Choosing the right nation is far more significant than looking at which countries are easiest for foreigners to buy property in. Exciting as it may be to invest overseas, serious research is essential before making any purchases. On top of that, not all nations are equal when it comes to accepting international investors; some even provide better costs and a more streamlined purchasing process. Given all this, here are the easiest countries to buy properties in 2025.
Portugal used to be known as a country that welcomed foreign buyers of real estate, mostly due to its citizenship-by-investment scheme. Nevertheless, the criteria were altered by law in 2024, rendering real estate ineligible. Additionally, the Non-Habitual Residency Regime for expats in Portugal has been revised. Regardless, Portugal, particularly the renowned Algarve, provides fantastic lifestyles and welcoming locals to visitors from over the world.
Mexico has opportunities in some areas due to its proximity to the US and its relatively low real estate costs. Many Americans see it as a great direct investment opportunity because to the cheap property costs per square metre, but more and more Europeans are getting interested as well. The Fideicomiso, a bank trust, must be set up if the property is within 50 km of a coast or 100 km of a border; this is the tiresome part. On the other hand, title deeds might be delivered to you within two to four months.
Spain’s attractiveness stems from its pleasant weather, beautiful architecture, and the possibility of rental income. The country’s top-performing tourist industry is a major draw, but prospective buyers should be aware that licence requirements changed in 2024, so they should research well before making a purchase. In addition, the golden visa program, which leads to citizenship in the end, is open to real estate buyers who purchase investment properties worth $500,000 or more. The south of this stunning nation is where most tourists go due to its consistently warmer climate.
If you are looking for a tropical paradise at a reasonable price, Thailand is a great place to invest in real estate. Land cannot be purchased by non-citizens, although houses can be purchased on a leasehold basis for periods of up to 30 years, with the possibility of renewal. Thailand is a fantastic place for expats to settle down because of its low cost of living, but it’s also known for its welcoming culture and fascinating history. Famous tourist spots in Thailand include Pai, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Bangkok.
The three primary requirements for foreign ownership of Costa Rican real estate are the same as those for Costa Rican residents. A SUGEF-registered agent, a legal representative, and an escrow provider. A lawyer can double as a notary if needed. A house survey is required and can take a few weeks to complete. Aside from the probate issue, the procedure is straightforward, and most foreigners choose to purchase in the name of a business. Costa Rica offers a tempting way of life. Image green, verdant jungles, sparkling pools, and skyrocketing home values.
Attractions such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata make this Caribbean island a popular choice. The Dominican Republic excels in the due diligence stage to guarantee a solid investment, and the average prices are excellent compared to other Caribbean countries. Although international loans are more difficult than domestic ones, they are nonetheless available from financial organisations.
Panama City is the main attraction of this Central American country, which has been a magnet for Americans for decades. The city is quickly becoming as well-known as the canal that shares its name, thanks to its enticement to digital nomads and rapid economic development. Citizens of specific nations having strong economic or professional links to Panama are eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Friendly Nations Visa program. Once approved, they will receive a Cédula, the national ID card, and an indefinite work visa.
Spectacular real estate opportunities abound in this European country. Although Santorini is often pictured as an exotic island with whitewashed homes, other Greek towns like Nikiti, Syros, Nafplio Kalamata, and Thessaloniki manage to win over visitors from other countries. People seeking permanent residency often go to the Greek island of Crete. Actually, foreigners are eligible to seek for Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous presence, and the government does permit dual citizenship.
The United Arab Emirates is the best area to invest in real estate since expats living in cities like Dubai do not have to pay income tax. While Dubai is home to more foreigners than natives, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a popular destination for American tourists and businesses. The UAE also provides a 5-year long-term visa for international retirees, which takes about 30 to 60 days depending on the funding utilised and the documentation that is available.
With a low entry-level requirement of $400,000 for government-approved real estate projects and a clean criminal record, this secure country is an all-arounder—it’s easy for foreign purchasers to apply for residence. Dual citizenship is another option. By the way, if all of your documents and funds are in order, you may have your title deeds in only one week! Although many expats purchase residential homes in the Aegean and Mediterranean beach resorts, the major places where foreigners head are Istanbul city centre, Ankara, and Izmir. This is a pain, so please don’t touch any business property. Every year, some 40,000 flats and villas are sold to foreigners in this safe nation.
Where can I purchase a home and simultaneously become a citizen?
Anyone in the market for a citizenship real estate investment program has a lot of options all around the globe. Investors can get the same rights as citizens by buying a home through a golden visa real estate citizenship scheme, which is available in many nations. Access to the business community, a second passport, visa-free travel, and the ability to work and stay are all perks of citizenship. Read on for more information.
If I were to buy a property overseas, where would I find the best deal?
Buyers should do their homework locally, but there are many affordable options. For instance, many people think that Turkey is a cheap vacation spot. However, there is a significant disparity in the price per square metre between houses in Istanbul and rural villages such as Altinkum. The cost of buying in major cities tends to be higher. The abundance of developing nations to think about is a result of the immaturity of their own marketplaces.
There are cheap housing possibilities in Portugal, especially in the interior parts and the Alentejo region. Affordable housing is available in Mexico in places like Guanajuato and along the shore. Although big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, you may find reasonably priced properties in Andalusia and along the coast (in places like Alicante and Valencia)—particularly in less touristic or rural areas. You might discover even better deals if you travel to northern Spain.
Varna and Plovdiv, two major cities in Bulgaria, are known for their affordable housing. Cities such as Altinkum and Alanya in Turkey provide reasonably priced housing. Affordable housing is available in Italy’s rural areas, especially in Sicily and Calabria. In certain cases, local administrations go so far as to sell dwellings for €1 as a kind of revitalisation. Mainland Greece, particularly portions of the Peloponnese, provide more affordable housing alternatives compared to more pricey and difficult islands like Santorini. You may find some of Europe’s most affordable pricing in Ukraine, especially outside of Kyiv.
Advice for a Risk-Free Investment Investigation and Compliance: Learn about the area’s average prices, neighbourhoods, and economic forecasts by doing some research. Verify the authenticity of the title deed and conduct routine inspections of the house and any overseas property problems.
Agents on the Ground: Skilled real estate agents not only aid international clients in finding homes, but also educate them on the ins and outs of the local market. Many nations have real estate brokers that speak English, which is a big plus for international purchasers. Be sure to check out the surroundings around the viewing spots as well. Homes in areas with strong infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, transportation, and amenities, tend to be more expensive.
Foreign currency and Other Expenses: Your investment will be affected by changes in currency rates. Among the many dangers of shopping overseas, this one is notoriously difficult to foresee. You should budget more money for things like taxes, registration, and legal expenses.
Assuming you want to use the property as a rental, it is a good idea to look into local management businesses in the event that you will not be there throughout the management process. They have established rates for handling bookings, cleanings, deposits, and maintenance.
Analysis of rental yields, capital appreciation, and continuing costs should be part of any return and trend analysis. Follow up on your purchase by keeping an eye on local market movements and economic factors. With this information in hand, you’ll be better able to sell, rent, or renovate your home with confidence and speed. Since investing in real estate for the purpose of flipping properties is not a viable option for non-native speakers, it is wise to focus on the medium to long term.
