Number of Brits with overseas homes 'to double'

This is something with potentially very significant impacts on British culture, so worth noting now.
"The trend towards owning property abroad shows no sign of abating and could go through the roof if people were more confident of a hassle-free purchase,' said Suzanne Clay, head of European business development at Barclays. Speculating on reasons for the surge in interest in overseas property, Ms Clay said: 'Many people buying a second home overseas are likely to use it for holiday purposes, but are not averse to letting the property out to help with mortgage repayments.' 'They might also be looking at it as a place to retire to,' she added. 'To others, this may be a significant step towards moving overseas permanently.'"
I'm thinking about it in terms of property attitudes, demographics, regionalisation, travel and climate, attitudes to other nationalities, likely increase in need for clergy abroad for expat communities ....
Guardian Unlimited Money | Property | Number of Brits with overseas homes 'to double': social_trends, culture, UK, property, lifestyle