Record variety of Americans transferring to UK following Donald Trump’s re-election
Applications for British citizenship by US residents reached a record of 9,300 last year, figures show. Experts say it’s not just because of Trump but due to lower rents too
Donald Trump(Image: Getty Images)
A record number of US citizens are emigrating to Britain – with huge numbers choosing to live in Scotland. Experts reckon it’s not only because of US President Donald Trump but also because of lower rents.
Applications for British citizenship by US residents reached a record of 9,300 last year, more than double the equivalent figure for 2022 when Joe Biden was in the White House. A new study has found there has been a 63% rise in the number of Americans renting properties in Scotland since the Orange Manbaby was re-elected, compared to 29% for London.
American comedian Beth Knight, 41, swapped Oklahoma for the UK and settled in Glasgow after finding London rents too expensive and raved about her adopted home.
The US President(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
She gushed: “Glasgow is a really creative, welcoming and liberal place. I had no idea it was such an arty city. I love that I don’t have to own a car and can take trains everywhere.
“I really appreciate the NHS, the social security safety net and the way that Scotland takes care of people. There are more rights for women here than there are in America currently. The weather is quite mild all year round, plus you guys are really funny and not very religious.”
Research carried out by the property technology firm Goodlord revealed Americans renting properties in Scotland have jumped from 265 to 431 since Trump was re-elected in November 2024.
They analysed more than 300,000 tenancy agreements signed in the past two years and compared them to 2023 and 2024, when the Democrats were in power.
It found the average age of US renters moving to Scotland is 27, pointing towards young professionals being the keenest to move there, with Edinburgh and Glasgow the most popular destinations.
Goodlord’s chief executive officer William Reeve said: “These figures give further weight to claims that volatility in US politics is driving many Americans to seek a new home in the UK.”
Record numbers of US citizens are leaving for Britain, figures suggest(Image: Getty Images)
Cheaper rents have also been a huge draw – the Goodlord study found that the average monthly rent paid by US citizens living in Scotland is £1,711, compared to £3,756 in Manhattan and £3,345 in San Francisco.
Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West Christine Jardine said: “I have been inundated with messages from those in America who no longer wished to live under a Trump presidency.
“Why not offer sanctuary to those who want to flee, if they can make our country a better, more prosperous place for our people in the process?”
