As many as 211,000 households now own a second property outside of the UK, of which 34% are in Spain and 23% in France. Italy and Portugal each accounted for 2% of England?s second home ownership abroad, while 16% owned houses in what was termed ?other European countries?. The US was the most popular non-European location, while 17% own houses in other non-European countries. * Search for premium property abroad The study , carried out for the Department of Communities and Local Government also found that the number of English people buying a property abroad has risen by more than 60% from 129,000 in 2000/2001 to 211,000 last year. It also says that 60% of these buyers are aged between 45-64, and possibly looking to move abroad for retirement. The problem with tracking home ownership is that sources of data can differ hugely: The Office of National Statistics figures differ greatly from Mintel research which differ again from research for big estate agents like Knight Frank. This Government study is seen as a reliable source of information on the subject. * Search for premium property abroad
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'You could walk round it every day and always notice something new': A private tour of the garden of multiple Chelsea gold medallist John MasseyInspired by his friends Christopher Lloyd and Princess Greta Sturdza, nurseryman and plant breeder John Massey has made a garden in Worcestershire that never ceases to delight, writes Charles Quest-Ritson. Photographs by Clive Nichols
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‘Once upon a time they covered an area the size of Ireland’: The restoration of Britain’s native oyster reefs is shaping future marine projects around the worldJane Wheatley reports on an innovative project to restore Britain’s once plentiful native oyster reefs in Tyne & Wear.
