Back to blog

Where is the Best Place to Buy Property Abroad

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Property Abroad

Buying property in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. There are several factors to consider, such as choosing the right location and figuring out the best way to finance your purchase.

It’s worth mentioning that these locations are not in slums, and all of them have roofs that are in good working condition. If you’re willing to put in some effort, you can achieve the shabby modern retirement property abroad that you’ve always dreamed of.

When it comes to searching for a property abroad or a buy to let property abroad in your ideal destination, it’s crucial to determine exactly where you want to reside. We understand that there are many things to consider, so Prestige & Villa would like to offer you some helpful tips to assist you in your journey. 

Transport

Are you looking for accommodation near the airport or train station? Considering transport options for your return to the UK or for when friends and family come to visit is crucial. It’s important to ensure that you or the person travelling doesn’t have to spend an additional day travelling at the beginning and end of the journey.

Climate

What type of climate are you interested in? When searching for a sunny destination, it’s important not to assume that every part of a country you consider will have constant sunshine. Similarly, some areas might be extremely hot and take time to adjust to.

We should also consider the issue of extreme weather. In certain parts of countries, such as America, there are areas that often have hurricanes and tornadoes, or rainy seasons in faraway places.

Budget

Which neighbourhoods are within your budget? The budget you have is a crucial part of getting ready to move, and it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend on a property. This way, you won’t get too attached to one that you can’t actually afford to buy.

Before you begin visiting and evaluating different locations, it’s a good idea to have an understanding of the areas you can actually afford to live in.

Surroundings

Would you prefer to live near the sea, in the mountains, or in a busy town or city? It’s fascinating how even the tiniest countries can possess a wide range of terrains. Take some time to reflect on what matters to you in your new location.

Do you prefer being close to the beach or do you enjoy exploring mountains or hillsides? Perhaps you find yourself yearning to be right in the heart of a bustling city centre, or maybe you envision a peaceful village and the tranquilly of rural life.

Amenities

When deciding on the perfect place for you, it’s important to consider how close and easy it is to access medical, educational, sports, and recreational facilities. These factors can play a significant role in determining your ideal location. It’s a great idea to figure out how far the amenities that matter to you are from the various places you’re considering.

Lifestyle

Would you prefer to live in a neighbourhood with mostly expats or experience a more traditional local lifestyle in your retirement property abroad? It’s important to consider whether you’re moving overseas for work, leisure, or retirement property abroad. Take some time to think about whether the destination is better suited for vacations or as a place to live all year round.

If you choose to live among other expats in your retirement property abroad, you’ll likely meet many people in a similar situation. On the other hand, living alongside the local population can help you adapt more quickly to the local lifestyle.

The Best Places to Buy Property Abroad for Affordability

Where to buy cheap property abroad? We have gathered a selection of affordable overseas property market. While there might be other places that are cheaper, it’s important to note that these locations are not in slums and all of them have roofs that are in good working condition.

They are also good for a buy to let property abroad. If you put in some effort, apply a fresh coat of white paint, and add some wisteria around the door, you can create the shabby chic home you’ve always wanted.

Portugal

• Many people believe that living in Europe is too expensive, but Portugal, a small country, might just surprise you. People from all over the world have been aware of the appeal of this beautiful place in the Iberian Peninsula for a long time.
  
  In recent years, even North Americans have started to discover its charms. Portugal is a country that has attracted more than 500,000 foreigners who have fallen in love with its beauty, hospitality, and surprisingly affordable living.

Italy

• Many people believe that Italy is a costly place to reside in. Many people believe this myth because of the large number of tourists who visit popular Italian destinations like Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples, Milan, and Tuscany. These tourists often share stories of the beauty and high costs they experienced during their trips.
  
  Italy can be quite expensive if you’re looking to experience it like a tourist. However, for the approximately fifty million Italians who reside in Italy throughout the year, excluding the tourist regions, the cost of living in Italy is roughly half of what it is in the United States.
  
  Living in the northern regions of Italy tends to be pricier compared to the southern or central areas. On the other hand, residing in small towns is generally more affordable than in big cities.

Ecuador

• Many expats choose to move to Ecuador because of its low cost of living. Having a fixed income can be a great advantage, especially in certain situations. Rental prices in this area are typically half the cost compared to the United States or Europe. What’s more, many rentals here often come with furnishings included.
  
  If you own property, the amount you’ll pay in property taxes will be much lower compared to prices in the U.S. In fact, it will be less than half of what you would typically pay. You won’t believe the amazing deals you can find at the local mercados!
  
  They have a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available all year round, and the prices are unbelievably low. With just $20, you’ll be able to buy so much that you might have trouble carrying it all! In many areas, it’s possible to live without heating or air conditioning, and having a car can also be seen as an optional expense.

