Overseas Villas for Half the Cost of a Home in the U.S.

Imagine waking up in your own Tuscan villa…under the bright Italian sun, you sip a morning coffee in the flower-filled garden and think about what you’ll do for the day.

The rich green valley that surrounds your home offers plenty of hiking options. Or maybe you won’t do anything more strenuous than head into the local village for lunch, pick up some fresh fruit and veg, and come back to do a bit of gardening.

Or perhaps you’re more of an ocean person…in which case, your dream villa would be located a short walk from the Caribbean, where you could dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters or hang out at one of the brightly painted bars or restaurants that line the beach.

If a milder climate is more your thing, a home in one of Latin America’s most popular expat havens might be more to your liking. Surrounded by national park, your dream villa could have views of lush hillsides and a sense of tranquility that’s good for the soul.

Now, you’re probably thinking that buying villas in dream locations like these requires a big bank account.

Not so.

All three of these homes are currently available for around half the cost of a typical home in the U.S. And there are many more homes like these you can choose from. (I’ll get to that shortly…)

Let me explain…

In the first quarter of 2024, the median U.S. home sale price was $420,800.

In the first quarter of 2019—just five years ago—it was just $313,000. And that’s the median sales price. For a dream home, expect to pay a lot more.

According to a recent study by real estate analytics firm ATTOM, there are 582 counties in the U.S. that are now considered unaffordable when it comes to housing. The study also found that American homeowners are typically spending about 35% of their salary on housing costs (financial experts advise folks not to spend more than 28%).

In general terms, I think it’s fair to say that lucrative and rewarding real estate investing in the U.S. is not easily done.

Prices are high, as are holding costs, which are many times higher than every world-leading destinations outside the U.S.

It all paints a very grim picture for real estate investment in the U.S.

That’s why I have one particular motto that I repeat over and over…

If you’re willing to look everywhere, there’s always opportunity somewhere.

It’s a message that resonates powerfully in 2024. With the U.S. going through a period of real estate scarcity, you could be forgiven for thinking that there are no opportunities left anywhere…

But if you know where to look overseas, you’ll discover that you can still buy high-quality real estate for very attractive prices.

My name is Ronan McMahon and I’m an international real estate scout.

You see, for me real estate is the key to a life of international travel, financial and personal freedom.

It’s a route to huge gains.

It’s a way of owning a tangible asset in a beautiful part of the world that I can live in. It’s a hedge against inflation.

You just gotta buy at the right price! In the right place! And do the right things with your real estate to make the most money.

That’s why I don’t look for real estate in the U.S.

That’s not to say I never would, I just don’t see big opportunities there. When I founded my Real Estate Trend Alert group 16 years ago, in 2008, it was from the beaches of Brazil where I and a small group of like-minded folk were killing it! And that was while the world burned in the financial crisis.

By looking internationally we’ve been going from strength to strength for 16 years.

My crack team of scouts and experts and I search out the best real estate opportunities in some of the most alluring locations around the world. We spend more than a million dollars a year on travel and research. But it pays off with the type of appealing properties that I’m going to share with you in this report.

We looked for not just homes, but villas overseas listing for about half that median U.S. home sale price of $420,800.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the heart of the rain forest in Costa Rica to the Caribbean beaches of Belize, we found incredible homes at astonishing prices in beautiful locations—with appealing lifestyles to match. (Note: We haven’t visited these properties or conducted any due diligence on them.)

The Awe-Inspiring Countryside of Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany in central Italy is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and legendary culinary scene. It’s home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and Florence, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Homes on the coast and in and around the most popular towns of Tuscany can be pricey. But, in rural areas, you can still find overlooked real estate selling at bargain prices.

This two-bedroom villa with a fenced garden, and a larger outdoor space with room for a pool, in the Lucca province is listed at €150,000 ($162,480). It’s a restored traditional Tuscan house with wooden beams on the ceiling, large fireplace, a basement for storage, and an outbuilding for drying chestnuts, which are an important part of local cuisine. The two bedrooms are located on the second of two floors. It has one bathroom and the kitchen and living room are joined together but divided by a “breakfast bar.”

