UK holidaymakers are saving £4 billion a year by taking advantage of friends' and family's free accommodation, according to a Barclays survey.

The research, by Barclays Buying Abroad and YouGov, found that 41% of Brits regularly take a holiday at a flat or house abroad owned by someone they know, with 13% admitting that, to some extent, they stayed friends purely to use the property.

Over half (53%) thank the owners with only a 'thank you' card, a bottle of wine, box of chocolates or some other small token of appreciation.

Only 7% spend the value of what they have saved entirely on gifts and treats for their hosts.

Furthermore, 44% eat some or all of the food they find in the house or flat and 36% drink some or all of the alcohol left there by the owners.

When it comes to leaving, nearly a third (27%) dash to the airport without even washing the sheets.

Richard Exton, head of Barclays Buying Abroad says: "Buying abroad either as a permanent home or a holiday destination is now easier than ever before.

"The market is flourishing and many more Brits are taking the plunge and purchasing – either as a buy-to-let, a permanent home or just somewhere they can holiday with friends and family.

"We are seeing record numbers of enquiries and purchases in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, as Brits are realising the savings that can be made on holidays by purchasing property abroad."

By Bev Fearis