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Searches for Spain among potential British expats have plunged as focus turns to another sunny European country, research suggests. Spain has long been among the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers, and Britons consistently rank among the top foreign resident populations.

The rise of low-budget air travel means flights to the continent can be cheaper and quicker than a train ride to some parts of Britain, which has helped fuel a proliferation of Britons upping sticks to the country. The southern and eastern Mediterranean coast is particularly popular among them, with huge communities of expatriate Brits in places like Alicante on the Costa Blanca and Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

However, research by experts at international removal company 1st Move International suggests that while Spain remains a highly popular destination, interest in moving there may have waned.

They analysed UK Google search data to reveal which countries are seeing the biggest rises and falls in emigration-related interest, comparing searches between September 2023 and August 2024, to September 2024 to August 2025.

It found that while Spain still ranks eighth among countries with the highest number of relocation searches from September 2024 to August 2025, it also featured in the top 10 with the steepest year-on-year drop, down 28%. The firm claims the finding suggests emigration could drop over 2026 and the coming years.

Meanwhile, their figures also indicate neighbour Portugal (which ranked 6th in the most searched destinations) may become Brits' new alternative to Spain, with searches growing 4% year-on-year.

Google searches worldwide across the date ranges examined were used to identify the most desirable countries to move to, according to Google Ads Keyword Planner. The search terms 'Emigrate to [COUNTRY], Living in [COUNTRY]' and 'Move to [COUNTRY]' were used.

However, it's worth noting that the figures reflect internet searches for a limited set of terms and are not based on official migration figures.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, suggested various factors, including new taxes designed to curb overtourism and tackle the Spanish housing crisis, may be behind the shift.

He said: "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, making it more complex for retirees and long-term residents to move to Spain.

"While these measures aim to address housing shortages, they may also have unintended consequences for international buyers and those seeking a flexible lifestyle abroad.

"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."