The home has panoramic views of the Serchio Valley and the Apuan Alps, which are part of the Appenines. The nearby mountain town of Coreglia Antelminelli has a history going back to the 10th century.

Also in the Lucca province is this two-bedroom, two-bathroom restored stone villa available for €169,950 ($184,090). It‘s surrounded by trees and hedges, which gives the home a “secret garden” feel. The ample shaded patio space is ideal for dining and entertaining outdoors.

The nearby Camporgiano municipality is known for its medieval fortress and views over scenic Serchio River valley. It’s also a stop on popular pilgrimage route that ends in Lucca 25 miles to the southeast (parts of which could be handy as a hiking trail).

In the Massa-Carrara province of Tuscany, this three-bedroom villa nestled on a tree-covered hillside overlooking a valley is on offer for €195,000 ($211,994). The three spacious bedrooms are on the second floor, which also has a balcony. There is one bathroom and the living room and kitchen on the ground floor, with a large terrace outside. There is a basement, as well as two large outbuildings for storage.

Nearby Equi Terme is known for its thermal spas, as well as charming shops and restaurants. From its train station, you can travel all over Tuscany. The region is known for its natural beauty and picturesque medieval villages that host cultural events throughout the year.

The Cultural and Culinary Charms of Provence, France

Long an expat haven, Provence, in southeastern France, has a lot to offer visitors and full-time residents alike: rolling hills covered in lavender, olive groves, and vineyards; a dramatic Mediterranean coastline that is never too far away; and a mild climate.

This region also boasts a rich culinary tradition with a focus on fresh local ingredients and world-renowned wine; outdoor markets and cultural festivals; a history going back to Roman times evident in the ruins, landmarks, and charming towns and villages; and much, much more. It all adds up to a very appealing lifestyle for those looking to relish in life’s simple pleasures.

This restored traditional two-bedroom stone villa in the Rocles commune is listed for €198,000 ($214,474). It features a large ground-floor terrace and second-floor balcony to view the surrounding farms and forests. There is ample space in the kitchen and living room, as well as an attic that could be converted to another bedroom or sitting room. The space underneath the house is ready to be your wine cellar.

This two-bedroom former presbytery (parish priest residence) is located in a small historic village near Vaison-la-Romaine on the eastern edge of Provence and is listed for €175,000 ($189,560). This town, set in the hilly countryside between the Rhone Valley and Mont Ventoux, is well-known for its impressive Roman ruins and medieval churches and chateau. The region is famed for cycling (Mont Ventoux is a grueling climb stage in the Tour de France), rock-climbing, hiking, and snow skiing in winter.

This charming historic house is on offer for €159,000 ($172,000). Located in the village of Saint-Christol, it has two bedrooms, a living room with wood beam ceilings, a spacious kitchen, a bathroom and shower room. There’s also a basement which has the potential to be converted into more living space.

The area around Saint-Christol is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from that offer breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding mountains. And the village itself boasts picturesque narrow streets, a 12th-century church, and plenty of locals shops including an excellent bakery.

Jungle and Beach Retreats in Belize

The little Central American country of Belize, south of the Yucatan Peninsula, has 240 miles of Caribbean coastline, and 450 cayes (pronounced “keys”) dotting the sea. Ambergris Caye and Placencia are two destinations that get a lot of press.

But there are often-overlooked low-key seaside and inland destinations where housing costs can be significantly lower than the better-known areas of the country because they are off the main tourist and development path.

The little village of Hopkins, north of Placencia, is the type of place where you get around by boot or beach cruiser. Hang out at brightly painted beach bars and restaurants. Enjoy days of fishing or snorkeling…or just laze away the day in a hammock strung between two palm trees. You can also engage with the vibrant local Garifuna culture.

Just one block from the beach on Hopkins Bay and walking distance to dozens of shops and eateries is a three-bedroom villa listed for $190,000. It comes fully furnished and surrounded by tropical landscaping in the ample garden area. The veranda offers views at sunset, as well as the distant, jungle-clad Maya Mountains. One of the downstairs bedrooms is like a studio apartment—perfect for visiting guests or renting out for extra income.

