Beautiful view of Valencia from the tower Torre del Miguelete
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Buying property in another country is fundamentally about diversification—creating a store of wealth in another market and ideally in another currency. But you can also buy overseas property for fun and profit.
I’ve been tracking global property markets for 40 years and have identified a handful of markets that offer strong appreciation and cash flow potential. These markets also happen to be excellent places to live full-time, providing exciting lifestyle opportunities.
Here are five places to buy property overseas for fun and profit in 2025.
Mazatlán, Mexico
Mazatlán is an increasingly popular expat destination. The average cost of living in this city is significantly lower than in the United States and Canada, and this applies to its housing market. You can find accommodation options for different budgets and lifestyles.
Mazatlán has a picturesque and well-maintained colonial center, and many expats settle here because it has a wide range of property prices and styles. Good deals can also be found along the waterfront, which stretches for more than 10 miles.
Mazatlán has a strong rental demand because it attracts both foreigners and locals. Compared to more popular resort cities, Mazatlán is a predominantly Mexican destination. It’s a proper city with about 500,000 people, so it offers cultural authenticity as well as the perks of a major cosmopolitan center.
Property in Mazatlán can be less than half the price of property in Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen. Among Mexico’s top beach markets, Mazatlán is where you’ll get the most value for your money.
Property values have appreciated in Mazatlán across many years, and I predict this will continue. If you’re looking for a Mexican property investment, you should get into this market as soon as you can.
Crete, Greece
Crete is a Mediterranean island with beautiful beaches and rich history. Its landscape is diverse, with gorges, rugged hillsides, olive groves, and snow-capped mountains. The waters that surround Crete are known for being particularly clear, with visibility up to 40 meters.
Natural beauty is one of the reasons that Crete has seen a rise in demand post-pandemic. Its rental market has grown significantly, particularly the demand for short-term rentals.
Prices for homes in Crete have increased over the last couple of years but still remain a bargain for both locals and foreigners. This is a great buy for both year-round living or for rental investment.
Thanks to the area’s active tourist market, rental yields are strong, and upkeep costs of property here are generally lower than in North America.
Valencia, Spain
Spain’s third-largest city is a top lifestyle haven because of its great weather, low cost of living, and appealing property options. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, some of the finest beaches in Europe are available just 15 minutes from the city center.
Valencia is rich in history, with one of the oldest historical centers in Europe. It’s vibrant, with intriguing architecture and hip bars, restaurants, and specialty stores. Moving around Valencia is easy thanks to its efficient transport infrastructure that includes trams, buses, bikes, and electric bikes.
Property prices in Valencia can be almost half of what you would pay for a comparable property in Barcelona, which is why so many favor this city as an attractive alternative.
A range of property types are available, from apartments in the historic city to new builds in modern developments. If you decide to sell your property, you’ll find a large local pool of buyers.
Valencia is emerged from the shadows of other popular Spanish cities, and values have increased in the last year, but great deals can still be found in this first-world coastal city.
Panama City, Panama
Panama is a favorite investment haven because of its robust economy, stable government, and friendly tax regime. In the capital, Panama City, you can enjoy vibrant nightlife, cuisine from all over the world, stunning city and ocean views, and U.S.-standard private health care facilities.
It enjoys a privileged position as the Hub of the Americas, and with its high construction standards, it has attracted international buyers for years. Panama City generates strong rental returns, both in the long-term rental market and in the short-term rental market for those few special developments with the license to rent for less than 45 days.
A property investment of as little as $200,000 can make you eligible for residency in Panama.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is considered one of the world’s most livable cities because of its efficient public transport system, friendly locals, ample green spaces, and eternally spring-like weather. This city is on par with some of the world’s top metropolises but comes at a significantly reduced cost.
Medellín is vibrant, with active art, music, historic, cultural, and culinary scenes. It’s increasing in international popularity and is now one of the travel hotspots of the Americas. It currently claims the highest tourist income per year in Colombia, and this tourism boom is creating profit opportunities for real estate investors.
Properties in the city’s most popular neighborhood of El Poblado have been appreciating for years—especially projects built for short-term rentals. This is a highly liquid market with both local and foreign buyers looking to buy in strategic neighborhoods for cash flow.
You can also gain Colombian residency by investing 35 times the monthly minimum wage, which is currently less than $110,000.