Mexico

• Mexico offers a wide range of experiences that cater to everyone’s preferences. From vibrant towns and luxurious resorts to numerous beaches, exceptional diving and snorkelling spots, lush jungles, high-altitude deserts, snow-capped mountains, and stunning Spanish colonial cities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Mexico.
  
  Mexico offers a wide range of climate options to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy a warm climate with a refreshing sea breeze, a hot and dry semi-arid or desert climate, or prefer a cooler environment where you’ll need a jacket in the evenings throughout the year, Mexico has countless choices for you to explore.
  
  The property taxes in this area are quite low, only amounting to 0.1% of the assessed value.

Colombia

• Living in Colombia has a major advantage when it comes to the cost of living, as it is relatively low. Moreover, the cost of living in this country is relatively low, despite providing numerous amenities and infrastructure typically found in more expensive places.  

The Best Places to Buy Property Abroad for Investment Potential

If you’re interested in investing in real estate abroad, it can be tempting to search for terms like “free” or “cheap real estate” on your preferred web browser to see what results you get. Perhaps you are exploring the world of international real estate for the first time, or maybe you have simply grown weary of paying exorbitant prices for properties in your home country.

Regardless, owning foreign real estate offers numerous benefits. Foreign real estate, when effectively incorporated into your offshore strategy, has the potential to generate higher returns, safeguard your assets, enhance your tax strategy, add diversity to your life, and provide protection against domestic instability.

However, if you approach it incorrectly and spend too much, you might end up paying more than the benefits you receive. Do you happen to know which places around the world offer the most affordable real estate for property investment abroad purposes?

Cambodia

Phnom Penh is a rapidly developing city that offers a wide range of business and real estate property investment abroad opportunities. The Cambodian government is actively seeking foreign investment to boost its economy. This makes it an excellent location for both real estate purchases and business opportunities.

Georgia

The Balkans and Central Asia are often overlooked or not well-known regions of the world. However, this actually presents great investment opportunities. Tbilisi, Georgia is the top city in these regions. Georgia’s government is known for being very supportive of businesses, which makes the country an attractive option to consider for your offshore strategy.

There are several reasons why Georgia stands out in this regard. The Georgian economy is experiencing steady growth due to an increase in business activity and favourable economic policies.

Moldova

If you’ve been keeping up with news about Moldova, you may have come across the announcement of their new citizenship by investment programme. It could be worth considering, depending on your specific circumstances.

Moldova is a stunning country that offers a European lifestyle experience. For those seeking a place to retire or wanting to reduce their cost of living, it presents a wonderful opportunity. 

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

When it comes to Central Asia, two capital cities that are worth mentioning are Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and Tashkent in Uzbekistan. In both Bishkek and Tashkent, you can find properties at incredibly low prices. Additionally, Kazakhstan is a popular destination for those who are interested in investing in emerging markets. 

Egypt, Pakistan, and Tunisia

Investing in the Middle East and North Africa can be quite challenging and requires a strong stomach. Cairo in Egypt, Islamabad in Pakistan, and Tunis in Tunisia are three capitals that have affordable estate property in the city centre. 

The Best Places to Buy Property Abroad for Quality of Life

Are you considering moving to a different country or curious to know if your current home is among the top places to live?  Knowing where to buy cheap property abroad with a goo quality of life is beneficial. We have compiled a list of the top ten countries to consider moving to in 2023.

This list is based on feedback from our expat property market and digital nomad members who have shared their experiences in various areas such as quality of life.

Switzerland

Switzerland attracts many expatriates due to its high wages, as it ranks 6th in terms of GDP among all countries globally. However, the individuals who choose to remain do so for different reasons. There are many great things about this place, including the fresh alpine air, luxurious amenities, a wide range of winter activities, excellent transportation options, and so much more.

Switzerland is a fantastic place for expats to settle because it has a remarkably relaxed political climate. Switzerland is well-known for its neutral stance in global affairs, which has contributed to its political and social stability. The country also has a Gini coefficient, which is a measure of income inequality, of 0.299. This is significantly lower compared to many other European countries.

The primary language spoken in Switzerland is Swiss German, which is spoken by 62% of the country’s population. However, the Swiss people are also proficient in English (45%), French (22%), and Italian (8%). Regardless of the language you speak, you will easily adapt and feel at home.=

Mexico

Mexico is becoming a prominent global economy, and its quality of life is rapidly getting better, which is evident in various aspects. In Mexico, people work one of the shortest weeks in the world, with only 37 hours per week. Mexico is often recognised as one of the friendliest countries globally, and many expats have shared positive experiences about how easily they were able to adapt and feel at home there.

