Thinking about investing in overseas real estate? You’re not alone in your desire to head out of the country! Nearly 9 million Americans are living abroad.

If you want to invest in real estate overseas, whether to use a current vacation home or for your retirement plan, some countries are better than others.

Keep reading for 5 of the best countries to invest in real estate and then enjoy your time as an expat!

What to Look For

When deciding where to invest, there are a few things you should pay attention to. One is obviously the cost of living and whether you can afford to invest in real estate there.

Many countries have a much lower cost of living than the U.S. and you can get beachfront property for a steal. On the other hand, some countries are so expensive, you’ll never be able to afford a home there without being a millionaire (looking at you, Switzerland).

You also need to think about countries that have easier immigration policies for Americans. You might want one with a Western-friendly culture and many American expats too.

5 Best Countries to Invest in Real Estate

Whether you want a beachfront property or jungles, there’s something out there’s a real estate bargain out there for you. Here are a few that are great options when you decide to jump into overseas real estate.

1. Brazil

The Brazilian real is weak against the US dollar, making our dollars go a long way in Brazil. Brazil is a huge country, so you can likely find the climate and geography you want.

One up-and-coming area of the country is Fortaleza. It’s a coastal region popular with Brazilian tourists and the holiday rental market is hot. You can use the property for your own vacations and then rent it out when you’re not there.

2. Belize

Belize is much less expensive than other Caribbean nations. Ambergris Caye brings sandy beaches, tons of recreational opportunities, and gorgeous mild weather and landscapes.

If you want more parks and ecological reserves, Cayo is another great Belize investment. If you’re looking for adventure and eco-activities, Cayo is the place for you.

3. Portugal

Portugal is an excellent investment option because it’s one of the countries that allows non-residents to obtain a mortgage. Good values and opportunities can be found along the Algarve coast, where you’ll find 300 days of sunshine a year, sandy beaches, and rocky coves along the coast.

If bridges and port wine are your thing, Porto might be more your speed. Located in the northwestern part of Portugal, Porto is surrounded by vineyards and port cellars.

4. Mexico

Mexico is a strong choice for real estate investment. It’s a popular destination for people from the U.S. and Canada for both tourism and retirement. Not to mention, it’s easy to come and go from Mexico, and depending on where you are in the U.S., it’s reasonable to drive there. 

Markets to check out include Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos. Things to do in Cabo and Mexico range from relaxing on the beach to scuba diving in world-famous cenotes. There’s certainly something for you!

There are funding options for home purchases there as well. Often, U.S. lending institutions set up in Mexico specifically to provide funding for borrowers from the U.S.

5. Panama

Last but not least is Panama. Panama City is a buyer’s market. Buyers from Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Canada, and the U.S. have kept this market stable over the past decade.

If you’re interested in diversifying your investment, Panama also offers the opportunity for investment in agriculture. Investing in organic plantations can allow you to earn from the country’s agricultural products, including coffee, cocoa beans, coconuts, bananas, corn, rice, and sugarcane.

The Bottom Line

Moving abroad, and especially buying property abroad, can be scary and overwhelming. The reality is that there is a bit of the unknown involved, but that can be exciting!

If you decide you want to take the plunge and move overseas, this list of the best countries to invest in real estate will get you started. For more tips and tricks for real estate investing, check out some of our other blog posts.