Top U.S. Cities Foreign Landlords Are Loving RN

So like… have you ever scrolled through Instagram, saw some dreamy little villa in Italy or a beach house in Bali, and thought: “Omg. What if I just… bought it?” Cuz same. That was me, sipping an overpriced oat latte in LA, spiraling into this rabbit hole of global real estate. But guess what? Turns out it’s not some impossible fantasy. It’s real. And I figured it out.

 

I’m not gonna lie—it’s scary AF at first. Different laws, languages, and omg, the paperwork 😵‍💫. But lemme spill: if I can navigate this as a clueless 20-something with zero connections, so can you. Ready to dive into how to snag your dream spot overseas without losing your sanity (or your $$$)? Let’s gooo 👏

📋 What’s Inside?

• 🌍 Why Even Consider Global Real Estate?
• 📝 Baby Steps: How I Started Without Freaking Out
• 🔥 My Fav Investment Hot Spots (And Why)
• 🚨 Red Flags Nobody Warned Me About
• 💸 Money Moves: Financing & Taxes Explained
• 🍹 Beyond $$: The Lifestyle Perks Nobody Talks About
• ❓ FAQ: You Asked, I Answered
• 🖤 Wrapping It Up: My Final Thoughts

🌍 Why Even Consider Global Real Estate?

Okay, hear me out. I used to think buying property overseas was only for trust fund kids or those weird crypto millionaires. But it’s not. For real, people like us can do this too. Here’s why I started even thinking about it.

 

First off, the prices. I live in LA, and tbh, the rent here makes me wanna cry. When I saw I could literally buy a two-bedroom apartment in Portugal for the price of a used Tesla, I was shook. Like… am I missing something??

 

And then there’s the lifestyle. Imagine waking up to ocean views in Thailand or sipping sangria on your own balcony in Spain. It’s giving main-character-energy, and I’m here for it. 🥹

 

Also, real estate abroad can be a solid investment if you play it smart. But omg—don’t jump in blindly. That’s where my trial-and-error stories might save your butt.

✨ Top 3 Reasons People Go Global

Reason	Why It Slaps
Cheaper Property	Way more bang for your buck compared to US cities
Rental Income	Passive income while you live your best life
Lifestyle Upgrade	Beach, mountains, or city vibes? Your pick.

 

So, wanna see how I did it without going broke or pulling my hair out? Keep scrolling, bb. 💅

📝 Baby Steps: How I Started Without Freaking Out

Soo… you’re thinking about diving into this whole global real estate thing, but your brain’s like, “uhhh girl, where tf do I even start?” Yeah, same. I felt like I was in over my head. But here’s the tea: it’s all about breaking it down into baby steps. 🍼

 

First, I stalked forums like Reddit and Facebook expat groups. Honestly, these random people dropped gems I didn’t find anywhere else. Like, one Canadian lady in a Bali group literally saved me from a shady “broker” who almost scammed me for $5K. 🙃

 

Then I made a checklist: legal requirements, property types, and financing options in each country I was curious about. I didn’t know squat about visas or taxes back then, but this little list kept me from spiraling into a full-on anxiety meltdown. 🫠

 

The biggest mindset shift? Realizing I didn’t have to buy some million-dollar mansion. You can start small—like a cozy studio in Lisbon or a beach hut in Mexico. It’s all about what fits your vibe (and your wallet). 💵

✅ First-Timer To-Do List

Step	Why It Matters
Join Expat Forums	Real people share real experiences (and warn about scams)
Create a Country Shortlist	Focus your energy on 3-5 places max
Talk to a Local Lawyer	Avoid legal mess-ups that cost $$$

 

So yeah… baby steps, bb. Don’t let overwhelm kill your dream before it starts. 🫶

🔥 My Fav Investment Hot Spots (And Why)

Here’s where it gets juicyyy. Once I stopped doomscrolling Zillow listings in LA and peeked outside the US, I found some INSANE deals. Like, places where $100K buys you an actual house instead of… a parking space in NYC. 💀

 

Here are my top 3 faves: Portugal, Thailand, and Mexico.

🌎 Global Hot Spots I Love

Country	Why It’s Hot
🇵🇹 Portugal	Golden Visa program + affordable coastal homes
🇹🇭 Thailand	Low cost of living + dreamy beach properties
🇲🇽 Mexico	Close to US + vibrant expat communities

 

I legit fell in love with Lisbon’s vibe. If you’re a foodie and into artsy streets, it’s a whole mood. 😍

🚨 Red Flags Nobody Warned Me About

Omg y’all. Lemme save you from some drama. There are a few things I wish someone told me before I almost got burned.