In Mexico, the local culture places a great emphasis on food, festivities, and having a good time. This means that there is always something exciting happening, particularly in the lively capital of Mexico City. Mexico’s economy is rapidly shifting towards finance and technology.

As a result, the country is making significant investments in remote working infrastructure. This means that digital nomads will have no trouble living and working in Mexico.

Spain

Spain is the ultimate expat destination if you value having an active social life, enjoying delicious food, and soaking up plenty of sunshine. Spain offers a wide range of attractions that cater to various preferences.

You can enjoy stunning sandy coastlines, explore adventurous mountains and forests in the interior, and experience the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation in major Spanish cities. Even better, Spain has experienced a significant decrease in crime rates in recent years.

Although there are areas that could be improved, such as the quality of housing in Spain compared to other European countries and the social unrest caused by a complex political landscape in recent years, overall, Spain offers a high quality of life that is among the best in the world.

Canada

There are many advantages to moving to Canada that should be particularly appealing to young families. Canada offers free universal healthcare to all permanent residents, ensuring that everyone has access to medical services without financial burden.

Additionally, the country provides free public secondary education, allowing students to pursue their academic goals without worrying about tuition fees. Canada also prioritises public safety, ensuring a high degree of security for its residents. Moreover, the country has relatively low air pollution levels, ranking as low as 111th out of 131 countries in terms of air quality.

Canada is known for being one of the most liberal and progressive societies globally, which makes it an incredibly exciting and invigorating place to live, regardless of your background. The Gini coefficient for this is 33.3, which is actually lower than the global average of 38. Additionally, it ranks 16th globally in terms of human development, showcasing well-developed infrastructure and excellent public services in its major cities.

Malaysia

Malaysia surpasses its South East Asian neighbours by a significant margin when it comes to quality of life. Malaysia is doing quite well in terms of economic freedom, ranking 42nd in the world. Surprisingly, it even surpasses countries like Belgium, Spain, and France. This achievement can be attributed to Malaysia’s liberal approach to business and its robust infrastructure.

If you’re new to the expat property market in Malaysia, get ready to discover a whole new world! There are so many amazing things to explore, like historic temples and beautiful beaches. The weather is fantastic all year round, and the local cuisine is absolutely delicious.

In the major cities, you’ll find a bustling nightlife scene, and there are also plenty of opportunities to venture out and explore further. Living in Malaysia offers a tranquil lifestyle that makes it an excellent destination for any expat.

Thailand

Thailand is a country that is making significant progress, and this progress is evident in various measures of quality of life. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Thailand is ranked 42nd in the world for quality of life. According to Bloomberg, Thailand has been ranked as the best country in the world for economic prosperity.

Crime rates in Thailand have been consistently decreasing over the years, which means that it is becoming a safer place to live and settle down. The Thai government is particularly interested in welcoming digital nomads. So, if you’re interested in visiting as a remote worker, you’ll find it quite convenient. In fact, you might not even require a visa.

This doesn’t mention anything about what it’s like to live in Thailand day-to-day, but let me tell you, it’s an amazing mix of rich traditions and modern excitement. Living in Bangkok, you’ll never run out of excitement amidst the busy and lively everyday life.

Norway

Norway has a really low population density, making it one of the least crowded places in the world. Even the capital city, Oslo, has fewer people than Rhode Island. This means that Norway has a lot to offer adventurous expats. One remarkable aspect is its impressive track record in addressing income inequality. Its Gini coefficient of 27.7 is among the lowest in the developed world.

While it’s true that living in Norway can be expensive, expats can still enjoy a high quality of life regardless of their financial situation. By the way, you don’t have to stress too much about your finances because Norway is ranked 7th in the world for GDP per capita.

Singapore

Singapore has a fascinating history as an important trading port in South East Asia. This has led to the development of a highly advanced economy, with key industries such as financial services, technology, and trade playing a major role. Singapore is known for its excellent connectivity, serving as a trading hub for countries like India, Indonesia, China, Japan, and Australia.

Additionally, it maintains strong connections with the UK, which allows for easy access to the rest of Europe. In addition, Singapore is widely known for its reputation as one of the safest cities globally, where instances of violent crime are extremely rare. Its overall high level of political and social stability likely plays a significant role in this.

In general, people who live abroad often find that Singapore offers a wonderfully laid-back way of life. Many even consider it to be one of the top countries to reside in this year, 2023.

Australia

Australia has the highest ranking for GDP per capita on this list. When it comes to jobs, there’s good news for everyone. Australia is known for being a stable country that strongly values liberal democracy. As a result, the rate of employment is currently high and continuing to increase. Australia was able to recover from the COVID-19 crisis swiftly.

Contact us today to make your property abroad dream a reality – quality, affordability, and investment potential await!

Back to blog