More Brits plan on buying properties abroad with Spain topping the list as the most popular location, new research claims.

Around five per cent of people questioned by Barclays already have a second home abroad whilst a further five per cent said they would "definitely" make the move in the future, bringing the total to 4.4 million.

A further third of people said they were "considering a purchase aboard".

Suzanne Clay, head of European business development at Barclays, said: "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."

But some prospective property owners are worried about being caught out by local regulations or tax issues while 17 per cent voiced concerns about security.

Around one in six also felt they would encounter problems with getting to grips with another language and culture.

Spain remains the firm favourite with Brits looking to decamp overseas but the USA and France were also popular choices.

But some potential property buyers are now looking further a field to more exotic locations including Dubai and Morocco.