 

First off: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. That “beachfront condo for $50K” in a random Facebook ad? Yeah… turns out it didn’t even exist. 🙄

 

Second: foreign taxes are sneaky af. Some countries tax you just for owning a property, even if you don’t live there. I had to hire a local accountant to untangle the mess. 🧑‍💻

🚩 Red Flags Checklist

Red Flag	What To Do
No Clear Ownership Laws	Get advice from a local attorney
Overly Pushy Agents	Walk away, don’t engage further
“Limited Time” Offers	Don’t rush. Take your time to vet deals

 

So yeah… trust your gut. If it feels shady, bounce. 🏃‍♀️

💸 Money Moves: Financing & Taxes Explained

Okay y’all… let’s talk about money cuz honestly, this part had me sweating bullets 😬. I thought I’d just swipe my debit card and boom—villa in Greece. Nope. Turns out financing property overseas is a whole *thing* and there’s taxes that’ll creep up on you if you’re not ready.

 

For starters, not every country lets foreigners take out a mortgage. In Thailand? Forget it. They expect full cash payment. In Portugal though? They’re chill with foreign buyers getting loans from certain banks. So do your homework BEFORE falling in love with a place. 💔

 

Then there’s taxes. Like, I didn’t realize Spain charges a yearly “non-resident income tax” even if you don’t rent your place out. Had to scramble and hire a local accountant to avoid late fees. Lesson learned: always budget extra for random stuff like notary fees, transfer taxes, and local lawyer costs. 💀

💳 Finance & Tax Cheat Sheet

What To Check	Why It’s Crucial
Foreign Mortgage Rules	Not every country allows non-citizens to borrow
Annual Property Taxes	Hidden costs that add up FAST
Currency Exchange Rates	Your purchase price can fluctuate wildly

 

Pro tip: open a multi-currency account. It saved my a$$ when the Euro spiked right before closing. 🫠

🍹 Beyond $$: The Lifestyle Perks Nobody Talks About

Let’s be real—it’s not just about money moves. For me, the biggest win was how much my quality of life leveled up. 🥹 Like, imagine trading your 500 sq ft LA apartment for a sun-drenched balcony in Lisbon. Or getting fresh papaya every morning in Bali. Game changer.

 

I also met the most amazing people—locals, expats, digital nomads. The vibe is just different when you’re in a place where people prioritize slow living and not just… grinding 24/7. 🧘‍♀️

 

Tbh, I didn’t realize how much mental clarity I’d gain until I actually made the move. If you’re craving a reset, buying abroad could be your sign. ✨

🏖 Lifestyle Glow-Up Checklist

Perk	Why It Slaps
Slower Pace of Life	Less stress, more sunsets
Cultural Immersion	Learn languages & make international friends
Outdoor Living	Nature vibes over concrete jungles

 

❓ FAQ: You Asked, I Answered

Q1. Can I buy property abroad as a US citizen?

A1. Yep! But rules vary by country—some have restrictions for foreign buyers.

 

Q2. Do I need to live there full time?

A2. Nope. You can own it as a vacation home or rent it out.

 

Q3. What about healthcare access?

A3. Some countries require you to buy local health insurance if you plan to stay long-term.

 

Q4. Is financing harder abroad?

A4. Kinda, yeah. Many places expect full cash payment.

 

Q5. What’s the biggest mistake first-timers make?

A5. Not hiring a local lawyer. Always get one.

 

Q6. Can I rent out my property?

A6. Most countries allow it, but check local short-term rental laws.

 

Q7. What if I change my mind later?

A7. You can sell, but factor in transaction fees and capital gains taxes.

 

Q8. How long does the buying process take?

A8. Anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on the country.

 

🖤 Wrapping It Up: My Final Thoughts

Sooo, buying property abroad isn’t just for rich boomers or crypto bros. If you’re intentional, do your homework, and take baby steps, it’s actually doable af. 🫶

 

For me, it wasn’t just about investment. It was about crafting a life that felt softer, slower, and more *me*. If you’re feeling the itch, maybe this is your sign. ✨

📌 Today’s Key Takeaways

• 🌎 You CAN buy property abroad as a US citizen—but every country’s rules are different.

• 💸 Always factor in hidden costs: taxes, legal fees, currency shifts.

• 🏖 Don’t underestimate the lifestyle glow-up—it’s real.

• 👩‍⚖️ Local lawyers and accountants are worth every penny.

• ✨ Start small. It doesn’t have to be a mansion to change your life.

⛔ Disclaimer :
This blog is based on personal experiences and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Always consult professionals before making property investments abroad.