For once, virtually all the experts agreed.
And virtually all of them were wrong.
It was early 2020—the onset of the COVID pandemic. Economists were rushing to understand the financial impact of the virus and the resulting worldwide lockdowns.
One thing they were sure of: The pandemic would cause a big property crash.
But as we all know, that’s not how it worked out. Instead, many countries experienced real estate booms, which is what I predicted.
In April 2020, I called the pandemic the great trend accelerator. I predicted that remote viewings of properties would go mainstream…city center office space would become less vital…and remote workers would flock to attractive overseas destinations in even greater numbers, creating huge opportunities across my global beat for real estate investors.
And that’s how it played out.
From the U.S. to Canada, Ireland to Portugal, Mexico to Panama and beyond, real estate prices soared as people—free to work from home and with more disposable income in their pockets—looked to change and upgrade their housing situations.
The price increases were particularly eye-watering in the most desirable destinations. Take Miami. Between April 2020 and December 2024, the median sales price of a Miami home skyrocketed from $358,607 to $584,695. That’s $226,088 more, or a 63% jump.
Or consider Los Cabos…site of the Real Estate Trend Alert members-only deal that I launched yesterday.
The median sales price of a home in Cabo rose to $508,500 in the fourth quarter of 2024, up from $288,000 in the fourth quarter of 2019. That’s an increase of 76.5%.
But there’s one place on my global real estate beat that skipped this COVID housing boom…a destination where prices dipped rather than soared during the pandemic, meaning it offers mind-blowing value today.
It also happens to be one of the most beautiful beach destinations I’ve ever scouted…
This destination is dotted with bohemian beach towns…places with glorious cream-colored beaches, dramatic coastlines, and laidback atmospheres where you can find incredible value real estate.
The country I’m talking about is a renowned safe haven…a safe, stable, prosperous democracy with a big middle class.
This is a welcoming and wealthy place, somewhere that combines the efficiency and quality of life you’ll find in Europe with the vibrancy and culture of Latin America.
It also has a long, majestic coastline dotted with stunning cream-colored beaches and upmarket beach towns that retain a relaxed bohemian vibe.
Such is this country’s appeal that it’s a major draw for some of the world’s wealthiest folks. Its most famous beach destination is dense with multi-million-dollar homes and ultra-luxe condo communities targeting the super-rich.
And yet, for a variety of reasons (that in no way impacted the quality of life in this country), it saw real estate prices drop during the initial stages of the pandemic, rather than rise.
This country is home to a prestigious beach destination that attracts the ultra-rich from around the world.
Comparing December 2019 with December 2020, the median home sales price in this country fell by 20%.
Since then, prices have rebounded and they’re now well above pre-COVID levels. Inflation has been a factor here, as it has been across the world. But prices have not seen the kind of dramatic increases recorded in desirable places like Miami, Cabo, or other locations on my global beat. (That’s especially true when you adjust price increases for inflation.)
This means you can find incredible value here. A few examples…
- In the historic center of this country’s vibrant capital, ranked as the most livable city in all Latin America and the Caribbean, you can find apartments next to a stunning $26 million restoration project for less than $80,000.
- Also in the capital, in a trendy area nicknamed Soho, there are large traditional houses listed for less than $200,000 that have the potential to generate insane rental yields…I’m talking about yields like 34.5%!
- In under-the-radar bohemian beach towns—places that evoke Portugal before the boom, or 1970s Southern California—you can find ocean-view lots in a beach and golf community from $617 per month, or charming homes walking distance to a stunning beach for as little as $160,000 to $180,000.
- If your budget stretches a little further, say into the mid- to high-$200,000s, you can own a 1,500-square-foot modern three-bed home with a pool, a block or two from the sand.
- There are even potential opportunities to own brand-new true beachfront homes, set on stilts literally on the sand, on a truly stunning stretch of coast (next to a house owned by the country’s president) for $380,000…or even less.
And that’s just scratching the surface of the opportunities in this country…
Even in this country’s vibrant capital, rated the most livable city in Latin America and the Caribbean, you’ll find stunning beaches. And you can own in the historic center of this city for prices from $80,000.
One of my real estate scouts recently returned from this destination.
He spent weeks there talking to developers, brokers, expats, and other insiders, and scouting towns and cities right along this country’s coast.
Now, I am about to release the full report. That’s coming next week.
Stay tuned…I’ll have much more on this in the days ahead.
Ronan McMahon, Founder, Overseas Dream Home & Real Estate Trend Alert
P.S. Have you guessed the name of this country? Let us know by replying to this email here.
