Taking the plunge and deciding where abroad to retire  is not a decision to be taken lightly and can often involves months of consideration and many visits abroad.  In some instances a holiday home is rented long term prior to buying to ensure the country offers exactly what you belive it will.   Shelter Offshore has offered its view on the latest top five destinations.

The top 5 places to retire abroad has been revealed.

France, Turkey and Cyprus all feature, while Belize and New Zealand also made the list, which was based on a criteria including cost and standard of living.

Rated highly for its quality of life and fine cuisine, France tops the list and the expatriate advice website also praised the country’s climate.

The affordability of Turkey is cited as one of the main reasons to retire there, while the stability of the property market is another pull factor.

Both halves of the divided territory of Cyprus are recommended as offering low tax rates on pension income, in addition to “excellent healthcare, and  a high standard of living.”