The Cayo District, a 2,000-square-mile region in Belize’s interior, is about a 90-minute drive from the coast, but the two areas are quite distinct. This is a land of dense rain forest…rushing rivers…cascading waterfalls…sacred Maya caves and ruins…vividly plumed birds…and exotic wildlife. If you want a jungle escape, this could be your ideal place.

This two-bedroom villa near San Ignacio, the Cayo’s most important town, is on offer for $170,000. Set on a hill, the home has a large second-floor deck to take in views of the jungle and take in the cool breezes. Part of the deal is 2.6 acres of land surrounding the home, which already has mature fruit trees, among them mango, banana, coconut, lime, orange, avocado, and more. The first floor features one bedroom (which could be rented out), as well as office, workshop, utility area, and covered parking.

A Country Lifestyle in Spain’s Canary Islands

It might surprise you to know there is a region of Spain that boasts a subtropical climate.

The summer is long, and the winters are mild. Temperatures rarely rise above 90 F or dip below 60 F any time of year, although there are some microclimates with cooler or warmer weather, depending on factors like slope and elevation. There are more than 300 sunny days each year.

It’s not on the Iberian Peninsula, rather the Canary Islands, set in the Atlantic, about 1,000 miles from mainland Spain, and 67 miles off the west coast of Africa.

Each island features beautiful beaches, stark mountain vistas, untouched natural areas, bustling white-washed beach towns, and even sizeable cities. It’s no wonder that they draw millions of holidaymakers, lured by cheap flights from Europe and the prospect of fun in the sun.

This two-bedroom villa on Gran Canaria, one of the most popular islands, is on offer for €205,000 ($222,057). This traditional country home is renovated, comes completely furnished, and features views of mountains and you can even glimpse the ocean in the distance. The garden area has fruit trees and large terrace.

Another restored stone country house, two bedrooms, is listed for €159,000 ($175,229). It’s located on the interior of Gran Canaria, in the mountains, with panoramic views from its hillside perch. It’s set back from the road for ultimate privacy. The nearby town of Santa Lucía de Tirajana offers shopping, dining, museums, and cultural activities. And the closest beaches are some of the best windsurfing spots in the world.

The Hawaii of Europe and Historic Hill Towns in Portugal

Towering green-clad mountains, subtropical forests, picturesque villages and towns blanketing steep hillsides, and no shortage of sea views…that’s Madeira, the largest and most populous of the four-island Madeira archipelago (an autonomous region of Portugal). It’s in the Atlantic, off the west coast of Africa and north of the Canary Islands.

Madeira is known as the Island of Eternal Spring and has also been called the Hawaii of Europe. The climate and rich volcanic soil mean it is a center for agriculture, with much grown here, like passionfruit and orchids, that you might expect from more tropical locations.

This remodeled two-bedroom country villa with sea views is listed for €200,000 ($216,400). Both bedrooms have balconies with views of the Atlantic, and there is a larger terrace just off an extra outdoor kitchen, complete with wood-fired grill, perfect for get-togethers, not to mention coffee in the morning and wine in the evening.

Over on the Portuguese mainland, we head to the Alentejo region, which takes up about a third of Portugal, from around the mid-point of the country all the way south to the Algarve and its coast.

It’s similar to Tuscany and Provence in terms of rural charms, good food, charming medieval villages, and vibrant local culture. But the region doesn’t get much attention on the world stage, which is a shame when you consider you get all those benefits…at budget prices.

This two-bedroom country villa is listed for €197,500 ($213,9320). Set on three acres with fruit trees, garden, and small vineyard, this home has one bathroom, dining room, and large living room. There is a separate kitchen with fireplace for gatherings. You can live your country lifestyle most days. But when you want to hit the beach or enjoy a lingering lunch at a seafood restaurant, the coastal town of Zambujeira do Mar is just 10 minutes away.

