyers, who have snapped up 39 of the 45 apartments, townhouses and villas sold.

“Whether they are looking for a new life, a holiday home or a good investment, Kalkan ticks all the boxes for Brits,” said Ms Andrews.

“It’s peaceful, uncrowded, with a low cost of living - and represents great value for money compared with British property.”

Prices at LaVanta start at £69,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For more details and a brochure visit www.kemermediterra.com or call 0800 970 2310.

Survey results in full
A total of 510 visitors to Kemer Mediterra’s LaVanta stand at the ‘A Place In The Sun Live’ show at London’s ExCel earlier this year indicated their desire to relocate overseas in 2007 or 2008. Each was asked to complete a survey with a range of possible reasons for his/her decision, and to mark all that applied to them. Couples, other family and non-family groups all completed survey forms as individuals. All respondents were aged 18 or over. Results were as follows:

1. High property prices in Britain/lower prices overseas: 63 per cent (323 respondents)

2. The attraction of a more laid-back, relaxed lifestyle overseas: 63 per cent (321 respondents)

3. The attraction of better weather overseas: 61 per cent (311 respondents)

4. High cost of goods & cost of living in Britain: 49 per cent (249 respondents)

5. Crime/declining standards of law and order in Britain: 47 per cent (242 respondents)

6. Simply fancy a change: 46 per cent (237 respondents)

7. High level of taxation in Britain: 42 per cent (215 respondents)

8. Relocating for a new job/career: 36 per cent (183 respondents)

9. Poor/overcrowded public transport: 35 per cent (181 respondents)

10. Volume of traffic on British roads: 29 per cent (148 respondents)

11. Declining education standards in Britain: 15 per cent (76 respondents)

12. To live near family/friends: 11 per cent (56 respondents)

In a section marked ‘Other’ respondents were also invited to specify additional/ alternative reasons of their own for their decision to relocate overseas. None of these ‘other’ reasons was shared by more than six per cent of respondents.

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Contact: Kemer Mediterra on 0800 970 2310 or visit www.kemermediterra.com for more information and a brochure.

The view from LaVanta: Kemer Country, Istanbul:
Kalkan’s idyllic bay the model for LaVanta

For media information, please contact

Suzanne Holiday at suzanne@saltmarshpr.co.uk or

David Ezra at david@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Tel: 020 7928 1600
Fax: 020 7928 1700

The Saltmarsh Partnership
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