There are those who aim to avoid British people when they move abroad, and others who like to know there will always be someone nearby to have a good old natter with over a proper British ‘cuppa’.

These three European locations offer a bit of both. In each, there are areas where you’ll feel completely Continental. But if you hang around in the local supermarket for long enough you’re sure to hear an English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish accent before long. Easy to make new friends, while reaping all the benefits of a life in the sun!

Eastern Algarve, Portugal

The Eastern Algarve – roughly starting from Olhão and finishing at the Spanish border – is a relatively new area of Portugal for overseas buyers, but it has fast grown in popularity. Here you’ll find traditional towns and villages that, out of season especially, still feel totally Portuguese despite having a large international population.

There is a real mix of international residents here, living both in the quieter countryside and in the more touristy areas. You can choose whether you want to be involved in the expat scene, in resort towns by the beach, such as Monte Gordo, with affordable apartments, sports bars and pubs.

Rather different is the beautiful little town of Tavira, now a firm favourite with British buyers.

This side of the Algarve you’re just an hour’s drive from the Spanish border, so you can easily pop over to Huelva, and even Seville, for the day.

Property

Property in the Eastern Algarve is generally more affordable than in the Central and Western Algarve. In Tavira, apartments start from around €100,000 and you can find small houses for under €150,000. Traditional terraced houses go for around €250,000. In Monte Gordo, a budget of €150,000 would present you with a large selection of apartments.

Costa del Sol, Spain

Southern Spain, and the Costa del Sol in particular, is a popular choice for international buyers. There are large numbers of permanent expats, holiday-home owners and – increasingly –British retirees enjoying their 90 days in Spain over the winter without needing to claim residency under new Brexit rules.

The region enjoys around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year (double that which the UK receives), reasonably affordable property and great accessibility. The international airport in Malaga receives dozens of flights from every corner of the UK, every day, all year.

So, where do the expats tend to reside? Many choose Malaga itself. The capital of the region maintains a very Spanish ‘feel’, with wonderful tapas bars, an upmarket waterfront, chic boutiques in its city centre, sensational food markets and the famous Picasso Museum, this being his home town.

Close to Malaga are the resorts of Torremolinos and Benalmadena. They are more touristy than other parts of the Costa and can get busy in the summer months, however, there is a large British community with plenty of expat activities to get involved with.

If you don’t mind a short drive from the airport, consider the picturesque village of Mijas. Just 30 kilometres from Malaga, this white-washed village nestled in the mountains offers true Spanish culture with a real community feel. Mijas is near some fantastic golf courses and golf properties, and the village hall even has a department for helping new expats settle in.

Property

Malaga presents city living at an affordable price. You can find one-bedroom apartments in the heart of the city starting at around €110,000. In the resorts, you can find apartments for under €100,000 and villas are affordable too. In Mijas, most apartments are under €200,000, and there are some beautiful townhouses for €200,000-€300,000.

Umbria, Italy

Umbria, a scenic region of central Italy, has seen growing numbers of British buyers. As property prices continue to rise in the much-loved region of Tuscany, Umbria offers the same stunning landscapes at a fraction of the price. Think rolling green hills, pristine vineyards and charming farmhouses…

The region is popular with buyers of retirement age and those looking for a ‘project home’, as although there is a good selection of large casali farmhouses and smaller rustici farm buildings, many need some TLC.

Umbria is very Italian, but you are still likely to hear a familiar British accent every now and then.

Property

The towns of Assisi and Perugia are where you are most likely to find British people. Gubbio and Orvieto are good options too. Property is incredibly affordable; if you’re willing to do some renovation work you can find townhouses in Perugia for under €50,000. Prices rise a little in Gubbio and Orvieto, but you can still find charming homes for under €200,000.