Where to buy property in Europe? 8 top countries

Europe is a continent with a wide range of cultures, cuisines, architecture, tourism, and fascinating history. It has one of the leading real estate economies in the world, and many people are looking to Europe to find the easiest countries to buy property as a foreigner. This article will explore where to buy property in Europe and discuss the countries ideal for buyers who want to invest in real estate.

1. Portugal

Portugal has no restrictions on foreign property ownership. It is notably the cheapest country to buy a house in Europe, with an average house price of €1,860 ($2,066) per square meter. Moreover, it is the easiest country to buy a house,  with a straightforward home-buying process and seamless transactions. If you are looking for where to buy property in Europe, consider Portugal. Foreigners can purchase and own any property without restrictions on property possession or minimum price requirements.

Best places to buy property in Portugal

Here are some of the best places to buy property in Portugal:

• Algarve: One of the main draws of the Algarve, a sought-after region in Portugal for property investment, is its affordability compared to other areas in Portugal. It is one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Europe.
• Lisbon: Is the capital and political and commercial center of Portugal. It has a rich cultural heritage, delectable food, and accommodating people. Lisbon offers diverse real estate properties, such as apartments, buildings, and houses.
• Porto: The captivating city of Porto is known for its historic center, port wine production, and vibrant art scene. The real estate market in Porto is an ideal location for where to buy a house in Europe because it has exquisite infrastructure, diverse options, and easy access to transportation. 

2. Spain

Spain is the sought-after place to buy property in Europe. In 2024, the Spanish real estate market is valued at $6.95 trillion, with the residential real estate sector dominating the market, having a market volume of $5.44 trillion. Spain allows 100% foreign property ownership and enables foreigners to buy a house without legal restrictions, which makes it one of the easiest countries to buy a house in Europe. The average house price in Spain amounted to €1,689 ($1,876) per square meter. Houses per square meter are priced at an average of €1,841 ($2,045) in Catalonia, €3,957 ($4,396) in Madrid, and €1,837 ($2,041) in Valencia. 

Best places to buy property in Spain

The following are some of the best places to buy property in Spain:

• Barcelona: Known for being the home of La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished church in the world. Barcelona offers a blend of culture, history, art, and architecture, all influencing its diverse real estate market. People who look for where to buy property in Europe settle in this country due to the harmonious living conditions of the city.
• Madrid: The capital city of Spain offers diverse residential and commercial properties with easy access to living amenities. It is ideal for buyers who enjoy the fast-paced environment of urban areas.
• Mallorca: This largest Balearic island boasts a stunning coastline, lovely towns, and a thriving nightlife. It is among the cheapest places to buy property in Europe and is ideal for people seeking beachfront properties and villas.

3. Germany

Germany allows foreigners to buy property in Europe regardless of nationality. The country has no legal restrictions on foreign property ownership, making it ideal for first-time buyers. The average property price per square meter is €4,798 ($5,331) for an apartment and  €3,088 ($3,431) for a house. Moreover, Germany is among the easiest countries to buy a house in Europe because it has no legal restrictions on foreign investors. Its real estate market is experiencing a surge in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable properties.

Best places to buy property in Germany

Below are some of the best places to buy property in Germany:

• Berlin: Properties in Berlin can be pricier than in other cities, but if you are planning to buy a house in Europe with easy access to amenities, stunning architecture, and a diverse lifestyle, Berlin offers these in its real estate market.
• Munich: Is known for its Bavarian cuisine, which includes iconic dishes like pretzels, weisswurst, and various regional cheeses. Aside from that, Munich is one of the best places to buy property in Europe, with a competitive real estate market offering diverse property options.

4. France

France is known for its magnificent architecture, delectable cuisine, and high fashion, but it also has a forward real estate industry. France is expected to see significant growth in its real estate market, valued at $25.69 trillion in 2024, and a dominant residential market, reaching a market volume of $21.33 trillion. If you want to buy property in Europe, consider buying a property in France since there are no legal restrictions on foreign property ownership. The average price per square meter for a house is €10,866 ($12,072) in Paris, €4,963 ($5,514) in Lyon, and €2,547 ($2,830) for an apartment, and €1,896 ($2,106) for a house. 

