While sometimes one hears of HNW people leaving the UK, in part for tax reasons and the state of the economy, it appears that one group is keen to explore living in the UK for some of the time – US nationals. A white paper from Boodle Hatfield and The Luxury Collective Global Advisory Group considers the fine details.

The Luxury Collective Global Advisory Group and UK law firm Boodle Hatfield have published a white paper examining the evolving landscape of UK immigration for high net worth US citizens seeking to live, invest, or establish long-term roots in the UK.

The document comes at a time when, as heard by WealthBriefing, several US citizens have examined overseas options, fuelled to some extent by domestic politics and a desire to live abroad for a period of time.

The paper – Residence, Real Estate and the Right to Remain: A White Paper on UK Immigration for US Nationals – examines the legal, financial, and lifestyle considerations shaping transatlantic mobility decisions at a time of rising demand.

In 2025 alone, 8,790 US citizens applied for British citizenship, with record-breaking application volumes in the final quarter. Parallel to this trend, US-based enquiries into the UK property market have reached their highest levels in eight years. Such figures to some extent go against a narrative of HNW people leaving the UK because of rising domestic taxes, and the end of the UK’s resident non-domicile system. However, some commentators say that the new residency-based scheme, with a four-year relief period in which foreign income and gains are tax-free, could attract certain groups, such as entrepreneurs. The scheme came into force after changes were enacted by UK finance minister Rachel Reeves,

“From a distance, UK immigration can look like a form or a deadline,” John Eric, director of The Luxury Collective Global Advisory Group, said. “Up close is the framework that determines what kind of life you can actually build here. This paper is about helping high net worth Americans see the full chessboard. How their choice of route, their timing, and their property strategy all intersect. Then they can move forward with clarity, not guesswork.”

“The UK has become an increasingly attractive destination for talent, but the decisions involved go far beyond where to live or work. This report reflects the wider planning that underpins US to UK moves and the associated immigration considerations that come with them,” Zoe Jacob, the head of Boodle Hatfield’s immigration team, said. 

The report reinforces the point that entering the UK, whether motivated by property ownership or visa-free travel, is no longer a casual or purely lifestyle-driven decision. With the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and stricter enforcement at UK borders, even short-term visits can require careful planning. For those considering longer-term residence, the closure of the Tier 1 (Investor) visa has shifted the focus toward strategic consideration of the various contribution-based [schemes] shaping transatlantic mobility decisions at a time of rising demand.

The Luxury Collective Global Advisory, which operates with clients from both sides of the Atlantic, was developed in the US and expanded in the UK; it brings together teams in London, Washington DC, California, and New York. The organization is affiliated with Compass, the US real estate firm.

There is a small, but growing group of advisors who work with Americans seeking an expat option or options, even if only temporarily. For example, in 2025, this news service spoke to Ann Marie Regal, founder of Singapore-based wealth management firm Avrio Wealth. About 60 per cent of Regal’s clients are US taxpayers, with others such as Singaporeans, for example, who live in the US, and those from other nations who might have a US link.