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If you’ve been in the market long, you may think all the great real estate deals are gone. From bidding wars to low market supply and rising interest rates, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. But don’t throw in the towel just yet!
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a savvy investor, there’s always a deal to be found if you know where to look. In places like the U.S., real estate has shot up, so if you want to get the best bang for your buck, you may need to set your sites a little further from home.
Don’t let international markets scare you away from these great opportunities. In addition to hidden real estate gems, your dollar may go further for everyday items in these countries, too. Buying power to afford a nicer home and everyday items don’t cost as much? It sounds like a win. Let’s look at these 12 unexpected places where you can still find some great real estate bargains in 2024.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
This is one of two destinations on this list in Mexico where you can find a great real estate bargain in 2024. The Riviera Maya in Mexico is an 80-mile stretch of glorious beaches quickly becoming a tourist hotspot. If you’re looking for property to invest in, this is your time. With demand on the rise and few properties available, your income potential is at an all-time high.
Estepona, Costa del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol is a top tourist destination in Spain, and the town of Estepona is picturesque, with real estate bargains just waiting to be found. This city is predicted to become another booming town, so huge condo blocks have been built. Take advantage of tourists with money looking to visit this coastal area and invest in property now before the prices rise.
Rocha, Uruguay
This South American town offers substantial real estate investment opportunities that may surprise many people. Located about an hour from Punta del Estate, the “Monaco of South America,” Rocha is a small town predicted to grow. Recent infrastructure upgrades, like an airport, make it an appealing destination for real estate investment.
Los Cabos, Mexico
One of the first places you should look to find real estate bargains is Los Cabos. This vibrant town of 350,000 people is located in Baja California Sur, known for its sunny weather and clean beaches. While Los Cabos does attract celebrities, there are plenty of real estate bargains that the average person can take advantage of. For example, International Living reported that a luxurious two-bed condo can set you back $3,500 monthly and offers a great income potential.
Caminha, Portugal
This small and charming town in the northern part of the country is home to some stunning scenery and Atlantic beaches. Caminha is about an hour away from Porto and has great real estate bargains. For example, a four-bedroom condo in the town center was listed for €140,000. Now is the time to purchase property in Caminha. As International Living advises, “The wealthier visitors and second homeowners from Northern Europe and North America aren’t coming yet, but I believe they will… and when they do, they’ll drive prices higher.”
Panama City, Panama
Panama has been making a great name for itself in the global trade world and the real estate market. This country, lodged between North and South America, has seen a boom in its economy and infrastructure, especially in Panama City. The population and housing demand are rising, meaning owning real estate in this coastal city is an excellent income opportunity.
Medellín, Colombia
Located in the lush green valley of Columbia, Medellín has earned its nickname of “The City of Eternal Spring” with its all-year-round sunshine. The city also has great real estate bargains, with houses from $50,000 to $100,000. Prime locations like the city center can cost around $100,000 for a two-bedroom condo.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another unexpected place to find real estate bargains, but with the tourist boom, this country is undoubtedly the next best place to purchase real estate. Guanacaste used to be a region with cattle farms and empty beaches, but now this idyllic spot is becoming a popular tourist spot. According to Overseas Dream Home, “investment in residential development in Guanacaste began outstripping investment in tourism.”
Silver Coast, Portugal
This next city takes our list back to Portugal. The Silver Coast is a 90-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline and real estate opportunities. Known as the “Algarve of the North,” this area has seen an increase in tourists and rental demand. Overseas Dream Home says a one-bedroom condo can be sold for €450,000.
Montpellier, France
Overseas Dream Home says Montpellier is one of France’s fastest-growing cities. Its population is 300,000 and will continue to rise. This means there is a high demand for rentals and a great income potential for real estate investors. Two-bedroom apartments in Montpellier cost around €250,000, with historical apartments costing even more.
Chisinau, Moldova
Chisinau in Moldova is one of Europe’s cheapest cities to buy real estate, and for good reason. This landlocked country between Ukraine and Romania offers stunning scenescapes and historical cities. Visit World reports the average cost of housing is €966 per square meter, and the average house is €57,000.
Northern Cyprus
The last place on our list of real estate bargains is Northern Cyprus. This stunning island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea has had a turbulent history but now offers plenty of real estate alternatives. MoneyTalks News shared that the average cost per square foot is $118, putting 1,000-square-foot apartments at $118,000.
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One of my favorite things about this country is the differences in each state. A cross-country road trip can take you from the mountains to the desert, coast, and swampland, with each region representing its unique charm and culture. I’m an avid road tripper and have spent some time in these small towns. They left their mark on me in the best way possible.
17 Underrated U.S. Destinations Every Traveler Should Explore
Finding new and exciting destinations can be difficult for seasoned travelers. Many have their favorite places and go back to them time and time again. Some of the better destinations—hidden gems, if you will—are outside the mainstream. We have some top-notch places to try if you want to get outside mainstream locations.
These destinations are not tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, or Martha’s Vineyard. These spots are unique and quiet, making them some of our favorite hidden gems in America.
These destinations offer rich, memorable experiences for every traveler, from families to couples to solo explorers.
12 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations You Thought You Couldn’t Afford
Just because you’re watching your money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip abroad. All it takes is a little sifting through countries with the lowest exchange rates. Located in the Americas, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, these hot spots offer dynamic cities to explore and stunning landscapes to escape it all.
These exotic locations allow you to splurge without blowing a stack of cash. These destinations were chosen by sorting through the lowest exchange rates for each country against the U.S. dollar. Then, the final selection was made by examining features, including safety, the quality of cultural and outdoor activities, and easy accessibility to natural beauty, such as mountains, rivers, and the ocean.
So, if you’ve avoided international travel due to cost, we think the places on this list represent a great opportunity you probably didn’t know about.
