A judge recently entered an eviction ruling against actor Mickey Rourke who, despite owing nearly $60,000 in unpaid rent at his Beverly Grove home, rejected more than $100,000 raised in a GoFundMe campaign coordinated by his manager to keep him housed.
On Monday, a judge issued a default eviction ruling in favor of Rourke’s landlord, Eric Goldie, for possession of the home and termination of the rental agreement, according to documents in Los Angeles Superior Court. The default ruling means that Rourke failed to take action to defend against the eviction complaint within the time allowed by law.
Rourke, who was a leading man in the 1980s with movies including “Barfly” and “Angel Heart” and was later Oscar-nominated for his role in 2008’s “The Wrestler,” was served a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate the premises on Dec. 18 and failed to comply, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
On Dec. 29, his landlord filed the eviction complaint, alleging that Rourke owed him $59,100 in back rent on the $7,000-a-month rental.
In January, Rourke’s management team set up a GoFundMe to help keep the actor in his home, with his representative Kimberly Hines listed as the benefactor. Hines did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
“Mickey Rourke is an icon — but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one,” read the description for the since-shuttered GoFundMe. “It is the story of someone who gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs. Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
Fans quickly rallied to support the 73-year-old, with around 2,700 donors raising more than $100,000 within three days.
But Rourke refused to accept the money, denouncing the campaign in a Jan. 5 video posted on his Instagram as “humiliating” and stating he would rather shoot himself (in a rather graphic way) than accept charity.
Rourke said he was in a “really bad situation” after new owners purchased the home he had been renting for years and would not fix anything. “I said I’m not paying rent, because there’s mice, there’s rats, the floor is rotten, one bathtub there is no water,” he said in the video.
The “Iron Man 2” villain said he didn’t know who started the GoFundMe but assured fans he would speak to his lawyer and get to the bottom of it. He repeatedly urged anyone who donated to get their money back.
Hines, his manager of nine years, previously told the Hollywood Reporter that it was not true that he did not know who started the fundraiser, noting that she and her assistant ran the idea past Rourke’s assistant and everyone agreed it would be helpful.
“Nobody’s trying to grift Mickey. I want him working. I don’t want him doing a GoFundMe,” Hines told THR in January. She said she had arranged to move him out of the unit and into an apartment in Koreatown, noting that the Beverly Grove home had severe water damage and black mold.
An attorney for the landlord did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment Tuesday.
Times staff writer Christie D’Zurilla contributed to this report.
DREAMING of swapping British grey skies for year-round sunshine?
Good news: moving abroad to a place by the beach may be easier than you’d think, plus you can even save hundreds of pounds on rent every month and cut the cost of food, beer, and tax.
Polly made the move to Barbados after the pandemic wiped out her travel business back in the UKCredit: Supplied
From European coastal cities to Caribbean islands, these expat hotspots provide year-round sun, and your money can stretch much further.
Here’s our pick of sunshine spots with affordable rent, cheap drinks and laid-back lifestyles – plus how to actually go about moving there in 2026.
Portugal
With 300 days of sun a year, world-class cuisine and a laid-back vibe – why would you not want to move to Portugal?
It turns out many Brits have been asking themselves this question. In fact, the country is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats.
And it’s no surprise this European hotspot is becoming so popular to relocate to, with plenty of postcard-perfect towns to explore and an extensive, stunning coastline.
From the cobbled streets and grand cathedral of Faro Old Town, to kayaking through Benagil Cave, there’s plenty to explore here that feels worlds away from the UK grind.
The Algarve has long been a popular choice for Brits to settle down in, with its golden coves, affordable bars and a sizeable expat community.
And with around 3000 hours of sun a year, and beaches like Praia da Marinha on your doorstep, the southernmost tip of Portugal is pretty hard to beat.
Plus, one of the best parts about this region is its affordability.
A bottle of local beer will only cost you €0.95 (83p), and a meal at a restaurant averages just €13.68 (£11.97) according to data from Wise.
Those looking for a younger crowd and a trendy feel can opt for the country’s capital, Lisbon.
Hop on the vintage yellow tram and spend your days stopping off at magnificent castles, strolling the city’s lively, narrow streets and finding treasures at flea markets.
In the evenings, the capital glows orange with dramatic sunsets. These views are best enjoyed outdoors at a tapas bar, with a glass of local wine and some affordable petiscos (small plates) to snack on.