Best places to buy property in Italy

Here are the best places to buy property in Italy:

• Tuscany: Located in central Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its wines, world-famous cities like Florence and Siena, and hillsides with historic towns. This region offers diverse residential property options, including mansions, villas, historic houses, and apartments. Tuscany is one of the cheapest places to buy property in Europe because its diverse options allow foreigners to purchase properties that suit their tastes.
• Sicily: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. It has beautiful beaches, little towns, and a vibrant cultural history. Sicily offers more cheaper-priced real estate than the Italian mainland.

6. Albania

Albania is a developing country with an upper-middle income economy where it is ideal to buy property in Europe. Residential real estate in Albania is experiencing a surge in demand due to increased investment from foreign buyers. Foreigners buy property in Albania because it is one of the cheapest countries to buy a house in Europe. The average price per square meter of an apartment in Albania is €1,117 ($1,241). On the other hand, the average house price per square meter is €1,552 ($1,724). There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership, and the buying process is generally straightforward. 

Best places to buy property in Albania:

Below are some of the best places to buy property in Albania:

• Tirana: Tirana is known for being Albania’s leading economic, political, and cultural center. It offers a blend of historical sites, modern architecture, a lively nightlife scene, and a big city’s convenience. Consider Tirana if you want to buy property in Europe because it offers affordable property.
• Durrës: Located on the coast, Durrës is popular among tourists and offers residential and holiday rental opportunities. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a beachfront property with a good mix of relaxation and entertainment.

7. Greece

Greece is a country in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It is one of Europe’s best places to buy property, with access to luxurious beachfront properties. Many foreigners visit Greece because of its tourist destinations, and the demand for real estate around these areas is increasing. The real estate market in Greece is valued at $1.3 trillion in 2024. The demand for luxury beachfront villas has surged, driven by international investors seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle. The average price per square meter in Greece is €2,819 ($3,132) for an apartment and €2,686 ($2,984) for a house.

Best places to buy property in Greece

Here are some of the best places to buy property in Greece:

• Santorini: Santorini is a natural wonder of the world. It is famous for its volcano, historical villages, and beautiful beaches. You might recognize this region for the white houses you see on social media, which have become tourist attractions.
• Crete: Greece’s largest island offers diverse landscapes, from beaches to villages. Property options range from beachfront villas to historic townhouses, with prices varying depending on location and amenities. It is one of the best places where to buy property in Europe.

8. Ireland

Ireland is an attractive place where to buy property in Europe. The demand for residential properties in Ireland continues to surge, driven by low interest rates and a growing population. As such, its real estate market reached $1.35 trillion in 2023. Ireland has no restrictions on foreign property ownership but conducts several background checks on buyers as mandated by their anti-money laundering laws. The average price for a house in Dublin is valued €437,500 ($486,063). In contrast, the residential properties in Leitrim were the most affordable, costing around €160,000 ($177,760).

Best places to buy property in Ireland

The following are some of the best places to buy property in Ireland:

• Roscommon: If you are on a tight budget, you should check Roscommon, located in the west of Ireland. Roscommon boasts some of Ireland’s most affordable property prices, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers looking to buy property in Europe.
• Dublin: Dublin is known for its friendly environment. Ireland’s capital city offers the best place to buy a house in Europe, although it is pricier than other places. It offers many choices, from modern apartments to charming Georgian townhouses. 

Buy property in Europe with Own Property Abroad

Are you searching for real estate opportunities in Europe? Own Property Abroad is here to make your property-buying journey seamless and stress-free. With our deep understanding of European real estate markets, we provide expert assistance with legal requirements, property selection, deal negotiation, and thorough due diligence

Our dedicated team will navigate the complexities of buying property, ensuring you don’t have to do it alone. For more information on how we can help you find your dream property, leave your details below or email us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)