Beach Living on a Budget on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast

If you like the idea of lying in a hammock with a cold beer in hand, looking at the ocean from your deck, one of the places to enjoy this ultimate beach lifestyle on a budget is Nicaragua’s southern Pacific coast.

Towering cliffs, rocky coves, flat sandy beaches. It’s a dramatic coastline. And there are perfect waves all year-round, which draws surfers from around the world.

The hub of the region is the picturesque beach town of San Juan del Sur, which is on a wide horseshoe bay with fishing boats and pleasure craft bobbing on the incoming swell. You can stroll on the miles-long malecon (boardwalk) and pop into one of the restaurants with views over the water, or pick up some just-grilled fresh fish from local vendors. And the town has all the modern services and amenities too. It has “grown up” significantly in recent years from its early days as a backpacker haven.

Outdoors is indoors with tropical architecture. It’s all about air flow. On the coast of Nicaragua the best properties have everything positioned to make the most of the ocean. A view of the Pacific from the bedroom…and while you barbecue just-caught fish for your friends on a wide covered terrace.

The properties below certainly fit the bill.

In a gated community in the hills above town—but just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach—is furnished three-bedroom villa listed for $169,900. You have spectacular Pacific views from terraces off the master bedroom and living room. The home, built in a traditional Nicaraguan style, has 2.5 bathrooms and comes complete with kitchen appliances, tropical hardwood furniture, and more. The ground floor has a small grass yard. It’s move-in ready.

In another gated community a bit further outside San Juan del Sur is a two-bedroom villa with an ocean view for $128,500. Each bedroom features an en-suite bathroom and view. The master bedroom has its own balcony, and there is a covered patio on the first floor. The community has a large pool and its own restaurant, among other resort-style amenities. It comes fully furnished.

Finding Pura Vida in Costa Rica

There’s a saying in Costa Rica, the unofficial national motto: Pura Vida. It translates directly as “Pure Life.” But it’s more akin to “Life is Good.” And it’s an attitude that the people here truly believe.

It’s no surprise the country, sometimes called the Switzerland of Central America because of its stability and prosperity, has earned accolades as one of the happiest on earth in studies like the Happy Planet Index. And it is famed for its vast rain forests, tropical beaches, and focus on eco-tourism.

Although it’s a small country, about the size of West Virginia, you have a variety of climates, surroundings, and lifestyles in Costa Rica.

The Central Valley is a mountainous interior region, surrounding the capital, San José. It’s known for the mild climate, conveniences, and tranquil vibe.

Although it’s home to about three-fourths of Costa Rica’s population of 5 million, get outside the wider metro area and you will find plenty of rural areas. This region is vital agriculturally, growing coffee, sugarcane, and more. And there are also national parks and other protected areas of untouched forests, lush hillsides, and dramatic river valleys.

The many expats here, especially retirees, put down roots in the countryside, using small towns and villages set among the fields as their hubs for shopping and other services. Things aren’t as “set up” for foreigners, so to speak, as they are in other areas of Costa Rica. But it’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.

One such location is the market town of Grecia. In the hills above the town proper, in the community of San Isidro, is three-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the valley below listed for $175,000. It has two bathrooms, a large terrace, tropical garden with fruit trees (things grow well in the rich volcanic soil), and features like tropical hardwood doors and cabinets and granite countertops. The outdoor rancho is a typical Costa Rican feature, a covered patio with space for a grill, table and chairs used for relaxing or hanging out with friends and family.

In the south of the country, along the Pacific coast, you have the Southern Zone. It’s a natural wonderland where vast tracts of primary forest run down from the mountains to a coastline hemmed with magnificent Pacific beaches.

Much of the area is protected land: forested national parks, marine reserve, wildlife refuges, it will always be a low-key region perfect for nature lovers.

Properties right along the coast can be quite pricey. But head inland a bit and you can find more reasonable real estate. Near the provincial capital of San Isidro de El General is this three-bedroom villa on a jungle hillside for $199,000. The balcony on this two-level home looks over the mountains and valley. But you can actually check out the view from inside the house thanks to floor to ceiling glass sliders and windows. You can be at several different Pacific beaches in about 45 minutes.