Expat Lauren Clark relocated from busy London to laid-back Lisbon, and reflected on just how much cheaper her day-to-day has been.
And rent in this region is inexpensive, too. We found charming, traditional apartments from just €400 (£350) per month on the “Rightmove of Portugal” site, Idealista.
Expat Lauren relocated from busy London to laid-back LisbonCredit: SuppliedPraia da Marinha in the Algarve could become your local beachCredit: GettyLisbon’s pretty pastel streets are best explored by its eléctricos, or tramsCredit: Alamy
“I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home.
“At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.
“A ride on a regional train service – such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais – will set you back only a couple of euros.
“Meanwhile, the monthly ‘Navegante’ travel pass gives you unlimited use of publictransport– including the famous trams – in the capital area for less than £30 per month”.
Barbados
Ever wished you could ditch the work desk to sip from coconuts on the white sandy beach of a tropical island?
It’s safe to say that the views working from Barbados beat those of back home.
Plus, relocating to Barbados may be easier than you think – especially if you already work remotely.
With the Welcome Stamp visa, you can spend a year on the island as a non-national working remotely for businesses based elsewhere in the world.
Mullins Beach in Western Barbados is known for green sea and leatherback turtle-spottingCredit: Getty
You must receive an income of at least £36,000 per year to receive this renewable visa, plus individuals must make an initial payment of £1,500.
But once you’ve bagged your Welcome Stamp, you can enjoy your lunch breaks on the beach and spend weekends exploring the island.
Some of the very best beaches include the lively Mullins Beach, as well as Paynes Bay, popular among sun-seekers and green sea turtles alike.
Top-quality rum cocktails can be found at beach bars dotted around the island, whilst local Bajan food can be enjoyed at affordable spots like Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown.
And with a beer averaging BDS $5 (£1.83) and the average meal costing you BDS $40 (£14.67), you can laze on the sands without stressing about spending too much money.
“Once you know where to go, you can get a fish cutter sandwich for around 18 Barbadian dollars” (£7) says expat Polly Gould.
Post-work drinks could look like rum cocktails on the beach in BarbadosCredit: AlamyPolly Gould says she feels ‘extremely blessed’ every day to live on the island of BarbadosCredit: Supplied
“In the evening, you can pop to Oistins (Barbados’ smallest town known for its Friday night Fish Fry) for fish, salad and sides for $35 BDS (£12.87).”
“The island is small and easy to get around, and people are really friendly and welcoming,” agrees fellow expat Nicola.
“The weather is a constant 30°C or thereabouts all year round, the white sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine seas are stunning, and it’s still possible to get off the beaten track, which we love.”
We found apartments overlooking the sea of Silver Sands beach from £684 a month on rental site Terra Caribbean.
Cyprus
Cyprus sees hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild winters reaching 14°C, making it a year-round winner for sun seekers.
Top beaches include the turquoise crescent of Coral Bay frequented by families, as well as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which is popular among party-goers.
Pair this with beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of historical sites to explore, and you won’t be short of things to do in this slice of Mediterranean paradise.
“In the summer it’s a hive of activity – boat trips along the coastline, buggy and jeep safaris in the Akamas, amazing fresh food in the family-owned restaurants” says expat Anna Warburton.
“In the winter it’s a select group of locals and expats – it’s like living in a real life soap, like Emmerdale but much warmer and with less murder.”
Areas such as Paphos are popular for brilliant beaches and great value for money when it comes to property, whilst Limassol has lots of job opportunities and a luxury-feel marina.
The Blue Lagoon of the Akamas Peninsula is reachable by boat from Latchi Harbor in PaphosCredit: GettyBrit expat Anna Warburton swapped life in the UK for the holiday hotspot – where she enjoys year-round sunshine with her cat RichardCredit: Supplied
Plus, apart from the change in surroundings and warmer temperatures, a move here won’t feel like too much of a change.
Cyprus uses the same plug socket style as the UK, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
In fact the country has lots of familiar favourites from the UK, including M&S supermarkets and even a Wagamamas restaurant. So you won’t be missing your home comforts!
In fact, Brits enjoy Cyprus so much that they make up the second-largest population of non-national residents after Greek expats.
According to Wise, the average restaurant meal costs just €15.00 (£13.12) whilst a bottle of local beer will set you back just €3.00 (£2.60).
