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🇺🇸 The Americans Are Coming: Top 10 Locations They Want to Live in the UK

The 99 TL;DR: Americans are browsing UK homes in record numbers, with Scotland now more popular than London. Political tension, gun violence, and healthcare costs at home are part of the push; affordability and lifestyle here are part of the pull.

US interest in UK property has surged to its highest level in eight years, with Scotland now overtaking London as the top destination. Here's what's driving this trend.

Why are more Americans interested in the UK right now? 🤔

A combination of push and pull factors:

• Political outlook: As of December 2024, only 34% of Americans expressed satisfaction with the way democracy is working in the U.S.—a signal of ongoing unease that may be influencing some to explore overseas alternatives.

• Gun violence concerns: In May 2024, 49% of Americans viewed gun violence as a major problem, down from 60% in June 2023 but still significant. Additionally, in June 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis.

• Healthcare considerations: While the NHS offers free healthcare to residents, Americans on visas usually pay a yearly surcharge (around £776–£1,035). Even with this fee, access to the NHS is significantly cheaper than typical U.S. healthcare costs

On the pull side:

• Lifestyle and culture: The UK offers a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and proximity to Europe.

• Investment stability: The UK is perceived as a stable place to invest in property amidst global economic uncertainties.

How many Americans are actually moving to the UK? 🔢

While specific numbers for U.S. citizens aren't detailed, the UK's Office for National Statistics reported that in the year ending June 2024, non-EU nationals (which includes U.S. citizens) accounted for 1 million of the 1.2 million long-term immigrants to the UK.

What kinds of homes are they looking for? 🏡

According to Rightmove, 47% of U.S. enquiries are for smaller homes with 0–2 bedrooms, suggesting interest in second homes, rental properties, or pied-à-terres. Another 32% are looking at classic 3–4 bedroom family homes.

Which UK areas are they most interested in? 🤔

Here are the most popular buyer destinations for Americans in 2025, compared with the long-term average:

Scotland now tops the list, likely due to its relative affordability and scenic landscapes. Edinburgh has overtaken Westminster as the #1 destination, with Glasgow and rural areas like the Highlands and Argyll and Bute also gaining popularity.

Is this just a trend, or something more serious? 🏘️

While some Americans are exploring investment or second home opportunities, others are seriously considering relocating. The increase in U.S. enquiries suggests a growing interest in the UK as a place to live, work, or invest.

🇬🇧 Richard Branson isn't leaving wealth to his kids. Here's what he's doing instead

The 99 TL;DR Richard Branson isn’t leaving his billions to his children. Instead, he plans to put most of his £2.4 billion fortune towards solving global problems through his charity, Virgin Unite. With inheritance tax at 40%, he could otherwise be facing a £100+ million tax bill.

Why is Branson choosing not to leave his wealth to his children? 🤔

Branson believes that wealth should be used to address global issues rather than being passed down through generations.

What is Virgin Unite? ❤️

Virgin Unite is Branson's non-profit foundation focused on tackling global challenges such as climate change, drug policy reform, and species conservation. The organisation supports initiatives like the Global Commission on Drug Policy and the Planetary Guardians.

Is he doing the right thing or does it just make financial sense? 🤔

Leaving the money to Virgin Unite helps Branson align his wealth with his values, but it also makes financial sense. Donations to registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax, allowing him to avoid a £100m+ tax bill. It also lets him retain control of how the money is spent during his lifetime, and leave a lasting legacy on his terms.

How much inheritance tax would he pay in the UK? 💰

In the UK, inheritance tax (IHT) is levied at 40% on estates exceeding £325,000 (the 'nil-rate band'). An additional £175,000 'residence nil-rate band' can apply if a main home is passed to direct descendants. For couples, these thresholds can be combined to allow up to £1 million tax-free.

However, the residence nil-rate band is tapered for estates above £2 million and eliminated entirely at £2.35 million, meaning Branson’s entire estate would likely be taxed at 40%.

While his estate could theoretically face a £960 million bill, Branson will have used trusts or business reliefs to reduce the amount subject to tax.

What are the implications of Branson's decision? 🤔

Branson’s choice reflects a broader trend of wealthy individuals prioritising philanthropy over generational wealth. It also highlights how strategic estate planning, especially in light of changing tax laws, can shape both financial legacies and social impact.

 🇪🇺 Eurovision 2025: The Price of Pop 🪩

The 99 TL;DR: Eurovision is more than a song contest, it’s an extremely costly enterprise. From party spending to host city economics, let’s look at the numbers.

How much are fans spending? 💷

According to a survey by TopCashback, UK fans planning to host or attend Eurovision parties in 2025 expect to spend an average of £76, up from £73 in 2024. Food tops the list of expenses (56%), followed by alcoholic drinks (38%), soft drinks (37%), and fancy dress or outfits (17%). Notably, 21% of viewers plan to spend nothing, an increase from 12% in 2024.

What's the economic impact on host cities? 🤔

Basel, Switzerland (2025): The city anticipates approximately CHF 60 million (about $67 million) in economic benefits from hosting Eurovision. The local government approved a CHF 35 million ($41.2 million) budget for hosting the contest, covering expenses such as infrastructure, security, and medical services.

Malmö, Sweden (2024): The city invested €2.5 million in hosting Eurovision 2024. The contest generated a total tourism-related economic turnover of 445 million SEK (approximately €38.5 million). 

Liverpool, UK (2023): Eurovision 2023 is projected to have resulted in a net additional one-off Gross Value Added (GVA) impact of £23.5 million in Liverpool, £24.4 million in the Liverpool City Region, and £29.4 million in the North West.

Do winners receive a prize? 🏆

While Eurovision winners don't receive a cash prize, the benefits are substantial. Winners gain significant exposure, often leading to increased record sales and international recognition. Additionally, the winning country earns the right to host the next contest, which can bring economic benefits despite the associated costs.

Sources/Read More:

🇺🇸 The Americans Are Coming: Top 10 Locations They Want to Live in the UK

• Gallup, 2024 – Satisfaction With U.S. Democracy Remains Low

• Pew Research, 2024 – Key Facts About Americans and Guns

• Giffords, 2024 – Gun Violence Declared a Public Health Crisis by U.S. Surgeon General

• NHS UK – How to Access NHS Services in England if You're Visiting from Abroad

• ONS, 2024 – Long-Term International Migration, Provisional: Year Ending June 2024

• Rightmove, 2025 – Press Release on US Buyers in UK Property Market

🇬🇧 Richard Branson isn't leaving wealth to his kids - here's what he's doing instead

• The Standard – Richard Branson: Why I Won’t Leave My Billions to My Children

• GOV.UK – Inheritance Tax

• KPMG – Inheritance Tax Changes from April 2025

• MoneySavingExpert – IHT Planning

• HomeOwners Alliance – IHT on Property

🇪🇺 Eurovision 2025: The Price of Pop

• TopCashback Survey on Eurovision Spending

• SSBM Geneva – Economic Impact of Eurovision 2025 in Basel

• Eurovision.tv – Malmö's Hosting of Eurovision Evaluated as a Big Success Amion Consulting+10Eurovision+10Wikipedia+10

• Amion Consulting – Eurovision 2023 Impact on Liverpool City Region Economy ACC Liverpool+6Amion Consulting+6Amion Consulting+6