Boasting sandy beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and good weather, Spain has drawn countless Brits over to move to its sunny shores for years.
But now it seems the appeal is starting to drop, with new research by removal company 1st Move International finding a 28 per cent decrease year-on-year in emigration-related searches.
The analysis looked at UK Google search data to investigate where Brits are considering moving to.
It compared searches between September 2023 and August 2024, to September 2024 to August 2025.
Spain has previously been a popular location for Brits to relocate to, but the research suggests they could be looking elsewhere.
The sunny destination ranked ninth amongst the countries with the biggest drops in emigration-related searches.
Rwanda topped the list, with a 71.7 per cent decline, followed by Iceland and El Salvador, seeing an 56.2 per cent and 36.6 per cent drop respectively.
However, another European location that also boasts great weather and gorgeous beaches is Portugal.
The destination is gaining increased interest from Brits year-on-year, according to the research.
Portugal has seen a four per cent rise yearly and ranks as the sixth most desirable place to move to.
But Spain still ranks well, despite the decline in searches, and makes the top 10, in eighth place.
Canada was the most searched-for destination however, with 269,220 relocation searches in the last year.
Australia followed in second place, with 207,900 searches, and Ireland placed third, boasting 179,400 Google searches.
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, puts the shift seen in Spain down to over-tourism and taxes.
He comments: ‘Spain’s long been a UK favourite for retirees and Brits looking for a warmer, calmer pace of life, and for now that remains true.
‘However, mass tourism and the decision to impose taxes on foreign property buyers have affected affordability.
‘This has made it more complex for retirees and long-term residents to move to Spain.’
He describes how these issues might have ‘unintended consequences for international buyers and those seeking a flexible lifestyle abroad’.
Mike adds, ‘Spain’s interest among Brits has begun to dip, and neighbour Portugal may take Spain’s crown in the coming years.
‘Portugal’s already firmly among Brits’ top 10 expat hotspots, and it’s creeping up the ladder with emigration searches increasing by 18.90% year on year.’