Plus you can find apartments to rent from as little as €390 (£341) per month on popular Cyprus marketplace site Bazaraki.
Australia
You may have seen old friends and colleagues cropping up all over Australia on your Instagram feed recently, and there’s a reason everyone seems to be flocking out there.
The ‘Aussie effect’ is certainly real – and may leave you more relaxed, upbeat and with more sun-kissed skin than ever before.
It’s no surprise that days spent surfing, sunbathing and exercising can leave you looking and feeling more youthful.
And with influencers and celebs like Love Island star Patsy Field ditching the UK for a life down under, it seems a lot of Brits have followed suit.
Sunny Perth has the highest population of English residents in Australia, with almost one in ten Perth residents being born in England.
Nearly one in ten Perth residents were born in EnglandCredit: GettyA post-work surf session isn’t a rare occurence in sunny SydneyCredit: Getty
Perth blends sugar-white beaches such as Cottesloe with street art and sculptures, giving the city a relaxed and artsy feel. Plus, trips to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas are an adorable perk of being based here.
Sydney is another popular choice. Here you can enjoy an equally exciting and healthy lifestyle in a major city where the beach is your backyard.
5am run clubs rule the mornings, whilst post-work routines can look like a dip in the Bondi Icebergs before debriefing the day with your mates on the beach. Is there any better way to fast-track that sun-kissed glow?
The trendy bars of Melbourne, the South Bank of Brisbane, the burnt orange sunsets of the Gold Coast – the options are endless in this vast and varied country.
Expat Lewy (lewyp23 on TikTok) and his partner moved to Adelaide in South Australia, and has since raved about his relocation.
Lewy described leaving the UK to escape “miserableweatherand negative people”, and now enjoys sunny weather, a cheaper cost of living and a salary increase since relocating.
“It’s highly likely that we will never live in the UK again because it cannot offer us the life we’ve got now”, he said in one TikTok video.
There are multiple visa options when it comes to relocating to Australia, including a Work-stream permanent visa if you manage to land sponsored employment.
And with the Skills in Demand visa having launched in December of 2025, it has now become even easier for skilled workers to make the move.
If your profession makes the list of skilled occupation shortages, you may be able to land this four-year visa. Occupation shortages include midwives, electricians and headteachers.
We’ve found studio apartments to rent in Perth from as little as £460 per month on Australian rental site realestate.com.au.
Spain
Spain remains a solid choice for Brits relocating abroad for a spot of sun and an inexpensive lifestyle.
As the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, there’s no shortage of stunning shores to pick from if you want to live by the beach.
Benidorm‘s Playa de Levante has an unbeatable upbeat atmosphere, whilst the scenic Playa de la Caleta in Cádiz sits between two castles.
La Caleta in Cadiz is sandwiched between two impressive castlesCredit: GettyRelax in Spain at tapas bars, where great beers and wines can cost less than €3 (£2.60)Credit: Getty
But Spain’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches. The country offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food, and a strong expat community – all whilst being just a short flight from the UK.
Whether you’re after a relaxed retirement or a vibrant city scene, there’s a corner of Spain to suit every type of expat.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular areas, with destinations like Marbella, Estepona and Nerja offering sunshine for more than 300 days a year.
Think palm-lined promenades, bustling tapas bars and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new friends and fellow expats.
Costa Blanca is another solid choice thanks to its affordable lifestyle and charming seaside towns.
Places like Alicante and Torrevieja blend a beachy lifestyle with modern amenities, with many drawn to the relaxed pace and easy access to shops and transport links.
For those looking for city life, Barcelona and Madrid offer a completely different side of Spain.
Barcelona is buzzing with bold architecture, busy markets and a thriving cafe culture, whilst Madrid boasts elegant boulevards and classy late-night dining.
Food and drink across Spain is often far more affordable than in the UK.
Bright and colourful houses line up along the beach in the old town of Vila Joiosa, AlicanteCredit: GettyRelocating somewhere sunny doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult with these picksCredit: Getty
A glass of local wine at the neighbourhood bar is part of the daily rhythm rather than a special occasion, and costs between €2 – €5 (£1.75 – £4.40) on average.
And with a local beer averaging at €3 (£2.60) and a cappuccino costing just €1.90 (£1.66), there’s no need to worry about spending too much whilst you’re out socialising.
