Best Countries for Real Estate Investment in 2025

No matter how many ways you can diversify your global investment portfolio, few options are as reliable in generating returns as real estate. 

However, investing in real estate can bring more benefits than good returns and rental yields.

The world of real estate investment is brimming with opportunities in 2025. Some countries have rapidly rising property markets, while others offer residency and even citizenship through real estate investment, unlocking even more value. 

But, finding the right country to invest in is crucial. 

It’s not just about snagging a cheap property – it’s about smartly positioning yourself in markets that offer long-term returns, affordable property prices and the right legal frameworks. 

Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, get residency in a tax-friendly environment or simply make your money work harder, the right real estate investment can be your passport to new possibilities.

Best Country to Invest in Real Estate: Considerations

Cheap international investment property can offer a low entry point and high potential for growth. But don’t just look for bargains – focus on countries where property prices are on the rise, especially those with strong economic fundamentals and expanding infrastructure. 

A promising market often means you’ll see both capital appreciation and strong rental yields in the years to come.

It’s also worth looking for countries that offer residency or even citizenship through property investment. This gives you more than just an income-generating asset. It can open doors to new opportunities in a tax-friendly country with access to larger markets. 

Some countries offer residence permits for lower investments, while others provide routes to citizenship. If you’re strategic, this can be a win-win: securing a great investment and a new passport or global Plan B.

Also, consider the long-term stability of the market and legal protections for foreign investors. If you’re in it for the long haul, you need to be in a stable, welcoming environment that supports foreign ownership. 

After all, real estate isn’t just about a property – it’s about what comes with it.

10 Best Countries to Invest in Real Estate in 2025

While geographic preferences and risk profiles differ, here are some of the best places to invest in real estate right now.

Turkey

Turkey is a favourite destination for investors looking for a bridge between East and West. A country with a thriving economy and a young, growing population, it offers real estate opportunities that are hard to ignore. 

The Turkish lira’s weakness makes its property market attractive for foreign buyers, and the government has sweetened the deal with its citizenship-by-investment program.

For just US$400,000, you can secure a Turkish passport by purchasing any real estate that meets the threshold. There are no restrictions on the location or property type. Whether it’s a booming Istanbul apartment or a coastal villa, the choice is yours. 

Hold it for three years, and citizenship is yours for life. And yes, you can rent the property out during this period.

For those looking for a permanent residency option, a property investment of US$200,000 will get you there. See our guide to Turkish real estate for more details.

Montenegro

Montenegro is one of Southern Europe’s best-kept secrets for real estate investors. Its stunning Adriatic coastline, low taxes and a business-friendly government make it an attractive option. 

Montenegro keeps bureaucracy to a minimum, but you’ll still need to get the paperwork right.

Buying property here is affordable and straightforward. For as little as US$30,000, you can secure a small apartment and qualify for a one-year renewable residency permit, though no minimum value is required.  

While residency through real estate won’t lead to citizenship, it’s a solid option for those looking to plant a flag in a country that’s on the rise. New luxury developments are also attracting high-end buyers, with prices climbing fast in hotspots like Budva and Kotor. 

Cyprus

Cyprus has quietly become one of the best real estate plays in Europe. 

This Mediterranean island combines economic stability, investor-friendly policies and a fantastic Mediterranean lifestyle. 

Property prices have been rising steadily, with prime locations like Limassol and Paphos seeing strong demand from international buyers. 

Rental yields here are strong, fuelled by a booming tourism sector that brought in over 4 million visitors last year.

Cyprus offers a fast-track permanent residency program. Invest just €300,000 in real estate, and you and your family get indefinite residency with minimal stay requirements. 

While it’s not a direct path to citizenship unless you live there permanently, it’s a solid Plan B in a tax-friendly jurisdiction. With limited land, growing demand and increasing foreign investment, Cyprus real estate offers both solid returns and a high quality of life. 

Portugal

Even though it removed the real estate investment option from its popular golden visa, Portugal remains one of Europe’s hottest real estate markets. 

The country offers a mix of strong rental yields, a great lifestyle and investor-friendly policies. 

Lisbon’s property prices are climbing, with yields of around 5.67%, while Porto offers some of the best returns in the country, reaching over 9% in certain areas – though those are exceptional results.

For those looking beyond the cities, the Algarve is still a prime choice. Its stunning coastline, international community and thriving short-term rental market make it a solid investment for both income and lifestyle. 

Prices in areas like Lagos and Faro are rising, but rental demand keeps pace. Meanwhile, up-and-coming spots like Setúbal and the Silver Coast offer great value with room for appreciation. 

With a booming tourism sector and a stable economy, Portugal remains a top pick for savvy investors in 2025.

Ireland

With a thriving economy and a predicted 4% GDP growth in 2025, Ireland’s property sector is primed for long-term gains. 

