Emerging Real Estate Markets: Best Places to Buy Property in Europe

Investing in property can be one of the best ways to invest your money. However, it can also be one of the riskiest. If you choose a poor location, all that hard-earned money of yours could be going to waste.

Europe has always been a great market for investing in properties, but with Brexit looming, you have to be careful where you buy property in Europe. Luckily we’re here to help. Read on for our picks for some of the best emerging real estate markets in Europe, and start investing! Looking to hire live chat agents for your real estate website? We recommend eHelpGlobal.

Istria, Croatia

The Istrian peninsula in Croatia is strikingly beautiful and incredibly overlooked when it comes to property buyers. Apartments and houses are cheap, and the peninsula offers two stunning land options for your property.

Your first option is the elusive coastal property deal. Istria borders the Adriatic Sea and offers extremely affordable options for a property on or near the coast. This is a great investment for those that want to use their apartment or home as a rental property.

The second option is the rolling meadows, lush vineyards, and olive groves that lie inland. These properties are incredibly undervalued, and are great for a retirement property or long-term investments, as the area is sure to experience growth.

Wherever you choose to buy property in Istria, you’re making a great choice. The peninsula has been experiencing a spike in tourism and was recently featured in Lonely Planet’s Best of Europe so invest now before everyone else catches on.

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve is a recognizable name, but not always for the right reasons. When Madeline McCann disappeared it made national headlines, but the allure of this coastal region of Portugal goes far beyond a viral Netflix documentary.

Algarve has been a popular destination for vacation homes and retirees, with over 100,000 expats living there. And with 100 miles of coastline and 3,300 hours of sun every year, it’s easy to see why.

The expansive coastline of Algarve includes beautiful beaches and stunning cliffsides, so whether you’re into swimming, boating, adventuring, or simply lounging in the sun, Algarve has you covered. And with 42 golf courses in the region, the activities span beyond the water.

Algarve is fairly affordable for such a beautiful destination, with property averaging around $1,345 per square meter. So whether you’re looking to settle down and retire, have a vacation home with AirBnB potential, or simply invest for the future, the Algarve is a great option.

Budapest, Hungary

Sometimes when looking for good properties overseas, it’s important to look beyond the beautiful terrain and take a look at history. This applies to both historical significance and the price history of property. In the case of Budapest, this city has a lot of both.

Budapest has a rich cultural history, and its architecture and bathhouses draw visitors during any time of the year. Combine that with museums and amazing dining, and it’s the perfect destination for those looking for an enriching vacation.

Budapest also is recovering from a recent economic slump. From 2007-2014 housing prices dropped dramatically and is just now starting to recover. That means that you can get incredible deals on property in a city that’s rapidly growing.

With plenty of visitors and growing population, property in Budapest can be profitable for both vacation rentals and long-term apartment rentals.

Athens, Greece

Greece was hit hardest during the economic crisis, and many cities in the country are still in economic shambles. This provides a unique opportunity to purchase real estate.

Athens is an absolutely beautiful city, rich with history and culture. It’s also still in the middle of economic crisis, and while tourism is still strong, it’s nowhere near what it used to be.

If you want to buy property in Athens because the idea of owning one of those beautiful white-washed villas is a dream of yours, now is the time to do it.

However, if you’re looking for an investment property for rental income, be careful. While the property may appreciate over time, there’s a good chance Greece could remain in economic crisis for years. It’s a buyer’s market, so if you want it, go for it, but be wary.

Lisbon, Portugal

We’re back to Portugal, this time to the beautiful capital city of Lisbon. While the city isn’t as popular as Algarve in terms of expats, it’s a wildly popular vacation destination with a rich history and beautiful terrain.

However, Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular to purchase property, and for good reason. Portugal has implemented the golden visa system, where foreigners that invest €500,000 in upmarket places or just €350,00 in underdeveloped areas will get a fast track to Portuguese citizenship.

Combine this with a favorable tax rate and relatively inexpensive property prices, foreigners are snatching up property in droves.

It’s not just the property that’s cheap here. The overall cost of living is a fraction of the cost of most European countries. With prices this low, you might feel like you’re living in Lima, which is another place you should find out more about buying property in.

Other Great Emerging Real Estate Markets

While the cities listed here are some of our top choices for emerging real estate markets in Europe, they certainly aren’t the only ones.

If you’ve always dreamed of owning property in Italy, steer clear of the major cities and venture off the beaten path. The Abruzzo region of Italy is one of the most affordable markets in all of Europe and offers options on the coast and up in the mountains.

Does island life suit you? The small often overlooked country of Malta is surprisingly affordable and a quick plane ride away from all of Europe.

Or maybe mountain property is more up your alley? Austria is in a real estate boom right now, and snatching up property in secondary cities like Feldkirch and Bludenz is an affordable and great investment.

Wherever in Europe you decide you want to buy property, we have you covered with some of the best listings across the entire continent. Stick with us, and enjoy your European dream property!