“On average, most retirees can live comfortably on around €30,490 (£26,500) per year, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and leisure” says Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International.
“Those opting for coastal or rural areas typically find their money goes further than in major cities.
“Almería, Granada, Murcia, Lugo, and Torrevieja are some of the cheapest places to retire in Spain”.
Idealista is a popular site for properties to rent in Spain, and we’ve found apartments listed for as little as £447 per month in Costa Brava.
Shane Hollander’s (Hudson Williams) cottage, featured in the season finale of the HBO Max hit “Heated Rivalry,” will be available to rent starting March 3 at 9 a.m. Pacific, according to a statement by Airbnb. The Lake Muskoka listing can be booked for $248.10 CAD (about $180 U.S.) per night, an homage to Shane and Ilya’s (Connor Storrie) jersey numbers, 24 and 81.
The Barlochan cottage will host four early access bookings from May 8-10, May 16-18, May 22-24 and May 29-31, before opening for regular bookings, with the property listed exclusively on Airbnb.
“Every great story deserves the perfect setting. Airbnb is inviting guests to Barlochan cottage — which has captivated screens big and small this winter — allowing fans to book and experience the private haven in real life on the shores of Lake Muskoka,” Airbnb wrote.
In “Heated Rivalry,” Shane and Ilya escape to the cottage during their off-season for a private, romantic getaway as the couple hides its relationship from the public. Ilya agrees to attend after being inspired by a fellow hockey player, Scott (François Arnaud), who publicly came out after winning the hockey championship in Episode 5. As Scott kisses his partner on live television, Ilya calls Shane to tell him he’ll come to the cottage.
“That’s then part of the structure of giving 5 that big rom-com movie star ending to [Arnaud], so that I can have a quiet ending with Shane and Ilya,” series creator Jacob Tierney told Entertainment Weekly in December.
At the cottage, Shane and Ilya confess their love for one another, swim in the lake and watch the Lake Muskoka sunsets. According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in the Season 1 finale of “Heated Rivalry.”
(Sabrina Lantos / HBO)
Airbnb also noted that “travelers have been eager to embark on their own private cottage getaway,” with a 40% increase in property searches in Muskoka since the finale aired in late December.
“Heated Rivalry” became a cultural phenomenon this winter despite the project’s small budget. The show, based on the “Game Changers” book series by Rachel Reid, was produced by Bell Media’s Crave in Canada. After the show was licensed by HBO Max, fans flocked to the series, with an average of 10.6 million viewers per episode in the U.S., according to Warner Bros. Discovery.
So while “Heated Rivalry” fans wait for the second season — set to premiere in spring 2027 — they’ll now be able to take their own trip to the cottage.
Mickey Rourke evicted over $60,000 in unpaid rent after turning down $100,000 in donations
A judge recently entered an eviction ruling against actor Mickey Rourke who, despite owing nearly $60,000 in unpaid rent at his Beverly Grove home, rejected more than $100,000 raised in a GoFundMe campaign coordinated by his manager to keep him housed.
On Monday, a judge issued a default eviction ruling in favor of Rourke’s landlord, Eric Goldie, for possession of the home and termination of the rental agreement, according to documents in Los Angeles Superior Court. The default ruling means that Rourke failed to take action to defend against the eviction complaint within the time allowed by law.
Rourke, who was a leading man in the 1980s with movies including “Barfly” and “Angel Heart” and was later Oscar-nominated for his role in 2008’s “The Wrestler,” was served a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate the premises on Dec. 18 and failed to comply, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
On Dec. 29, his landlord filed the eviction complaint, alleging that Rourke owed him $59,100 in back rent on the $7,000-a-month rental.
In January, Rourke’s management team set up a GoFundMe to help keep the actor in his home, with his representative Kimberly Hines listed as the benefactor. Hines did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
“Mickey Rourke is an icon — but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one,” read the description for the since-shuttered GoFundMe. “It is the story of someone who gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs. Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
Fans quickly rallied to support the 73-year-old, with around 2,700 donors raising more than $100,000 within three days.
But Rourke refused to accept the money, denouncing the campaign in a Jan. 5 video posted on his Instagram as “humiliating” and stating he would rather shoot himself (in a rather graphic way) than accept charity.
Rourke said he was in a “really bad situation” after new owners purchased the home he had been renting for years and would not fix anything. “I said I’m not paying rent, because there’s mice, there’s rats, the floor is rotten, one bathtub there is no water,” he said in the video.
