The dream of owning your own home doesn’t have to remain a fantasy, even if your budget feels tight. While property prices have soared globally, smart buyers know where to look for incredible deals. Whether you’re seeking a retirement haven, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity, some countries still offer remarkable real estate bargains that seem almost too good to be true.
Bulgaria: Europe’s Best-Kept Real Estate Secret
Bulgaria stands out as Europe’s most affordable housing destination, with city centers averaging €749 per square meter and some rural areas offering three-bedroom houses for just €18,000 to €39,000 in cities like Vratsa and Vidin. Even Sofia, the capital, has seen strong price growth of 16% annually in 2024, yet it remains incredibly affordable by European standards. The capital’s average residential property price reached €1,837 per square meter in Q3 2024, reflecting strong demand from both domestic and international buyers. Coastal regions follow Sofia in pricing, with Varna averaging €1,550-€2,500 per square meter and Burgas ranging from €1,200-€2,000 per square meter.
Romania: Incredible Value in Eastern Europe
Romania ranks fourth among the European countries with the cheapest housing, after Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania, with an average price of €1,676 per square meter in 2025. Cluj-Napoca serves as the technological and cultural center of Romania, known for its IT companies and universities, attracting young professionals and investors due to its high quality of life and reasonable prices. EU citizens have the right to buy real estate here on an equal basis with Romanians, while expats from outside Europe can also buy housing here, but without land ownership.
Albania: The Rising Star of the Balkans
Rural and secondary cities offer the most affordable options, with Shkodër at €500 per square meter and Korçë at €600 per square meter. Foreign investment has been a crucial driver, increasing from under €100 million annually in 2020 to €380 million in 2025, with real estate capturing 24% of all foreign direct investment. Foreigners can buy real estate in Albania, and in 2025, 27% of homes sold were purchased by foreigners, including from Kosovo, Italy, and Turkey. Tirana is the rapidly developing capital of Albania, attracting attention with its growing tourism sector and attractive real estate prices, with foreigners purchasing €380 million worth of real estate in 2025.
Thailand: Tropical Paradise at Bargain Prices
In 2025, you can find homes in rural or less touristy areas like Isaan or Chiang Rai for as low as $20,000-$30,000 USD. Even in more popular locations like Chiang Mai or Hua Hin, you can find houses for under $50,000 USD. The low cost of living and the high quality of life make Thailand a top contender for affordable global real estate. However, prospective buyers should note that foreign ownership comes with certain legal restrictions that require careful navigation.
Philippines: Island Living Within Reach
The Philippines has some of the most affordable real estate in Southeast Asia, with its breathtaking beaches, friendly locals, and rich culture making it easy to see why expats are flocking to this island nation, with prices for houses starting as low as $25,000 USD on lesser-known islands or rural areas. During 2025, the nationwide residential real estate price index rose by 6.7% as compared to a year earlier, according to figures released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. According to recent trends, residential property prices in the Philippines are projected to continue growing.
Turkey: Strategic Location Meets Affordability
For under $40,000 USD, you can find apartments or small homes with sea views, as the Turkish real estate market has grown in recent years, but it is still one of the best places to get a deal on a house with serious investment potential. Turkey grants the investor and their family immediate citizenship for real estate investment with a minimum threshold of $400,000, and real estate in Turkey remains affordable, with the value of a square metre of an apartment in a city centre around $1,500 on average.
Greece: Mediterranean Dreams Made Affordable
Greece is often associated with luxury, but outside of the main tourist hotspots, there are fantastic deals to be had on homes, with islands like Crete, Rhodes, and even lesser-known islands like Kythira offering budget-friendly real estate options, where you can find houses in rural areas or on smaller islands for €30,000-€50,000, especially if you’re open to a fixer-upper. Greece grants residency permits to non-EU citizens who invest at least €250,000 in real estate for renovation or conversion into residential space, with €400,000 for new properties, and an average apartment in a city centre costs around €2,700 per square metre.
These seven countries prove that homeownership doesn’t have to break the bank. Each offers unique advantages, from EU membership prospects to citizenship opportunities, tropical climates to historic charm. The key is thorough research, understanding local laws, and working with reputable local agents. What’s your preference – mountain villages or seaside retreats? Tell us in the comments.