Why more Americans are making the move to the UK

There is a subtle but growing shift in the international property market, one that has brought a noticeable uptick in inquiries to us from across the Atlantic. Increasingly, Americans are looking to relocate to the UK, and for many, this move is not just about a change of scenery.

It is about stability, quality of life, and although this is a trend I have been seeing for quite some time, in some cases, there is now certainly a firm desire to take a different path from the political direction back home.

The general feeling I’m hearing from my American clients is that they are uneasy about the prospect of another Trump administration. For some, it has been a dealbreaker. Many see the UK, despite its own political idiosyncrasies, as a “safe” and familiar option. However, these are not simply relocations out of fear.  Most of my clients already have ties to Britain, whether through family, marriage, or time spent here in the past. For them, the UK feels like a natural fit.

A major factor drawing them across the pond is education. Several families I work with are returning to the UK specifically to give their children access to British schools. It is not just the curriculum they value, but the ethos and structure of the system, which they often see as more balanced and less politicised than schooling in the States.

Without exception, my American clients are enrolling their children in independent schools. One family who just completed on a home last month has chosen Westonbirt for their daughter. Another family, set to buy this summer, has already secured places at the Dragon School in Oxford.  Education is not just a checkbox for these families, it is a cornerstone of the move, and often the reason they are choosing specific locations to live.

While London remains an international magnet, I’m seeing more Americans opt for a different lifestyle, one rooted in the English countryside, but still well-connected. The Cotswolds, North Wiltshire, and Oxfordshire are especially popular. These areas offer the best of both worlds: beautiful landscapes and a slower pace of life, with excellent transport links to London and major airports.

The proximity to top-tier independent schools is a huge draw. Families are basing their home searches around school locations and catchment areas, often making education the anchor point of their relocation strategy.

Relocating internationally is a big decision, and understandably, many clients are opting to rent for a year before purchasing. This gives them the chance to get a feel for local life, schools, and neighbourhoods before making a long-term commitment.  Currently, I’m working with two American families who are renting while they actively search for the right home to buy later this year. They are being thoughtful, intentional, and in no rush.  They know what they are looking for, and we are helping to make sure they get it right.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some of my clients are young retirees dipping into consultancy, enjoying the flexibility that allows them to prioritise family and lifestyle. Others are transferring with their companies, often in the finance or tech sectors. With many firms expanding their UK presence or encouraging remote work, the barriers to relocation have never been lower.

This trend may be small, but it is significant. It reflects a global shift in how families think about home, security, and opportunity. For many Americans, the UK, in particular our pocket of it, offers the stability, culture, and community they are seeking.

If you are considering a similar move or would like to learn more about property in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas, my team and I are here to help.