Driven largely by the bad weather at home, the number of Brits looking to buy a property abroad has doubled over the last year, according to Barclays.

Research carried out by the bank found that, while rising crime rates, unaffordable property prices and a poor work-life balance were all cited as factors by people thinking of relocating overseas, the British weather was the biggest driver.

The findings come after the UK experienced the wettest early summer since records began more than 240 years ago, with 387.6mm of rain falling on the country during this period.

In comparison, Spain recorded just 436mm over the whole of 2006 while Dubai had less than 65mm in 2006.

"Brits are familiar with the idea that we only have two seasons: the winter and July," said Richard Exton, director of Barclays Buying Abroad.

"It seems that this year, with the terrible weather we have experienced in July and throughout the summer many people are not prepared to sit through a year-long winter and are looking for a getaway to sunnier climates."

According to a recent report from Propertyline, Spain remains the number one choice for Brits buying abroad, easily beating off the competition from France and Italy.