10 March 2014. An estimated 5.5m British people live abroad permanently – almost 1/10 of the UK population. The country’s largest expat community is in Australia: 1.3m Brits live in the land of sun, sea and sand. However, although thousands emigrate to Australia every year in search of a better life, more and more are deciding down under is not for them and returning home. The same trend can be seen in Australians deserting the UK.

A Sweet Dream or a Beautiful Nightmare?

Many of the Britons and Australians who travel to the other side of the world see the move as a realisation of their dreams. Relocating seems to offer a new life in a country that’s far-away but familiar, where the language is the same but the climate couldn’t be more different. Britons are attracted by the active, outdoor lifestyle, the tropical weather and sense of space, while Australians are drawn to Britain’s history, culture and proximity to mainland Europe.

Many end up settling in their new country, but in recent years, for a growing number, it’s not the one way trip they had planned. Despite Australia’s booming economy, more than 7,000 British people returned home for good in 2009-10, the biggest emigration chronicled in recent memory according to statistics from the immigration department. Of the nearly 107,000 Britons who relocated to Australia between 2005 and 2010, more than 30,000 decided to leave. The feeling appears to be mutual, with fewer Australians moving to the UK.

It’s Lonely Living Abroad

The fraught economic situation in the UK provides a simple explanation for why the number of Australians relocating has decreased, but the British reluctance to stay has a less easily discernible cause. Professor Roger Burrows has conducted research into why expat Brits are abandoning a thriving economy in exchange for a country still struggling to recover from a recession. According to him, chief amongst the reasons are simple matters of the heart. Professor Burrows’ research suggests that the people who don’t settle tend to be those who have always lived close to their friends and family in the UK. These returnees have cited missing friends and family, and lacking a real sense of belonging, as the major drivers behind their decision. The most common factor is simply loneliness.

Going Home – It’s Harder than You Might Think

For the Brits flocking to leave Australian shores, there are a few things to consider before making the move back home, experts warn. Decisions should not be rushed. The first consideration for returnees is money. The British economy is a mess. Even for those who plan to get work straight away, a back-up fund is essential. Expats need enough money to cover the costs associated with moving, and to save them from worrying about paying the rent or the bills for the first few months. Returnees should get estimates from shipping companies, and decide on a shipping method to suit their needs, timeframe and budget.

A further key consideration is housing. A trip home is recommended before committing to a full move, to sort out practicalities such as living arrangements and schools. Whilst in England, potential returnees should rent or borrow a car to look at properties. To save valuable money which can be put towards returning home, they should consider companies like Sky Insurance Services, who offer low-cost, temporary insurance. Depending on the family’s composition, they may also need to devote some time to searching for schools with available places or suitable universities.

For many Brits, Australia is a dream holiday destination, promising sun, sea and sand, an outdoor lifestyle and an unparalleled sense of space. But perfect holiday destinations don’t always make perfect homes. It might be one of the most beautiful, thriving countries on earth, but scorching temperatures simply cannot cure loneliness.