A full 20 percent of British retirees, or pensioners, will be living abroad, says a study published last December. Many of those, 74,636 as of early 2006, have relocated to Spain, with the majority residing in Spanish coastal property.

Other countries in the top ten with the largest number of ex-pat Brits are Australia (245,311), Canada (157,435), the United States (132,083), Ireland (104,650), New Zealand (46,560), South Africa (38,825), Italy (33,989), France (33,854), and Germany (33,034),

The study, conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research, indicates more than 3.3 million British pensioners will be living overseas by 2050. That figure represents one in five British citizens. 

Danny Sriskandarajah, ippr associate director, said, "Our report shows more people are moving from country to country: to study, to work and increasingly to enjoy their retirement. This 'silver flight' is the result of more Brits being increasingly willing and able to" live in retirement villages in Spain.

However, he added it’s not fun in the sun for every British pensioner abroad.

"Our research shows that some find it difficult to adjust to life overseas and struggle to access healthcare or find themselves lonely without local language skills. Not every Brit enjoys their retirement in Benidorm more than they would have if they’d stayed in Bournemouth."