Real estate for living and investments abroad
| Top 5 reasons to buy overseas real estate for moving or investment: | |
|---|---|
| Diversification of assets and capital protection | Owning properties in different jurisdictions and currency zones minimises risks associated with economic instability in a single country and preserves savings in a strong currency. |
| High rental returns | In several Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries (e.g., Thailand or the UAE), property yields significantly exceed the European market average, and tax burdens on such income are either absent or much lower. |
| Capital appreciation | Buying properties at the construction stage allows investors to secure up to 35% profit through natural price growth by completion. In rapidly developing regions like Bali or Dubai, land and square metre prices continue to rise year-over-year, even in the resale market. |
| Opportunity for residency | Properties for investment often open the door to simplified residency or citizenship programmes such as the UAE’s Golden Visa. Participating in these legalisation schemes grants freedom of movement and access to quality healthcare and education. |
| Establishing a "backup plan" | Owning a home abroad provides a legally protected option for relocation if needed. It also significantly reduces accommodation costs during regular seasonal stays. |
Popular countries for buying international property
Key selection criteria in the 2026 global real estate market include sustainable capital appreciation, high rental yields and occupancy, and balanced taxation. Choosing a particular jurisdiction depends on the balance between investment goals and relocation or "backup plan" purposes. Modern infrastructure, legal system stability, and flexible foreign ownership laws are major factors influencing the attractiveness of overseas property for foreigners.
Property in Thailand
Prices of property in Thailand range from USD 57,000 to USD 133 million. Average housing prices continue to rise. In Q2 2025, prices increased by 2.71% year-on year. Townhouses rose by 4.88%, and villas by 2.64%. Rental yields average 6.28% annually. Top-performing areas include:
- Samut Prakan – 8.3%
- Nonthaburi – 6.45%
- Bangkok – 6.04%
- Chonburi – 5.33%
- Phuket – 5.28% (10%+ in premium developments)
Thai law restricts foreign ownership of land but allows foreigners to fully own condominiums, provided that foreign ownership in the project does not exceed 49%. Houses and villas are typically acquired through leasehold agreements up to 30 years with renewal rights or via incorporation of a legal entity.
Property in UAE
Prices of property in UAE range from USD 16,000 to USD 749 million. The market is entering a stabilisation phase after years of growth: in 2025, housing prices rose by 9.6% year-on year. The price index grew by 12.88% in Dubai and by 31.59% in Abu Dhabi. The average rental yield across the country is 5.45% annually. The highest returns are seen in:
- Dubai – 6.66%
- Sharjah – 5.85%
- Abu Dhabi – 5.76%
- Ajman – 5.67%
- Ras Al Khaimah – 3.29% (up to 5.8% in tourist clusters)
Foreigners may fully own properties in designated freehold zones. Outside of these areas, properties are typically leased for up to 99 years.
Property in Indonesia
Prices of property in Indonesia range from USD 77,000 to USD 83 million. Buying property during the construction phase offers an average discount of 20 – 35%, allowing investors to realise capital gains even before project handover. The country remains one of Southeast Asia's most profitable markets, with an average rental yield of 7.15% per year. Top-performing locations include:
- Jakarta – 11.17%
- Surabaya – 7.22%
- Bali – 6.02%
- Tangerang – 5.76%
- South Tangerang – 5.6%
Foreigners cannot obtain full freehold ownership (Hak Milik), which is reserved for Indonesian citizens. However, foreigners are eligible for long-term titles such as Hak Pakai (right of use), HGB (right to build)), and HMSRS (strata title ownership – for apartments in designated zones), which allow legal ownership, resale, and inheritance within regulated terms.
Property in Mexico
Prices of property in Mexico range from USD 50,000 to USD 47 million. The market shows stable growth: in Q2 2025, resale property prices increased by 8.84%, and new builds rose by 8.52%. The fastest growth was recorded in the states of Quintana Roo (+14.68%) and Baja California Sur (+13.07%). Average rental yields across the country are 6.06% annually. Top-performing areas include:
- Mérida – 6.64%
- Puebla – 6.64%
- Mexico City – 6.55%
- Naucalpan de Juárez – 6.25%
- Monterrey – 6.08%
In the "restricted zone" – "within 50 km of the coast and 100 km from borders – property must be purchased through a fideicomiso, a bank trust that grants the buyer full rights to use, lease, sell, or pass on the property. Outside of these areas, foreigners may hold direct title to real estate.
Property in Greece
Prices of property in Greece range from EUR 45,000 to EUR 90 million. The housing sector shows consistent growth: by Q3 2025, urban properties rose in value by 7.69% year-over-year. The strongest growth was recorded in Thessaloniki (+9.61%), while Athens saw a 6.55% increase. The average rental yield in the country is 4.4% annually. Top-performing areas include:
- Athens – 5.43% (up to 7.7% in popular districts)
- Patras – 4.81%
- Thessaloniki – 4.38%
- Volos – 4.23%
- Heraklion – 4.18%
Greek law does not restrict foreigners from owning property. Non-EU citizens can purchase real estate on the same terms as Greek nationals.
Property in Portugal
Prices of property in Portugal start at EUR 10,000 and can reach EUR 42 million. As of February 2026, the average housing price increased by 13.1% year-over-year, with Greater Lisbon and the Algarve leading in growth. Average gross rental yield across the country is 4.33% annually. Top-performing areas include:
- Lisbon (Cascais, Sintra, and other popular areas) – over 6%
- Setúbal – 5.09%
- Braga – 4.7%
- Faro – 4.23%
- Aveiro – 4.12%
There are no legal barriers for foreigners to buy property in Portugal. Full ownership can be obtained without a residence permit – only a local tax number (NIF) and a bank account are required.
Investments in international real estate
In 2026, there are three main strategies for investments in overseas real estate: 1. Rental income – highest yields are in tourist zones in Southeast Asia and the UAE. 2. Buying at pre-construction stage – with the goal of resale. Key factors include developer reputation and infrastructure growth. 3. Conservative investment – into liquid assets to preserve capital, suited for European markets with predictable dynamics. When selecting a property, decisions should be based on clear metrics – gross and net yield, payback period, and local growth potential – rather than promised returns. Independent legal due diligence is essential. For remote ownership, a professional property management company is recommended to avoid reduced rental income due to vacancies and operating costs.
Find and buy real estate abroad
Consult our experts to get help in selecting overseas properties for sale in worldwide that fully match your goals. We offer support at every stage of the transaction and provide high-quality after-sales service.
Vip Thailand Group
BOAT PATTANA CO., LTD
ESM DEVELOPMENT
Sunny Holding
Origin Property
TIGER GROUP
Samana Developers
TEKCE Real Estate
Espace
Estate Invest
DDA Real Estate
Parq
Ilot Property
Estatewin Bali
Properati
Grekodom
Haq Overseas Limited
Overseas Property Forum
Listanza Services Group
Fine & Country Algarve
Porta da Frente Christie’s
IAD Portugal
LUXIMOS Christie’s International Real Estate
T.H. Group Phuket Co., Ltd
Emaar Properties
Ellington Properties
Reportage Properties
Binghatti Developers
Alex Villas
Magnum Estate
BREIG Property Investment
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