Ever dreamed of owning a home without breaking the bank? Believe it or not, there are places around the world where you can buy a house for less than the price of a car! From charming cottages in the countryside to cozy apartments in bustling cities, affordable homes are available if you know where to look.
In this article, I’ve rounded up 15 countries where you can find incredibly cheap houses.
Bulgaria
This Balkan gem offers stunning mountain views and Black Sea beaches at bargain prices. You can find rural houses for as little as $5,000, while city apartments start around $30,000. The cost of living is low, and the country has a growing expat community. It has a rich history, delicious food, and friendly locals making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Greece
Despite its popularity, Greece still has affordable housing options. Small apartments on lesser-known islands can be found for under $50,000. Rural properties, especially those needing renovation, can be even cheaper. Imagine sipping ouzo on your balcony overlooking the Mediterranean! Just be prepared for some paperwork and potential language barriers.
Turkey
Turkey offers a mix of modern cities and ancient history, all at affordable prices. In smaller towns, you can find apartments for as low as $20,000. Even in popular areas like the Turkish Riviera, prices are often lower than in other Mediterranean countries. The warm climate, delicious cuisine, and hospitable culture make Turkey an attractive option for budget home buyers.
Portugal
While prices in Lisbon and Porto have risen, rural Portugal still offers great deals. You can find small houses in need of renovation for under $30,000 in some areas. The Alentejo region is particularly affordable. Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and excellent healthcare system make it popular with retirees and digital nomads.
Mexico
From beach towns to colonial cities, Mexico offers diverse and affordable housing options. In smaller cities, you can find apartments for under $50,000. Even in popular expat areas, prices are often lower than in the U.S. or Canada. Just be aware of restrictions on foreigners buying property near borders or coasts. The warm weather, rich culture, and delicious food are big draws.
Thailand
Thailand’s tropical climate and friendly culture attract many foreigners. While foreigners can’t own land, you can buy condos at very affordable prices. In smaller cities, you can find apartments for under $30,000. Even in popular areas like Phuket or Chiang Mai, prices are often lower than in Western countries. The low cost of living and beautiful beaches are major perks.
Ecuador
This South American country offers everything from Andean mountain towns to Pacific coast beaches. You can find small apartments in major cities for under $40,000. Rural properties can be even cheaper. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, which can make transactions easier for Americans. The country’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity are a big draw for nature lovers.
Romania
Romania’s charming medieval towns and beautiful countryside come with surprisingly low price tags. Rural houses can be found for as little as $10,000, while city apartments start around $30,000. The country’s growing economy and improving infrastructure make it an interesting option for investors. Plus, you’ll be close to Dracula’s castle!
Croatia
While coastal properties have gotten pricier, inland Croatia still offers great deals. In some areas, small houses needing renovation can be found for under $30,000. The country’s stunning national parks, historic cities, and Adriatic coastline make it a beautiful place to live. Croatia’s recent entry into the EU has made property ownership easier for foreigners.
Philippines
This archipelago of over 7,000 islands offers plenty of affordable housing options. In smaller cities, you can find apartments for under $30,000. Even in popular areas like Cebu, prices are often lower than in Western countries. The tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and English-speaking population make it attractive to expats. Just be aware of restrictions on foreign land ownership.
Morocco
From riads in ancient medinas to modern apartments, Morocco offers diverse housing options. In smaller cities, you can find properties for under $50,000. The country’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and proximity to Europe make it an interesting choice. Learning some French or Arabic can be helpful for navigating the property market.
Malaysia
Malaysia offers a mix of modern cities and tropical landscapes at affordable prices. In smaller cities, you can find apartments for under $40,000. Even in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, prices are often lower than in other major Asian cities. The country’s multicultural society, good healthcare, and tasty food are big draws. Plus, many Malaysians speak English, making it easier for expats.
Italy
While Rome and Florence are pricey, rural Italy still has some incredible deals. Several towns have offered houses for just 1 euro to attract new residents (though they require renovation). Even without these schemes, you can find small properties in need of work for under $30,000 in some areas. Imagine sipping espresso in your own Italian villa!
Hungary
Hungary’s beautiful capital, Budapest, has gotten pricier, but the rest of the country offers great deals. You can find village houses for under $20,000, while apartments in smaller cities start around $30,000. Hungary’s central location in Europe, thermal baths, and hearty cuisine make it an interesting option. Learning some Hungarian can be helpful, as it’s quite different from other European languages.
Colombia
From the Caribbean coast to the Andes mountains, Colombia offers diverse and affordable housing options. In smaller cities, you can find apartments for under $50,000. Even in popular expat areas like Medellín, prices are often lower than in North America. Colombia’s improving security situation, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people are attracting more foreign buyers. Just be prepared for some paperwork and potential language barriers.
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