There's never been a better time to move abroad Mr Musty said: "Anybody moving abroad must have a good understanding of complex issues such as tax status, foreign exchange, local laws and customs; all of which require in-depth research. Employers may not always provide all the guidance needed, meaning potential expats themselves must spend a good deal of time planning ahead of a move, ideally six months if possible. There are a lot of considerations that need to be taken into account in advance of a move - these include arranging your financial matters to ensure you have the flexibility to access your money internationally, as well as establishing tax status, finding a good school for the kids, choosing a house, building a social network and learning a new language. While many retirees choose to head abroad for a better lifestyle, the numbers of people under 40 who are expressing interest in emigrating is also on the rise, according to expat wealth management experts deVere Group. In the third quarter of this year, there was a 36pc rise in the number of under-40s enquiring about the implications of moving overseas, compared to the same period in 2011. Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, said: "It is widely assumed that it is mainly retirees who pack up and head off for a life in sunnier climes. While it is certainly true that a significant number of British pensioners emigrate, especially to places like Spain, France, Malta and the US, we've found that an increasing number of the working population are considering moving abroad. More people are being drawn by the career opportunities and lifestyles offered in other countries. Destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Russia, Malaysia, and South Africa are among the most enquired about, said Mr Green. He added: "The vast majority of people tell us that they believe they will be more financially and personally fulfilled in another country, and most of these enquiries came from successful, financially comfortable, working people. In these tough economic times, Britain can ill afford to lose these people as they are key, on many levels, to driving the UK's economy forward. How you choose to deal with your finances before you emigrate will depend on your individual circumstances, and whether you plan to be away for a number of years or for good. You may decide you want to sell your property in the UK straight away and use that money to buy a new home abroad. Or you may prefer to rent out your UK home for a time so you still have a base here in case your emigration is not all that you expect it to be. The latter would probably mean you can emigrate more quickly, as you do not have to hold on until your property is sold, which in the current economic climate may take longer than you would like. Either way, you will also need to find somewhere to live in your new country, and that for many people will mean finding a suitable mortgage. Overseas mortgage advice specialist Conti saw enquiries rise by a third in September, compared with the same time last year. Clare Nessling, Conti's operations director, said: "Our enquiry levels tend to rise after the summer holiday period, with many people who have travelled abroad returning home with plans to buy their very own place in the sun. This year, the uplift in enquiries has been higher than usual, perhaps due to the UK having the one of the wettest summers on record. As the darker nights return, it's very easy to dream about sunnier climes. But it can be more than just a dream. As property prices fall across Europe, the chance of owning a holiday home abroad may never be better, and with the stronger pound boosting buyers" budgets, it's even more affordable for British buyers." France has topped the list for enquiries, at 45pc of the share, with a third enquiring about buying in Spain, "thanks to excellent buying conditions and signs that the market is starting to bottom out," said Ms Nessling. Property prices in France, Spain and the US have plummeted since the financial crisis, causing hardship for those living there, but presenting an opportunity for those moving to those countries. In the US, for example, prices have fallen by nearly 35pc between Q2 2006 and Q1 2012, according to the Knight Frank Global House Price Index. The recent HSBC Overseas Property Report showed that Orlando in Florida and Alicante and Malaga in Spain provide good value for money. For £125,000, you can buy a four-bedroom house in Orlando, or a three-bedroom house in Alicante. James Yerkess, HSBC head of foreign exchange, said: "Florida's property market has reached the bottom since the bubble burst in 2006, with prices just starting to rise again, enabling foreign buyers to obtain a relatively large home for their budget, which is boosted by a favourable exchange rate and low level of purchase taxes and fees (5pc). The pound-to-euro exchange rate has increased the most over the past six months, largely as a result of the on-going eurozone crisis. It is up by around 5.7pc, giving buyers with a £125,000 budget €8,563 more to spend. Currently Costa Blanca, Spain, offers the most space for money in Europe. There is a huge discrepancy in the size of property that UK buyers can purchase on the same budget in some of the most popular overseas locations. This is a combined result of foreign exchange rates, tax levels and the strength of the property market. Orlando, for example, offers excellent purchase power right now, but European destinations vary. One thing to remember if you are emigrating is that you may want to get home to see friends and family, or they may be keen to visit you, and costs vary. The HSBC research shows that for a family of four with two flights a year plus car hire, the Costa del Sol is the cheapest region it looked at, with a total cost of £1,186. Unsurprisingly, because of the distance, Orlando was the most expensive on the same basis, at £4,464. So if family contact is important, this is something to take into consideration when you are planning a move overseas.