PEOPLE are quitting England to move to Scotland at near record levels, according to new data.
Net migration out of England to the rest of the UK soared by 53 per cent to 31,393 in the year to June 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In Scotland, net internal migration rose by 11% to 13,900 – a 21-year high and 39% higher than before the pandemic.
Experts have suggested that the increase is due to the impacts of the cost of living crisis and Scotland, largely, being more affordable.
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, told The Telegraph: “We have seen more longer distance moves recently, particularly from people upsizing. They have increasingly sought more affordable areas.”
Cameron Ewer, head of Scotland residential at Savills estate agents, added: “The biggest draw is the value gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK.”
The average home in England costs roughly 54% more than a typical property in Scotland according to the ONS.
Ewer also suggested that free university fees in Scotland are also a contributing factor.
He explained: “If you move to Scotland and your children live here for three years before they apply to a Scottish university then they will not have to pay any tuition fees.”
The increase comes despite the Scottish Government increasing tax on higher earners earlier this year, leading some to suggest it would lead to an exodus.
Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross also took aim at the tax rise at First Minister’s Questions last year – claiming it would lead to Scots leaving for England.
“Why are they coming here, Presiding Officer?” then first minister Humza Yousaf asked in return.
“They’re coming here because when they are here in Scotland they get free university education, they’re coming here because they get free childcare, free school meals, because they get free nursing and personal care. Those are the choices we are making.”