The “Iron Man 2” villain said he didn’t know who started the GoFundMe but assured fans he would speak to his lawyer and get to the bottom of it. He repeatedly urged anyone who donated to get their money back.
Hines, his manager of nine years, previously told the Hollywood Reporter that it was not true that he did not know who started the fundraiser, noting that she and her assistant ran the idea past Rourke’s assistant and everyone agreed it would be helpful.
“Nobody’s trying to grift Mickey. I want him working. I don’t want him doing a GoFundMe,” Hines told THR in January. She said she had arranged to move him out of the unit and into an apartment in Koreatown, noting that the Beverly Grove home had severe water damage and black mold.
An attorney for the landlord did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment Tuesday.
Times staff writer Christie D’Zurilla contributed to this report.
Source link
The incredible countries loved by Brit expats with year-round sun, £341 rent & beers for 83p
DREAMING of swapping British grey skies for year-round sunshine?
Good news: moving abroad to a place by the beach may be easier than you’d think, plus you can even save hundreds of pounds on rent every month and cut the cost of food, beer, and tax.
From European coastal cities to Caribbean islands, these expat hotspots provide year-round sun, and your money can stretch much further.
Here’s our pick of sunshine spots with affordable rent, cheap drinks and laid-back lifestyles – plus how to actually go about moving there in 2026.
Portugal
With 300 days of sun a year, world-class cuisine and a laid-back vibe – why would you not want to move to Portugal?
It turns out many Brits have been asking themselves this question. In fact, the country is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats.
Portugal has recently overtaken Spain in the rankings for most desirable relocation spots for Brits, according to 1st Move International.
And it’s no surprise this European hotspot is becoming so popular to relocate to, with plenty of postcard-perfect towns to explore and an extensive, stunning coastline.
From the cobbled streets and grand cathedral of Faro Old Town, to kayaking through Benagil Cave, there’s plenty to explore here that feels worlds away from the UK grind.
The Algarve has long been a popular choice for Brits to settle down in, with its golden coves, affordable bars and a sizeable expat community.
And with around 3000 hours of sun a year, and beaches like Praia da Marinha on your doorstep, the southernmost tip of Portugal is pretty hard to beat.
Plus, one of the best parts about this region is its affordability.
A bottle of local beer will only cost you €0.95 (83p), and a meal at a restaurant averages just €13.68 (£11.97) according to data from Wise.
Those looking for a younger crowd and a trendy feel can opt for the country’s capital, Lisbon.
Hop on the vintage yellow tram and spend your days stopping off at magnificent castles, strolling the city’s lively, narrow streets and finding treasures at flea markets.
In the evenings, the capital glows orange with dramatic sunsets. These views are best enjoyed outdoors at a tapas bar, with a glass of local wine and some affordable petiscos (small plates) to snack on.
Expat Lauren Clark relocated from busy London to laid-back Lisbon, and reflected on just how much cheaper her day-to-day has been.
And rent in this region is inexpensive, too. We found charming, traditional apartments from just €400 (£350) per month on the “Rightmove of Portugal” site, Idealista.
“I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home.
“At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.
“A ride on a regional train service – such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais – will set you back only a couple of euros.
“Meanwhile, the monthly ‘Navegante’ travel pass gives you unlimited use of public transport – including the famous trams – in the capital area for less than £30 per month”.
Barbados
Ever wished you could ditch the work desk to sip from coconuts on the white sandy beach of a tropical island?
It’s safe to say that the views working from Barbados beat those of back home.
Plus, relocating to Barbados may be easier than you think – especially if you already work remotely.
With the Welcome Stamp visa, you can spend a year on the island as a non-national working remotely for businesses based elsewhere in the world.
You must receive an income of at least £36,000 per year to receive this renewable visa, plus individuals must make an initial payment of £1,500.
But once you’ve bagged your Welcome Stamp, you can enjoy your lunch breaks on the beach and spend weekends exploring the island.
Some of the very best beaches include the lively Mullins Beach, as well as Paynes Bay, popular among sun-seekers and green sea turtles alike.
Top-quality rum cocktails can be found at beach bars dotted around the island, whilst local Bajan food can be enjoyed at affordable spots like Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown.