Dublin, the country’s capital and economic hub, offers rental yields between 6.19% and 7.96%, driven by strong demand for housing, particularly around universities. 

According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), house prices in Ireland have surged by 28.4% over the last five years, highlighting the substantial capital appreciation potential.

The country’s growing construction sector, with a 12% increase in building permits last year, shows the government’s commitment to addressing its housing shortage. 

Areas like Cork and Galway are also gaining attention, offering promising returns, with Cork showing yields of 5.56% for one-bedroom properties and Galway seeing a 24% spike in house prices. 

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai is fast becoming one of the most compelling destinations for real estate investors, with its blend of high returns and zero income tax.      

Property values have risen by 15% since 2021, and experts predict another 10% growth by 2025. 

The city’s luxury real estate market, particularly in areas like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, continues to outperform global benchmarks. Rental yields here range from 5% to 9%. 

Short-term vacation rentals can achieve even higher returns, making Dubai an attractive option for investors seeking both capital appreciation and steady income.

Dubai’s economic growth is driven by diversification, foreign investment and large-scale infrastructure projects, positioning the city as a global hub. 

Investor-friendly laws, including 100% foreign ownership and no taxes on rental income or capital gains, make Dubai a prime spot for portfolio diversification. 

Greece

Greece is emerging as a real estate powerhouse in 2025. The country is attracting investors with its booming tourism sector, Golden Visa program and steadily rising property prices. 

Greece’s thriving tourism industry continues to drive demand for both short-term vacation rentals and long-term leases, particularly in hot spots like Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.

Athens remains the epicentre of Greece’s real estate market, with prices in the city centre ranging between €1,200 and €3,500 per square metre. Areas like the Athens Riviera are particularly popular with high-net-worth individuals seeking coastal luxury homes. 

Meanwhile, Thessaloniki is rapidly gaining traction thanks to a growing tech start-up scene and student population. 

Greece also offers attractive tax incentives and a favourable climate for investment. With property values rising and rental yields averaging around 5%, Greece is a smart choice. 

Colombia

Colombia is an increasingly attractive destination for real estate investors looking for an affordable entry point. 

With cities like Medellín and Bogota offering vibrant culture and an emerging real estate sector, it’s no surprise that investors are taking notice. 

A minimum investment of around US$35,000 in a Colombian business can secure you a residency permit, but to get the best value, buying property in your own name is often the smarter move.

Investing around US$120,000 in real estate qualifies you for residency, and after five years, you could gain citizenship. 

While the country can be bureaucratic, the rewards are there for those willing to navigate the system. 

With access to Latin America and Europe through a decent passport, Colombia offers a unique blend of opportunity, low costs and lifestyle appeal for savvy property investors. 

Georgia

Georgia is quietly making a name for itself as a hidden gem in the real estate investment world. 

With a minimum investment of US$100,000, you can secure a one-year residency permit, and for just US$300,000, you can extend that to five years. 

The beauty of investing in Georgia lies in its affordable real estate market, where your money goes further than in many other countries. 

You’ll also enjoy the benefit of no property taxes and a low rental income tax, making it a good option for those seeking high returns.

The real estate residency program offers a straightforward path to residency and, eventually, citizenship. 

Georgia’s ease of doing business, coupled with its stunning landscapes and growing expat community, makes it a great choice for those looking for long-term growth. 

Malaysia

Malaysia offers a unique opportunity for real estate investors looking for an affordable lifestyle destination with a growing expat community. 

While the property market is becoming saturated, the weaker ringgit still makes Malaysia an appealing choice for those seeking more bang for their buck. 

Through the MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) program, you can secure a residence permit by making a deposit in a local bank, with the minimum deposit starting at US$32,000 if you’re over 50.

Although Malaysia doesn’t offer a direct real estate residency program, the MM2H route offers a workaround, provided you buy property and commit to holding it for at least 10 years. 

The major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang do have higher deposit requirements, but the perks – tropical weather, a lower cost of living and tax-friendly policies – make it worthwhile for those seeking a long-term base in Southeast Asia. 

Just keep in mind that buying real estate comes with price limits and added deposit requirements.

The Best Countries to Invest in Real Estate: FAQs

Best Global Real Estate Option for You

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for real estate investors, with a wide range of countries offering attractive markets. 

Then there’s the added bonus of residency or citizenship programs to consider, too. 

From Lisbon’s bustling streets to Colombia’s hidden natural gems, the world is full of opportunity. 

But here’s the thing: you need to take action. The best time to invest was yesterday, and the second-best time is now. 

If you want to make the most of your property investments, you need the right guidance. 

We can help. 

We’ve helped 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s by investing in offshore real estate, relocating to a tax-friendly country or pursuing a second citizenship.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan. To learn more about how we can help, get in touch.