And with a beer averaging BDS $5 (£1.83) and the average meal costing you BDS $40 (£14.67), you can laze on the sands without stressing about spending too much money.
“Once you know where to go, you can get a fish cutter sandwich for around 18 Barbadian dollars” (£7) says expat Polly Gould.
“In the evening, you can pop to Oistins (Barbados’ smallest town known for its Friday night Fish Fry) for fish, salad and sides for $35 BDS (£12.87).”
“The island is small and easy to get around, and people are really friendly and welcoming,” agrees fellow expat Nicola.
“The weather is a constant 30°C or thereabouts all year round, the white sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine seas are stunning, and it’s still possible to get off the beaten track, which we love.”
Plus, the rent here can be super affordable too, even for beachfront properties.
We found apartments overlooking the sea of Silver Sands beach from £684 a month on rental site Terra Caribbean.
Cyprus
Cyprus sees hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild winters reaching 14°C, making it a year-round winner for sun seekers.
Top beaches include the turquoise crescent of Coral Bay frequented by families, as well as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which is popular among party-goers.
Pair this with beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of historical sites to explore, and you won’t be short of things to do in this slice of Mediterranean paradise.
“In the summer it’s a hive of activity – boat trips along the coastline, buggy and jeep safaris in the Akamas, amazing fresh food in the family-owned restaurants” says expat Anna Warburton.
“In the winter it’s a select group of locals and expats – it’s like living in a real life soap, like Emmerdale but much warmer and with less murder.”
Areas such as Paphos are popular for brilliant beaches and great value for money when it comes to property, whilst Limassol has lots of job opportunities and a luxury-feel marina.
Plus, apart from the change in surroundings and warmer temperatures, a move here won’t feel like too much of a change.
Cyprus uses the same plug socket style as the UK, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
In fact the country has lots of familiar favourites from the UK, including M&S supermarkets and even a Wagamamas restaurant. So you won’t be missing your home comforts!
In fact, Brits enjoy Cyprus so much that they make up the second-largest population of non-national residents after Greek expats.
According to Wise, the average restaurant meal costs just €15.00 (£13.12) whilst a bottle of local beer will set you back just €3.00 (£2.60).
Plus you can find apartments to rent from as little as €390 (£341) per month on popular Cyprus marketplace site Bazaraki.
Australia
You may have seen old friends and colleagues cropping up all over Australia on your Instagram feed recently, and there’s a reason everyone seems to be flocking out there.
The ‘Aussie effect’ is certainly real – and may leave you more relaxed, upbeat and with more sun-kissed skin than ever before.
It’s no surprise that days spent surfing, sunbathing and exercising can leave you looking and feeling more youthful.
And with influencers and celebs like Love Island star Patsy Field ditching the UK for a life down under, it seems a lot of Brits have followed suit.
Sunny Perth has the highest population of English residents in Australia, with almost one in ten Perth residents being born in England.
Perth blends sugar-white beaches such as Cottesloe with street art and sculptures, giving the city a relaxed and artsy feel. Plus, trips to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas are an adorable perk of being based here.
Sydney is another popular choice. Here you can enjoy an equally exciting and healthy lifestyle in a major city where the beach is your backyard.
5am run clubs rule the mornings, whilst post-work routines can look like a dip in the Bondi Icebergs before debriefing the day with your mates on the beach. Is there any better way to fast-track that sun-kissed glow?
The trendy bars of Melbourne, the South Bank of Brisbane, the burnt orange sunsets of the Gold Coast – the options are endless in this vast and varied country.
Expat Lewy (lewyp23 on TikTok) and his partner moved to Adelaide in South Australia, and has since raved about his relocation.
Lewy described leaving the UK to escape “miserable weather and negative people”, and now enjoys sunny weather, a cheaper cost of living and a salary increase since relocating.
“It’s highly likely that we will never live in the UK again because it cannot offer us the life we’ve got now”, he said in one TikTok video.
There are multiple visa options when it comes to relocating to Australia, including a Work-stream permanent visa if you manage to land sponsored employment.
And with the Skills in Demand visa having launched in December of 2025, it has now become even easier for skilled workers to make the move.
If your profession makes the list of skilled occupation shortages, you may be able to land this four-year visa. Occupation shortages include midwives, electricians and headteachers.
We’ve found studio apartments to rent in Perth from as little as £460 per month on Australian rental site realestate.com.au.
Spain
Spain remains a solid choice for Brits relocating abroad for a spot of sun and an inexpensive lifestyle.
As the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, there’s no shortage of stunning shores to pick from if you want to live by the beach.
Benidorm‘s Playa de Levante has an unbeatable upbeat atmosphere, whilst the scenic Playa de la Caleta in Cádiz sits between two castles.
But Spain’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches. The country offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food, and a strong expat community – all whilst being just a short flight from the UK.
Whether you’re after a relaxed retirement or a vibrant city scene, there’s a corner of Spain to suit every type of expat.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular areas, with destinations like Marbella, Estepona and Nerja offering sunshine for more than 300 days a year.
Think palm-lined promenades, bustling tapas bars and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new friends and fellow expats.
Costa Blanca is another solid choice thanks to its affordable lifestyle and charming seaside towns.
Places like Alicante and Torrevieja blend a beachy lifestyle with modern amenities, with many drawn to the relaxed pace and easy access to shops and transport links.
For those looking for city life, Barcelona and Madrid offer a completely different side of Spain.
Barcelona is buzzing with bold architecture, busy markets and a thriving cafe culture, whilst Madrid boasts elegant boulevards and classy late-night dining.
Food and drink across Spain is often far more affordable than in the UK.
A glass of local wine at the neighbourhood bar is part of the daily rhythm rather than a special occasion, and costs between €2 – €5 (£1.75 – £4.40) on average.
And with a local beer averaging at €3 (£2.60) and a cappuccino costing just €1.90 (£1.66), there’s no need to worry about spending too much whilst you’re out socialising.
“On average, most retirees can live comfortably on around €30,490 (£26,500) per year, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and leisure” says Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International.
“Those opting for coastal or rural areas typically find their money goes further than in major cities.
“Almería, Granada, Murcia, Lugo, and Torrevieja are some of the cheapest places to retire in Spain”.
Idealista is a popular site for properties to rent in Spain, and we’ve found apartments listed for as little as £447 per month in Costa Brava.
Source link
‘Heated Rivalry’ cottage available to rent on Airbnb
Now everyone can go to the cottage.
Shane Hollander’s (Hudson Williams) cottage, featured in the season finale of the HBO Max hit “Heated Rivalry,” will be available to rent starting March 3 at 9 a.m. Pacific, according to a statement by Airbnb. The Lake Muskoka listing can be booked for $248.10 CAD (about $180 U.S.) per night, an homage to Shane and Ilya’s (Connor Storrie) jersey numbers, 24 and 81.
The Barlochan cottage will host four early access bookings from May 8-10, May 16-18, May 22-24 and May 29-31, before opening for regular bookings, with the property listed exclusively on Airbnb.
“Every great story deserves the perfect setting. Airbnb is inviting guests to Barlochan cottage — which has captivated screens big and small this winter — allowing fans to book and experience the private haven in real life on the shores of Lake Muskoka,” Airbnb wrote.
In “Heated Rivalry,” Shane and Ilya escape to the cottage during their off-season for a private, romantic getaway as the couple hides its relationship from the public. Ilya agrees to attend after being inspired by a fellow hockey player, Scott (François Arnaud), who publicly came out after winning the hockey championship in Episode 5. As Scott kisses his partner on live television, Ilya calls Shane to tell him he’ll come to the cottage.
“That’s then part of the structure of giving 5 that big rom-com movie star ending to [Arnaud], so that I can have a quiet ending with Shane and Ilya,” series creator Jacob Tierney told Entertainment Weekly in December.
At the cottage, Shane and Ilya confess their love for one another, swim in the lake and watch the Lake Muskoka sunsets. According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in the Season 1 finale of “Heated Rivalry.”
(Sabrina Lantos / HBO)
Airbnb also noted that “travelers have been eager to embark on their own private cottage getaway,” with a 40% increase in property searches in Muskoka since the finale aired in late December.
“Heated Rivalry” became a cultural phenomenon this winter despite the project’s small budget. The show, based on the “Game Changers” book series by Rachel Reid, was produced by Bell Media’s Crave in Canada. After the show was licensed by HBO Max, fans flocked to the series, with an average of 10.6 million viewers per episode in the U.S., according to Warner Bros. Discovery.
So while “Heated Rivalry” fans wait for the second season — set to premiere in spring 2027 — they’ll now be able to take their own trip to the cottage.
Source link